Preventing Cancer.

[K9 Obedience]

Preventing Cancer.

Although the cause of cancer in dogs is unknown, the risk factors are. Avoiding these risk factors is the best form of prevention. Pollution, colourings, preservatives and poor diet have been identified as damaging to the dog’s immune system. A compromised immune system weakens the dog’s natural ability to fight off cancerous cells. There are a number of ways that can be adopted to give the dog the best chance of a healthy life.

While many people heed the advice of experts and use preventive measures to guard against sunburn, they do not realise that dogs also need protecting from the suns rays. Dogs do develop skin cancer just as humans do, (approximately 450 dogs out of 100,000 are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer) White dogs fare the worst but all dogs are prone to skin cancer especially on the underbelly, ear tips, and inner legs. To prevent skin cancer occurring just follow the same rules as you would for yourself. Do not let the dog lie in the sun, especially around the “hot zone” times of between noon and two o’clock when the sun is at its fiercest. Exercising the dog should be done in the cool of the early mornings or in the evening.

As with humans, cancer screening tests are becoming more common for dogs especially those that are prone to developing cancer. General screening recommendations for geriatric dogs, such as bi annual physicals, blood work, and urinalysis are routinely carried out by vets. Owners are now accepting this as being routine general health care for their animals.

One of the easiest prevention methods is to watch your dog carefully for any signs of a change in their habits or physical well being. Be aware of the dog’s bowel and urinary habits and note any changes in frequency or for the presence of blood. Excessive thirst may be an indicator of illness. Panting, wheezing and coughing when at rest should also be investigated. Owners can ask their veterinary surgeon to show them how to examine the dog for mammary gland tumours, peripheral lymph nodes, oral tumours, and how to examine the ears and the general health of the dog.

Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, commercial flea collars, flea powders, insecticides and cigarette smoke. Stay well clear of fields that have been recently sprayed by farmers and do not let the dog lick at grasses or drink from puddles near these fields. Try to avoid walking the dog alongside busy roads, heavy with pollution from traffic fumes. Beware also of heavy industrial areas that can harbour hazardous chemicals.

Diet plays a major role in preventing cancer. Providing a diet rich in anti-oxidants, bioflavonoid, (compounds which protect DNA and the immune system) and fibre help support a healthy digestive tract from cellular damage. A diet that is properly balanced, free from preservatives, with plenty of vitamins and minerals will help to keep your dog fit and healthy. Many dog owners, concerned about the additives, preservatives, and GM foods contained in commercial dog food are switching to a more natural, unprocessed, BARF, (bones and raw food) diet. Wherever possible, organic ingredients should be used. Humans are turning to drinking bottled, natural spring water due to concerns over the amount of chemicals that tap water contains. The dog’s health could also suffer from the overload of chlorine and fluoride contained in tap water. This can be avoided by using natural bottled water, or fresh rainwater.

Traditional Eastern medicine has been used for thousands of years to prevent and treat cancer. Eastern medicine lays more importance on the prevention of illness through the use of herbs, acupuncture and healthy living. Herbal remedies are gaining in popularity, as clinical trials have proven that special herbs can actually help in the prevention of cancer. Ones that are most effective are:
Echinacea purpurea, (purple coneflower.) The root of this plant is highly valued because of its immune enhancing properties. It comes in the form of tinctures, capsules, tablets, and fresh and dried roots.
Uncaria tomentosa, (Cats Claw) comes from the Peruvian rain forests and has been used by generations of indigenous people to treat cancer and arthritis. Studies have shown it to contain immune enhancing properties, including several anti oxidant compounds. It is useful to fight against brain and organ tumours.
Reishi/Maitake mushroom extract, stimulates the immune system by activating NK killer cells that attack tumour cells and prevent the destruction of T helper cells.
Milk Thistle, is an herb that can be traced back thousands of years and has been the subject of many clinical trials that have proven its effectiveness. It contains a flavonoid complex called Silymarin, which is a powerful anti-oxidant that blocks toxins entering the liver.

Finally, prevention in the form of a therapeutic healing touch encourages well being and works wonders for owner and dog alike. Given to us from Eastern cultures, healing touch is based on the capacity for human beings to pass on, “life force” from themselves into others willing to accept the “gift”. The methodology and techniques of healing touch have been well adapted to dogs. The hands are used to energise and balance to induce deep relaxation and promote healing. A healing touch practitioner can show the dog owner several techniques to use at home. Basically this means that owners should spend more quality time every day just relaxing and stroking their four legged friends. This has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve the state of well being in both parties.

Summary

As a result of improved owner and veterinary care dogs with cancer are being diagnosed and treated more efficiently. With combined procedures the pet may now be able to live a normal lifestyle. Special diets have also been proven to provide better quality and quantity of life for dogs with cancer. When owners are told that their beloved pet has cancer, it comes as a devastating blow. The decision whether or not the animal is to undergo treatment lies with the owner. Each case is different and what works for one dog, may not work for another. The veterinary surgeon is ethically obliged to inform the owner of the sometimes harsh realities and explain, what the treatment will entail, the approximate costs, if the animal will be suffering pain and discomfort, and as to the quality of life the animal will have.

Some owners believe that any life with their friend is better than them not being around, whilst others do not want to witness their dog suffering invasive surgery and treatments, choosing to say their goodbyes and opt for euthanasia. It is a truly emotional decision to make so hopefully with better care and cleaner lifestyles we can all prevent the necessity of facing such an outcome.

Dog Lover