Over the last month, your dog lost a few pounds, seemed a little listless and could not tolerate much exercise. When he decided he no longer felt like eating, however, alarm bells sounded and you had him to the vet the same day. Your vet ran some blood work, shot a few x-rays to back up the findings and now you are sitting in an exam room with your faithful companion and wondering how you missed the warning signs for cancer.

Cancer in dogs, much like the human equivalent of the disease, is an all too common problem. There are so many types, treatments, grades, stages, and protocols. The pressure to know what is best for your dog is intense and unrelenting.

The medical term for cancer is ‘neoplasia’. Neo means ‘new’, plasia means growth. Combining them you get ‘new growth’. The two forms of cancer are Benign and Malignant. Malignant tumors are the biggest worry, as they invade, destroy, and spread through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.

An accurate diagnosis as to the type of cancer your dog has is provided by a pathologist who examines a sample under a microscope. Benign tumors have formed edges, and are easier to identify and remove. Malignant tumors look more like an octopus. The tentacles are difficult to remove without removing healthy tissue. Unless all of it is removed it will likely grow back.

Only ten percent of tumors in dogs are in the digestive system, ten percent in the lymphatic system, five percent in the reproductive system and the remaining five percent are a variety of types. Around half of all dog cancer is skin tumors; approximately sixty percent of these are benign. Mammory cancer is the next most common, accounting for almost sixty percent of female tumors; half of those are diagnosed as benign.

Some breeds are more prone to specific types of cancer than others. Giant breed dogs are more likely to develop bone cancer. Large breeds such as the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Standard Poodle and Giant Schnauzers are prone to develop malignant spleen tumors.

The basic terminology veterinarians use to describe dog cancer can be as confusing as how best to treat it. Terms like Stage, Grade, and Metastasis are daunting to an already scared layperson, but are simply basic descriptions.

There are three primary terms used when describing cancer in dogs- Stage, Grade, and Metastasis. Stage is used to notate how far along the tumor is. You may recall your vet saying the tumor is in the ‘early’ stages. The earlier the better! Early, or late, the cancer need not be confined to one area of the body; there could be multiple sites!Vets use ‘Grade’ to describe the cancer’s tendencys, like how aggressive it is on a scale of 1-4 (4 being the worst prognosis, and how quickly it will spread). Metastasis describes the spread of a cancer i.e. King’s liver cancer has metastasized to his lungs.

Wow! I can’t imagine how heartwrenching it would be if I had to choose between expensive cancer treatments for my dog, versus putting him down. Fortunately, today you can opt for an all-natural dog cancer program. If you go that route, you should do so under the guidance of a holistically minded vet.

Approaching cancer treatment naturally is often the most humane protocol for pets. If you have not already done it, clear away all possible carcinogenic materials from your pets area such as household cleaners, pesticides, insecticides, and other toxic substances. Use only metal or ceramic food dishes and serve only clean, filtered water.

If you take your dog to a holistic veterinarian, they will view your dog as a whole living, breathing organism. When all systems are in balance your dog is healthy. When he/she is not healthy (out of balance), their approach is to determine which parts of your dog are out of balance, and nourish them back to health with all-natural supplements, even if they have cancer! A healthy diet is critical. If you can’t make the time to prepare your dogs meals then research the web for the best all-natural dog food, and fortify it by administering soil-based probiotics, vital pet lipids, minerals, and super pet enzymes for maximum digestion and nutrition absorption. In fact, even if you are giving them the best organic foods, they still need natural supplements to aid digestion and absorption, skin, muscle, and joint elasticity, as well as to maintain optimal digestive balance and intestinal flora. This regimin is especially important should you opt for chemotherapy and radiation.

Literally 80% of your dogs total immune system is located in their intestinal system! The other 20% relies heavily on the digestive system being in balance to provide its’ nutritional requirements. You can spend a fortune feeding your dog high-quality organic meats and vegetables, but if his body is not capable of absorbing the nutrients, all that good food is wasted. Literally! The right compliment of supplements not only helps to overcome cancer, they provide your dog with precisely what he/she needs to live the longest, healthiest, and happiest life possible. Isn’t that what dog ownership is about? Soil-based probiotics support a healthy intestinal flora, allowing the full impact of those nutrients to be digested and used to help fight the invading cancer.

Most holistically trained vets are well versed in nutrition. While attempting to restore your dogs health through proper nutrition and supplemention is their preference, they will employ conventional therapies if necessary. If you do not have a holistic vet near by, try to find a dog nutritionist who is experienced in cancer therapy. Short of that, all-natural dog cancer protocols are available on line without a prescription! Some holistic vets may be willing to consult with you by phone or email. Basically, you want to incorporate antioxidants, soil-based probiotics, vital pet lipids, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, selenium, and zinc to support your dogs immune system.

Sunshine, exercise, and love are all vital to your dogs fight with cancer. Even if he/she is feeling sluggish, take them to a dog park. Encourage your dog to chase a ball or go for a walk. Dogs get depressed, just as we do. We all know how much a little exercise can help release natural endorphins and elevate our mood.

The good news is that dog cancer is treatable without resorting to radiation or chemo. The internet is a great source of knowledge, but it also contains a lot of disinformation. While you are learning about your choices, make sure you give your dog plenty of love and attention. It is impossible to know how much time you have left together. Chances are he/she is scared, but unable to express it.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.