Dog’s with Cancer: Series Introduction

Dogs with cancer are becoming more and more common. Did you know that, “approximately one in four dogs will develop neoplasia and almost half the dogs over the age 10 will get cancer”, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Statistics are staggering for the amount of beings – humans and animals – that get cancer. Cancer is something that affects almost everyone at some point in their lives, either personally or via a loved family member, including pets. Keep reading if you or one of your loved ones has already become one of these sad statistics. Or if you want to help prevent cancer in your pets.

Emily & Cajun, our dogs recently diagnosed with cancer.

I Am Not Immune to Cancer

As of recently, cancer has hit on our own home front, not once, but twice within a month. Two of our loved dogs have been diagnosed with different forms of cancer. Both are aggressive types of cancer. Our team of veterinarians have indicated that chemotherapy and radiation are not good fits for either dog. Therefore, alternatives to keep them comfortable and battle cancer are not just complimentary, they are imperative. We are reminded firsthand how it feels to go through this experience. Even as a holistic animal wellness practitioner that deals with disease, hospice and death regularly, it’s been traumatic, devastating and exhausting. It takes a toll both physically and emotionally to grasp that our loved dogs have cancer. And furthermore, the fact that both cancers will likely take their lives.

If you too are embarking on this journey, you know exactly what we mean. But know there’s hope. There are options. There are things you can do right away and over the long term to help keep your loved animal companion comfortable and fight cancer. We know there are several options to help manage our dogs’ conditions and effectively support their quality of life. We’re here to help share those with you.

Ways To Support Dogs With Cancer

One of the few good things to come of our cancer diagnosis so far is that it has compelled us to write up information about how we, Animal Intuition, have been helping pets affected by cancer over the years through private consultations. We offer options for diet, supplements, essential oils, and provide healing and body work such as horse, cat and dog massage, and Reiki. As their journey here on Earth starts to wind down, we also offer other integrative options, such as intuitive sessions. These animal communication session often help provide clarity on next and final steps to help you navigate the hospice phase. And again to get closure after your pet has passed away.

Of course, throughout the journey, we gift an infinite supply of invaluable emotional support and compassion. We understand how much you love your animal companion and that it can be overwhelming and isolating during this time. With each connection we make, it’s done with love, empathy and care. We work together with you, formulating regimens based on their diagnosis, your resources, short and long term goals and will work with the entire team of professionals helping your pet.

Summary: Dogs with Cancer

So, we began outlining some possible strategies if you’re facing cancer with one of your loved animal companions, be it a cat, dog or horse. As we continued to compile our thoughts, our notes grew and grew and it quickly became clear that we have way to much information to share in one blog and it just might get confusing referencing information for various species, so we’ve decided to focus our efforts and do a blog series on “Dogs with Cancer”. While we help cats and horses too and even other species, it can be confusing to lump it all together. There are enough differences that we want to provide the information in the most clear way. Our goal is to continue writing and publishing on each topic that we’ve mentioned above to provide you with information that you can use to make the best decisions for your dog and your family. So, stay tuned to our blog for more to come!

Update: Here are some related blogs you may find helpful:

CBD Oil for Pets 101

Pet Loss & A Tribute to Emily (get your tissues ready)

Dogs With Cancer: Healing Benefits of Massage

Top Signs Your Dog is in Pain

Grief Is Messy – Losing A Loved One (anticipatory grief)

Dog Massage for Dogs & YOU – more on self care

Emily’s Path Hospice Program FAQs – when you want support during the hospice phase with your pet

 

 

 

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