Dog Cancer Treatment
- A Holistic Approach

With dog cancer treatment, integrating alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy for dogs along with your veterinarian’s prescribed conventional approach may have a greater impact on your pet’s overall health and recovery than just traditional veterinary medicine. A holistic approach compliments on-going veterinary treatment rather than replacing it.

Though seemingly human, cancer is a very real health issue for our beloved canines. Whether it is a rare disease like mesothelioma, bone or organ cancer, there are alternative approaches that may ease our pets’ pain while maintaining quality of life.

For any type of cancer treatment, pain management is critical. Making your dog as comfortable as possible will not only help in her recovery but also allow all treatments to work effectively.

Acupuncture for Dogs

Thousands of years old, acupuncture stimulates particular nerve centers around the body to help with the treatment of a variety of illnesses. Due to the complex interconnectedness of the nervous system, when different areas of the body are stimulated through acupuncture, the body reacts with the desired effect including strengthening the immune system.

With mesothelioma cancer, stemming from asbestos exposure, breathing difficulties or stomach pain can be eased with targeted acupuncture pricks.

For dogs suffering with cancer, a licensed veterinary acupuncturist can target pain centers, relieving discomfort. Other than a very small initial prick into the skin, acupuncture is a relatively painless procedure.

Though it is not a surefire cure for cancer, acupuncture may relieve your dog’s pain and make their recovery more comfortable.

Massage Therapy for Dogs

Massage is a great way to offer immediate pain relief for cancer-stricken dogs. As with acupuncture, massage therapy can relieve pain associated with not only the cancer itself but from conventional treatment.

Massage therapy stimulates muscles, joints, connective tissue and the circulatory system, while offering endless comfort to your pet. As an on-going treatment option, massage therapy can improve quality of life without being invasive, and may help determine whether the cancer has spread to different areas or if there are any new, painful lumps.

A diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants may benefit an ill dog, rather than processed kibble, simply because it mimics the natural, instinctual way canines eat and replaces the necessary vitamins cancer cells strip from the body.

In the wild, dogs eat raw meat and simple, leafy greens instead of a diet loaded with carbohydrates, which typically comprises manufactured dog food. This unnatural diet often lacks the necessary vitamins and minerals your dog needs to be healthy. Added nutrients from organic, natural foods can help your furry friend heal.

Work with your veterinarian or a licensed veterinary nutritionist to develop an individualized diet plan that targets the specific needs of your dog.

Used individually or in combination along with conventional veterinary treatment, acupuncture, massage therapy and the raw, natural diet can improve your companion’s quality of life.

As with any changes to a prescribed cancer treatment plan, including adding any holistic or alternative treatments, consult with your veterinarian.

This article was written by Jackie Clark from http://www.mesothelioma.com , a cancer site for people that has now added a section on canine cancer and dog cancer treatment.

Reference:

Veterinary Holistic Care. Holistic Veterinary Treatments. Accessed on January 20, 2011. (http://www.vhcdoc.com/treatments/holistic.html)

Holistic Veterinary Center. Cancer Diet. Accessed on January 20, 2011. (http://www.holisticvetcenter.com/cancer-diet.htm)

Canine Cancer. Holistic / Alternative / Complementary Therapies for Dogs with Cancer. Accessed on January 20, 2011. (http://www.caninecancer.com/holistic.html)

Back from Dog Cancer Treatment to Types of Alternative Medicine

Back from Dog Cancer Treatment to Home Page of
Three Little Pitties Dog Health

New! Comments