Gretchen's Canine Cancer Awareness

Holistic Cancer Prevention & Care in Your Pet

Optimal diet & nutrition (store bought or home made - what is in your pet's food, what should be included to meet their nutritional requirements, no fillers or by products, types of protein and thier sources, feeding appropriate amounts, and try to choose natural, quality food)

Clean, purified water

Early spaying
Reduce indoor air pollution & yard pollution

Minimize electromagnetic radiation

Use a safe, non-toxic flea control program

Minimize stress

Provide adequate exercise

Be aware of vaccinations and medicines

Maintain a strong immune system

The 10 early warning signs

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
Sores that do not heal
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
Offensive odor
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
Persistent lameness or stiffness
Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecation

Cancer is the most common cause of death in dogs in the United States. Cancer is an unrestrained growth of cells that destroy normal tissue and body parts in that growth. Some cancers are very aggressive and can spread throughout the body (metastasize) whereas others are slow growing and unlikely to spread throughout the body.

It is only by dispelling the myths and misperceptions that we can think clearly, make good decisions, and begin to find the hope we need as we fight the battle against canine cancer.

Gretchen's Canine Cancer Information:

Approximately one in three dogs will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Age is not always a factor..it happens to puppies and middle aged dogs, so stay alert and aware. There are 3 major families of cancers: sarcomas, carcinomas, and discrete (round) cell tumors.

The types of cancers that affect dogs are often very similar to those faced by humans and include:

· Hemangiosarcoma – An Incurable Tumor of cells that line blood vessels

· Lymphoma – Cancer of the lymph nodes

· Melanoma – Skin Cancer

· Osteosarcoma – Bone Cancer

· Mammary Tumor – Breast Cancer

· Transition Cell – Bladder Area

· Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma – Tumors near rectom

· Mast Cell Tumors – Highly malignant tumors that form on the skin

Breeds that tend to have a higher incidence of cancer include: Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Flat Coat Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Schnauzers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Standard Poodles.

Cancer in dogs is generally treated in one of three ways—surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Holistic, natural approaches to cancer treatment can be used as a primary method of treatment while the conventional treatments listed above generally provide the highest likelihood of cure or remission. Holistic treatments can supplement conventional approaches to minimize side effects and boost the body’s natural healing powers. Cancer treatment for animals is always focused on providing the animal with the highest possible quality of life for the longest amount of time possible.

The good news is that thanks to the dedication of countless researchers and veterinary cancer specialists, cancer treatment for dogs has come a very long way in the past three decades. Many types of cancer, Not all, can now be helped with conventional treatments- put into remission for longer periods of time than ever before. Many pet owners without easy access to information about canine cancer, wrongly assume that cancer is automatically a death sentence and make the choice to euthanize their pets without considering other traditional or holistic treatment options. Dogs need a chance of achieving remission and maintaining their quality of life for months, or even years, if diagnosed with cancer. We have to do better for our faithful companions and friends.

Early diagnosis has a significant effect on the success of treatment.
There are nonprofits that are providing financial assistance and profit veterinarians that provide assistance and guidance.

Gretchen's Canine Cancer Awareness

We as so many others, lost one of our beloved four legged children to cancer and do not want it to happen to others. So we need everyone to be informed and to communicate to their friends and faimily that cancer does not only take too many of our human friends and family members but takes too many of our four legged friends and family. Remember you can help at home by taking care of your furbabies and help others through communication of cancer prevention and healthy living.