FACT: half of adult dogs today will get cancer.
Cancer is a terrifying reality for dog owners today, causing nearly half the deaths of dogs over the age of 10.
The amount of online information about cancer in dogs is overwhelming. How do you know what advice to trust?
So we decided to get some answers from six top holistic veterinarians about the best natural treatment options for cancer … and how they compare with conventional treatments.
We also asked them about the most common signs of cancer in dogs. You can read their answers in this article ...
Read on to see each veterinarian’s replies about treatment options.
Richard Pitcairn DVM PhD
Author (with Susan Pitcairn) of Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Founder of The Pitcairn Institute of Veterinary Homeopathy
The conventional approach is that cancer is a disease separate from the animal … one to be attacked in various ways. Often there is surgery to remove the cancer. Then there might be chemotherapy to kill the cancer (and the patient, thanks to the chemicals). Then radiation to kill the tumor (and the tissues around it).
So the attitude is one of attacking something separate fromthe patient.
Thehomeopathic approach is to understand the new growth as generated by the body. It’s the same energy (life force) that grew other parts of the body. So homeopathic treatment doesn’t fight against the growth or see it as separate.
“The conventional approach is that cancer is a disease separate from the animal.”
Instead, nutrition andhomeopathic treatment work with the natural healing mechanisms. They rebalance the life energy so the tumor is no longer needed or supported.
Then it’s resorbed or expelled.
Over the last 200 years,homeopathy has been very successful in cancer treatment.
An example is the work of Dr ArthurGrimmer, who died in 1967. He treated 225 proven cases of cancer (in people), in various forms and in all stages of the disease. Treatment took place over a four year period, using nutrition and homeopathy.
Over this time, many of the patients were well, without symptoms, with 175of them still living.
All those who did not survive were the ones who had already had surgery, radiation or chemo.
This is quite remarkable compared to the conventional methods. It shows how working with the patient’s mechanisms of healing can be very effective.
Ian Billinghurst BV Sc
Ian Billinghurst BV Sc Hons BSc Agr Dip Ed
Creator of the BARF Diet. Author of Pointing The Bone At Cancer; Give Your Dog a Bone, Grow Your Pups With Bones and The BARF Diet.
The conventional approach uses surgery to de-bulk or remove the cancer … then bombards an already-compromised body with chemical poisons and radiation.
This conventional approach is rarely curative.
If these treatments don’t kill the patient immediately, they usually lead to a more damaging and aggressive form of cancer. Obviously there are exceptions to this dismal picture … but they are rare exceptions.
Metastatic cancer kills – that is the universal rule.
Meanwhile, the dog’s life becomes an endless round of treatments, tests and misery. At this stage, everybody is clutching at straws. They’re hoping against hope … that this particular cancer in this particular patient is the exception.
My work (and the work of others who understand that cancer is one of many degenerative disease processes) approaches cancer from the other end of the spectrum.
Instead of weakening the body … the far more rational (and scientific) approach is to strengthen the body. To give it the nutritional tools that allow it to fight the cancer. At the same time I use nutritional means that weaken and take the power away from the cancer.
In most instances, this not only allows longer survival times … but does so with a vastly improved quality of life.
In many of these cases, I make no attempt to completely remove, eliminate or “cure” the cancer. It’s far better to live well and longer; with the cancer present, but under control.
Read more from Dr Billinghurst about chemo and radiation treatments … including important questions to ask your veterinarian before deciding on these options.
Patricia Jordan DVM
Patricia Jordan DVM
Author of Vaccinosis – The Mark of the Beast Hidden in Plain Sight.
I like to use a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine approach.
Clean up the food, detox the dog and use herbs and mushrooms as well as acupuncture.
Many medicinal mushrooms have anti-cancer benefits. They are often successful in adjunct treatment of tumors.
Some cancer studies show certain mushrooms can help with:
- Shiitake, maitake, chaga and turkey tail for breast cancer
- Turkey tail, maitake and cordyceps for leukemia
- Turkey tail, reishi, shiitake, maitake and phellinus for liver cancer
- Cordyceps, reishi, maitake and turkey tail for lung cancer
- Cordyceps for lymphoma
- Shiitake and phellinus for melanoma
- Reishi, turkey tail, maitake and shiitake for prostate cancer
- Reishi for sarcomas
- Phellinus, turkey tail and chaga for cervical and uterine cancer
- Phellinus, maitake and turkey tail for stomach and colorectal cancer
Important note about buying mushrooms: Make sure you buy whole mushrooms and not just mycelium. There’s an important difference. Many mushroom products are just mycelium grown on grain or rice. Mycelium is the part of the mushroom the fungus grows from … (it’s like the root of a plant) … and it’s not the whole body.Mycelium grown on grain has more starch and lower medicinal benefits than whole mushrooms.
