Dog Cancer: What Do I Need to Know?

by Katherine Khoo April 28, 2023 7 min read

Many of us, pet parents, consider our dogs and cats as members of the family. Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your beloved pet can be a devastating experience. The news may leave you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and unsure of what steps to take next. There are steps that you can take to educate yourself and better care for your furry kid with cancer. In this article, we will discuss some important things to know when your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, including treatment options, lifestyle changes, and emotional support for both you and your furry friend.

Learn about your pet’s cancer

Cancer is a disease that results from the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. The terms cancer, malignancy, and neoplasia may be used interchangeably – they are just different ways to say cancer. There are many types of cancer, and the signs and symptoms vary based on the type and location of the illness. Some forms of cancer can spread to other sites in the body. This occurs because these cancer cells can enter the blood or lymph vessels and be carried to other organs. When cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it is called metastasis.

It can be helpful to understand some veterinary medical terms. Understanding veterinary medical terms will help you better understand what the veterinary is suggesting for your pet. Do a little reading before your visit to become more familiar with some of the terms used. Bring a notebook along to your vet visit so that you can take notes about treatment options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Understand your pet’s cancer treatment options

Learn about the available treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy are some of the common treatment options available for cancer in dogs. Research the pros and cons of each treatment to help you make an informed decision. The treatment your vet suggests will be based on your dog’s diagnosis, such as the type or stage of cancer. It can be different from another pet’s treatment options though the symptoms may be similar.

Surgery for dog cancer

The purpose of cancer surgery is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Your vet may propose surgery for certain types of cancer, such as skin tumours or tumours in easily accessible locations. In some cases, the surgical removal of a cancerous tumour may prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of the body. Surgery may be used to alleviate symptoms associated with cancer, such as pain or difficulty breathing, by removing a tumour that is causing these symptoms.

Surgery is often done in combination with other treatment options, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It's important to note that not all dogs with cancer will be candidates for surgery. The decision to proceed with surgery will depend on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the location of the tumour, the dog's overall health, and the risks associated with surgery.

Radiation therapy for dog cancer

Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. During radiation therapy, a machine called a linear accelerator delivers precise and controlled doses of radiation to the area of the dog's body affected by cancer. The radiation damages the DNA inside the cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Over time, the damaged cells die off and the tumour shrinks. Radiation therapy is usually administered in multiple sessions over several weeks. The number of sessions will depend on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as the dog's overall health. Although radiation therapy can be effective in killing cancer cells, it can also damage healthy cells in the body. This can cause side effects, such as fatigue, skin irritation, and loss of appetite. Should these side effects occur, the vet may prescribe medications to manage them.

Chemotherapy for dog cancer

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to attack rapidly dividing cells, which are characteristic of cancer cells. These drugs can be administered in pill form or given intravenously. Unlike radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs can travel throughout the dog's body to reach cancer cells in different parts of the body. This can make chemotherapy effective in treating cancers that have spread or are difficult to remove surgically.

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles over several weeks or months, with rest periods in between to allow the dog's body to recover. The number of cycles and the type of drugs used will depend on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as the dog's overall health.

Although chemotherapy can be effective in killing cancer cells, it can also damage healthy cells in the body. This can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. These side effects are usually manageable with medications and supportive care.

As with radiation, chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery or as a treatment on its own. The decision to use chemotherapy will depend on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the dog's overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of treatment. Your veterinarian can help you determine if chemotherapy is the best option for your dog.

Caring for a dog with cancer

Caring for a dog with cancer can be challenging and emotionally stressful. There are several things you can do to help your furry friend feel comfortable and supported during this time. Here are some tips for caring for a dog with cancer:

Monitor your dog's symptoms

Cancer and its treatments can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, such as pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. After surgery, your dog will need to rest and allow the incision site to heal. Radiation therapy’s side effects can include soreness or discomfort at the site of treatment. Though chemotherapy side effects are much milder in dogs than in people, some dogs may still suffer from nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. The key to all treatments is to keep your dog comfortable and to maintain the best quality of life possible. Be sure to monitor your dog's symptoms and report any changes to your veterinarian.

Provide a comfortable environment

Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest, with easy access to food and water. Provide soft but supportive bedding, that is water-resistant to make cleaning up easier should your dog soil his bed. Check out this Ohpopdog Nihon Collection Dog Pillow Bed (Taiyaki) for Dogs & Cats. The bed cover is removable & interchangeable.

Feed fresh, nutritious dog food

A common struggle with most pet parents is figuring out what to feed a dog with cancer. Start by making his feeding station accessible, within easy reach. Consider using a raised feeder to make it easier for your dog to eat and drink. Some tumours, because of their location in the mouth, throat or intestinal tract may make eating, swallowing, or the digestion of food difficult. If the dog will eat only a small amount, it is important that the food should be nutritious and contain as many calories as possible. It is recommended to feed a higher-fat dog food as tumour cells are much less likely to use fat for energy. The general guide is to feed dog food containing 25-40% fat on a dry matter basis unless the dog suffers from an abnormal pancreatic function.

The dog’s food should be moderately high in protein since cancer cachexia is associated with a decrease in muscle mass. A moderately high protein level is often recommended unless the dog has an abnormal kidney and liver function. In general, protein levels should be in the range of 30-45% on a dry matter basis. Since tumour cells prefer carbohydrates, diets low in carbohydrates are often recommended. In general, carbohydrates should be less than 25% of the food on a dry matter basis.

To meet these nutritional requirements, most pet parents on commercial dog food would prefer freshly cooked dog food like this PetCubes Cooked Dog Food (Venison Flank) which uses human-grade meat and all-natural ingredients. Freshly cooked dog foods are often higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. To increase the fat content, a little good quality oil like this Four Leaf Rover (SAFE-SEA) Green Lipped Mussel Oil (Omega-3) Dog Supplements can be added to your dog’s cooked meals. For dogs who prefer food with higher moisture, adding some bone broth may help to encourage the dog to eat.

Please take note that these dietary suggestions are provided for informational purposes only. It’s not meant to be a veterinarian diagnosis or therapeutic diet for dogs with cancer. Please consult with your vet on the best diet for your dog’s condition. Some dogs with cancer may benefit from a special diet that is designed to support their overall health and immune system. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a special diet is appropriate for your dog.

Give your dog plenty of love and attention Dogs with cancer may feel scared or anxious, so it's important to provide them with plenty of love and attention. Spend time with your dog, play with them, and provide plenty of physical affection. If your pup is up to it, maintain his normal routine as much as possible. Continue doing fun activities like exercising, going for walks, or just snuggling together. Our pets like routine. In stressful times like this, routines help to maintain a healthy mindset for both you and your pet. It helps them stay active and engaged, especially if they will have to make many visits to the vet for treatment.

Cancer is a terrifying diagnosis, but you can be your pet’s best advocate. Get educated on the treatment options and work closely with your veterinarian on the best treatment options for your pet. Think about your dog's comfort and quality of life when considering treatment options. Some treatments may be invasive and cause discomfort, while others may be less invasive but less effective. Understand that dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging for both you and your dog. Provide your dog with comfort and support, and do not be afraid to seek emotional support for yourself if necessary.