CANCER IN DOGS

It has been estimated by some experts that over 90% of cancers can be prevented as most are due to environmental exposure.

The exposures some of the common exposures that put pets at higher risk for cancer include:

Over-vaccination
Over use of topical chemicals and flea and tick medications
Lawn treatment
Fluoridated water
Obesity
Certain pet food ingredients ie: Ethoxyquin, By-products (contained in kibble fed complete diets), Dyes, Mould and fungi, Carbohydrates like corn, wheat, and soy

The good news is there are many things you can do to protect your dog. Not only by avoiding over exposures and unnecessary chemicals, and feeding the best food that fits your lifestyle, but also feeding an easy, special recipe (the Budwig Diet) can also help avoid cancer.

The Budwig Diet was discovered/invented by Dr Johanna Budwig, a German biochemist who found high quality flax seed oil could bring oxygen to the tissues; but the flax seed oil needs the help of a sulfur containing protein to be well absorbed into the body – thus cottage cheese. Because cancer develops in a low oxygen environment, flax seed oil makes it harder for cancer to find that place to grow in the body.

Budwig Recipe:

2 tablespoons fresh flaxseed oil (keep refrigerated) - Budwig recommends Barleans non-lignan organic Flax oil

1/4 cup organic cottage cheese

Mix together so that the cottage cheese is no longer oily. If it is still oily, add more cottage cheese.

If your dog won't eat it, try adding a tiny portion of smelly sausage or anchovies, salmon

Feed this mixture to your pet two or three times a day every day on an empty stomach. Wait one hour to feed a regular meal.

Make fresh at each meal. Flax seeds can be used but should be ground fresh then mixed into cottage cheese.

While this won’t stop all cancers, it will go a long way to provide healing oxygen to the cells of your dog or cat’s body.

Your dog cannot tell you there is anything wrong, but there are some warning signs of cancer we can look for and early diagnosis could save your pet's life.

1. Lumps and skin changes
Not all lumps and bumps on or under your dog's skin will be cancerous, but if you notice a hard lump that feels attached to underlying tissue, or one that seems to be growing, get it checked out.

A swollen lump by the jaw near the neck, in the arm pits, in the groin area or on the rear legs behind the knees, could be a swollen lymph node.

Cancer of the lymph nodes is the most common cancer found in young dogs.Watch out for changes to your dog's skin too. Small skin lesions and wounds or sores that do not heal can also be potentially cancerous.

2. Lethargy and collapsing
Most dogs slow down gradually with age but tumours can cause changes in a short space of time.

If your dog appears weak, sluggish, depressed or lethargic and is often less responsive or not greeting people at the door as usual, in the space of a week or two, get them checked over. See your vet immediately if your dog collapses, even if they seem fine the next day.

3. Coughing and breathing problems
Coughing can be a sign of lung cancer. While there's no need to worry if your dog coughs now and then, especially small breed dogs who are prone to windpipe problems, you should see your vet if the cough worsens and/or continues for more than a few days.

4. Weight loss
Weight loss can be a sign of cancer, particularly if your pet has a gastrointestinal tumour. While many dogs with this type of cancer will stop eating and are often sick and drool, others will continue to eat the same amount but still shed the pounds.

If your dog starts losing weight and you haven't made any changes to their diet or exercise, make an appointment with your vet. Any major changes in appetite/thirst should also be reported.

5. Weight gain and bloating
It's not just weight loss, weight gain and bloating can also signal a problem. If your dog is eating less or the same amount but is adding on pounds, get it checked out. A growing or ruptured tumour can cause an animal's abdomen to appear enlarged.

6. Breath and mouth changes
Don't forget to check your dog's mouth too. Sores, lumps, a bad smell which is worse than usual bad dog breath, bleeding, and changes to the colour of gums can all signal oral cancer.

Difficulty eating and prolonged chewing, with reluctance to chew or food dropping from the mouth, as well as bleeding after eating, drinking or chewing toys can also signal a problem. Nose bleeds can be a sign of nasal cancer.

7. Changes in toilet habits
Occasional diarrhoea is unlikely to be a problem, but if it continues or gets worse, it's worth speaking to your vet. A dog that constantly whines to do their business and has trouble urinating or with bowel movements should be checked out.

Vomiting and blood in the urine or stools is a common symptom of cancer.

8. Discharge
Keep a look out for any unusual discharge. Continual discharge from the nose can be caused by facial and nasal tumours, while eye discharge can signal an eye tumour.

9. Seizures
Sudden and uncontrolled behaviour, such as champing and chewing, jerking of the legs, or foaming at the mouth, should never be ignored, particularly in older dogs. Seizures can be a sign of brain tumours.

10. General pain or discomfort
Pain is one of the most common side effects of cancer in dogs.

If your pet whines or cries when you pat them, pick them up, or when they eat, see your vet. Limping while walking is mostly associated with arthritic issues and joint or muscle diseases, but it can also be a sign of bone cancer.

Sources
Veterinary Centers of America
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
UC Davis
Washington State University
American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Petmd.com
vetinfo.com
vetnutrition.edu
vetnutrition.tufts.edu
prime.vetmed.wsu.edu
noahcommpendium.co.uk
Dogs Naturally
Dr Conor Brady

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the advice provided by your veterinarian.