I also use herbal chemotherapy agents like Neoplasene and Essiac.
Neoplasene comes from bloodroot extract. It comes in topical, oral and injectable forms. It causes apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. There are many cases showing its successful use in treating tumors. It’s especially good for tumors of the skin (like mast cell tumors and mammary tumors).
The maker of Neoplasene restricts its use to veterinarians. This is because, as the tumor cells die, the tissue will slough off, leaving a hole that needs veterinary care.
Essiac is a herbal formula. It contains burdock root, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Indian rhubarb root. Canadian nurse Rene Caisse (Essiac is Caisse spelled backwards) invented in the 1920s. Essiac is controversial though. It has many fervent supporters but there are others who doubt its efficacy.
Other options include intravenous vitamin C and B vitamins. l also use nutraceuticals in cancer treatments.
Homeopathy can be very helpful, but not necessarily classical homeopathy. The Banerji protocols use two or three remedies in each protocol … with amazing success. I’ve used these protocols on a lot of animals and many got better. Homeopathy also preserves quality of life and offers more affordable options than conventional treatments.
Sometimes tumors are so large you need to debulk them. I find CO2 lasers work well in these cases, rather than conventional surgery.
Cannabis is another option, with different options for different types of cancer.If you juice cannabis you can still get all the benefits. Or use cannabinoid products made especially for pets.
Marty Goldstein DVM
Marty Goldstein DVM
Author of The Nature of Animal Healing.
There’s a big difference between conventional and holistic treatments. The biggest difference? Conventional treatment is more cancer oriented, and holistic treatment is more patient oriented.
Conventional medicine focuses on the cancer … on treating the cancer, even at the expense of the patient. Chemo, radiation and surgery work on the symptom (the cancer) to try to make the patient better.
Holistic treatment focuses on the patient, viewing the cancer as a symptom. With holistic treatment we work on the whole patient and the immune system. we’ve been very successful at regressing cancers by working on the patient this way.
The tumor type is very relevant to how you treat it. We always use holistic options if we can. But sometimes surgery is necessary if a tumor is limiting the functionality of the patient.
Surgery doesn’t cure anything.
“Conventional treatment is more cancer oriented, and holistic treatment is more patient oriented.”
The best thing surgery can do is bring the patient back to the state they were in before they got the tumor.
That gives you the opportunity to keep working on the patient using holistic options. So in that way, surgery might help save the dog’s life.
Dee Blanco DVM
Dee Blanco DVM
Classical Veterinary Homeopath
Typical conventional treatment includes:
- Radical surgery
- Multiple doses of poisonous chemicals
- Multiple caustic burning “treatments” to the affected area
In other words … slash, poison and burn.
In my holistic practice, homeopathy is the headliner. I use constitutional prescribing to support the entire body, mind and spirit.
At times I may also use the cancer nosode or a remedy that’s specific for the patient’s particular cancer type.
There must be a change to a fresh, homemade diet, specific for the type of condition and the symptoms present.
Nutritional supplements to support detoxification and gut health are critical. So is reducing free-radical damage with mushrooms and B vitamins.
Jodie Gruenstern DVM
Jodie Gruenstern DVM CVA
Founder of Dr Jodie’s Natural Pets, Integrating People for Animal Wellness (iPAW), Dr Jodie’s Integrative Consulting, PLLC, and former owner of the Animal Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex in Wisconsin.
Conventional vets have a limited number of tools to treat cancer. Their options include surgical removal, radiation, chemotherapy or immune suppression.
Holistic or integrative vets have many more tools to manage cancer. Some pet owners use holistic help in conjunction with conventional oncology treatment. This supports the body and helps manage side effects.
In my practice, cancer management varies greatly. It depends on the type of cancer, the location, the extent and even the age of the pet.
I use a variety of immune support remedies including:
- Essential oils such as Boswellia sacra
- Chinese herbals such as Yunnan Bai Yao
- Herbal constituents such as Artemisinin
- Cancer fighting mushrooms such as coriolus
- Caustic herbal products for external masses … especially when surgery is not an option.
