Cancer Treatments using Herbs for Dogs

Sadly, cancer is a common diagnosis in dogs, especially after the age of 10. How common you wonder? According to WebMD, more than 50% of dogs will be diagnosed with cancer after the age of 10! Don’t get caught up on this statistic though, when it comes to care, comfort and treatment there are many paths to choose from to ensure your four-legged friend stays relaxed and generally happy, despite their condition. Continue reading and let Doggie Herbs guide you through treatment routes, especially through the use of herbs, that can comfort your dog in these difficult times. 

Cancer Treatments for Dogs

Once your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with cancer, they’ll consider different westernized treatments based upon your dogs:

• Age
• General Health 
• Severity of Condition 
• Underlying Conditions

With these factors considered, the vet may suggest a variety of treatment/care plans that would be most suited for your dog, based on western medicine and practices. Treatment options may include: 

• Surgery 
• Chemotherapy 
• Radiation therapy 

Depending on the type, location and aggressiveness of the cancer any of these options may be suggested alone, or in combination with other treatments. It’s important to understand and be educated about what these approaches entail, as well as shortcomings, before selecting which to treat your dog’s cancer with. 

Surgery

Surgery the most commonly used westernized technique for treating cancer, as it provides the best chance to completely remove it. The goal of surgery is to control or eliminate the cancer, in order to improve the quality of life for your dog. Surgery can:

• Confirm a diagnosis 
• Remove the cancer 
• Provide pain relief or improved function for the dog 
• De-bulk a tumor 

On the other hand, surgery can also result in:

• Incomplete removal of the cancer 
• Other required treatments [ie. chemotherapy]

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy is a series of drug dosages offered to dogs with the goal of eliminating or slowing the growth of cancer. The drug that is administered, either through injections or oral pills, directly attacks the cancerous cells to either kill them or at least stop/slow them from dividing. Regardless of how it’s administered some common side effects that your dog may experience are: 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting / Diarrhea
• Low energy levels 
• Hair loss
• Appetite loss
• Greater risk of infection

Radiation therapy 

Similar to chemotherapy, radiation therapy is a high-dose of radiation that is administered in hopes of destroying cancerous cells in your dog, or at least interfere and slow the replication process. Radiation therapy can be performed in western veterinary medicine in a few different ways:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): delivering radiation in small doses over several treatments (typically daily over a few weeks) directly to the tumor location. 

• Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT): delivered in higher doses over a shorter amount of time (a few days) in order to better exclude the surrounding normal tissues from radiation. 
• Strontium pesiotherapy: delivering high doses of radiation with a small probe to a specific area. 

Both early and late onset side effects can be observed with radiation therapy, such as:

• Inflammation 
• Longer hair regrowth time or hair discolouration 
• Diarrhea 
• Oral treatments: excessive salivation, bad breath, plaques/ulcers, secondary infections 
• Eye treatments: dry eye, cataracts, retinal damage, vision loss 

It’s important to be aware that these western options are not your only choice though. Prescriptions and/or supplements can help your dog manage the condition and pain as well. 

Herbs and Mushrooms for Cancer Treatment 

Medicinal mushrooms and herbs can be used to treat and prevent diseases, such as cancer, while simultaneously promoting better general health. It’s important to be knowledgeable of these substances as some can be toxic, and even deadly, to dogs. Wondering which types of mushrooms and herbs are safe and healthy for your dog with cancer? Which are best at preventing or soothing dogs with cancer? 

Doggie Herbs recommends the use of turkey tail and immunity boosting supplements in conjunction with other cancer treatments your dog utilizes because of their Beta Glucan properties.  

Beta Glucans

Beta-Glucans are a soluble fiber found within the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and some plants [aka. Herbs and Mushrooms]. It has been found that beta-glucans stimulate the immune system by increasing the chemicals found within the body that prevent infections. Beta-Glucans are also known to:

• Reduce cholesterol 

• Improve skin conditions [including radiation therapy burns]
• Boost fiber intake 
• Improve blood sugar regulation 
• Promote digestive health 
• Regulate and support weight management
• Aid white blood cell health [which, in turn, kills cancer cells]
• Strengthen the immune system through increasing immune cells 

There is no doubt that utilizing herbs and mushrooms that contain Beta Glucans will be beneficial for a dog that is receiving cancer treatments, or who has been diagnosed with cancer, to both aid in their comfort and potentially eliminate the cancer itself.

Now, you might be wondering: Where does one acquire such mushrooms? How do I incorporate these into my dog’s diet and cancer treatment? How costly and timely is the addition of medicinal mushrooms? Thankfully Doggie Herbs offers three supplements that include the above-mentioned mushrooms, herbs and fibers! 

 Immune Booster for Dogs, Super Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract and Ultimate Turkey Tail 8:1 Extract are easy to mix powders that are designed to provide immunity boosts, longevity, disease fighting, shiny coat, cancer fighting and more! These no fuss mixing powders allow dog owners a simple way to add additional and important health components to your dog’s life and diet without a hassle. 

Whether you begin feeding your dog medicinal mushrooms alongside their cancer treatment, or to promote better overall health, there are inevitable benefits! Take the guess work out of shopping for and serving such herbs to your dog by using Doggie Herbs’ Immune Booster for Dogs, Super Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract and/or Ultimate Turkey Tail 8:1 Extract!

Be sure to always consult your veterinarian for further information and guidance with regards to your dog’s health and cancer treatments.