I always prescribe a fresh, raw, species-appropriate, starch-free dietto starve the cancer … with blended, dark, leafy greens for their antioxidant properties.
Those are some recommendations from some of the best holistic vets we know.
If the unhappy day comes and your dog gets cancer despite your best efforts … remember there are safe and effective natural treatments. Most importantly, don’t just treat the cancer! Treat your dog and you’ll be surprised at how well he responds.
FAQs
What is the holistic approach to treating cancer in dogs? ›
The Well Dog approach uses diet, Chinese herbs, western herbs, essential oils and supplements that all have cancer cell killing abilities. But their main focus is to promote an environment in the body that promotes the health of normal cells but discourages the growth of abnormal cancer cells.
How can I treat my dogs tumor naturally? ›Research shows CBD oil and other substances in hemp and cannabis have an anti-tumor effect. It has even been shown to stop cancer cells from growing and increases tumor cell death. Overall, CBD oil: Helps the immune system's killer cells to cause cancer cell death.
How can I shrink my dog's tumor naturally? ›Castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may also shrink tumor cells. It's absorbed topically, just like neem oil, and it's extremely safe to use. If your dog doesn't respond to neem oil, switch to castor oil and see if that helps. Give your dog an omega-3 fatty acid supplement twice a day.
What herbal supplements can I give my dog for cancer? ›Herbal Cancer Support Procedure in Dogs
Astragalus – Classified as an immune-stimulant, this herb also helps to boost your dog's immune system. It also contains compounds that inhibit the skin cancer, melanoma. Mushrooms – The reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms are part of Chinese medicine for treating cancer.
Yunnan Bai Yao can be used safely in dogs to prevent and control bleeding cancers in dogs. More recent evidence shows that Yunnan Bai Yao can kill dog haemangiosarcoma cell lines in-vitro. Therefore, it may provide clinical benefit in dogs with haemangiosarcoma.
What helps shrink tumors in dogs? ›There are several ways to reduce the size of tumors in dogs. The most common approach is to surgically remove the mass. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended to shrink the tumor. In addition, dietary changes and supplements can also help to reduce the size of the tumor.
Can turmeric shrink tumors on dogs? ›Although there is some evidence that curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, may have anti-cancer properties, there is no reliable evidence that it can get rid of tumors in dogs.
What will shrink a tumor? ›Cancer-eating cells attack tumors by engaging in hand-to-hand combat with them. Northwestern University researchers have developed a new tool to harness immune cells from tumors to fight cancer rapidly and effectively.
Is there medication to shrink tumors in dogs? ›Oral medications
A clinical study has shown that toceranib phosphate is most effective when combined with other treatments, and has been shown to shrink 76.4% of tumors when combined with predinisone and radiation therapy. Like all drugs, toceranib phosphate may cause side effects, even at the prescribed dose.
Studies have shown that catechins can shrink tumors and decrease tumor cell growth. Hence, drinking green or black teas regularly has been linked to a lower chance of developing cancer. You can opt for green tea if you want to intake more antioxidants.
How can I slow down my dogs tumor growth? ›
Choosing the correct diet can slow down cancer growth. There is at least one commercial diet, which is low in carbs and high in protein; it is made to “starve” cancer cells. A board-certified veterinary nutritionist together with an oncologist can help you select the appropriate diet for your dog.
Is turmeric toxic to dogs? ›Turmeric is safe for dogs in small doses, and it may have a positive impact. One study has shown curcumin, a frequently studied phytonutrient found in turmeric, may support healthy joint mobility and comfort.
What vegetables fight cancer in dogs? ›Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, bok choi, turnips, rutabagas, mustard greens and Brussels sprouts – contain substances that demonstrate the genuine ability to protect your dog from cancer. Blueberries and raspberries – rich in antioxidants.
What stops cancer in dogs? ›Decisions involving spay-neuter and diet maintenance can help limit cancer risk. Avoid environmental risks like cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals, and excessive sunlight.
What is the best thing to do with a dog with cancer? ›Surgery might be the best option to try to stop your dog's cancer spreading to other parts of their body or to keep your dog comfortable if the lump is causing them pain. If a lump's position or size makes it difficult to remove, your vet may discuss treatment at a specialist veterinary hospital.
Is fish oil good for dogs with cancer? ›Fish oils are mostly derived from coldwater fish, salmon and trout. Fish oil supplementation may be helpful for pets with inflammatory diseases including allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancers.