Canine Holistic Cancer Treatment

Holistic canine cancer treatments are not meant to cure your dog's cancer; rather, they are intended to enhance the effects of conventional medications and provide additional support to your dog's diminished immune system. Holistic therapies help bolster your dog's quality of life, slow the progression of the disease and, in some cases, actually halt the spread of cancerous cells.

Nutrition

There is no singular diet or set of nutritional supplements to address canine cancer, as the disease takes many forms and can affect many different parts of your dog's body. Each potentially affected system has a different set of nutritional needs; however, no matter which part of the body is under attack, each canine cancer patient needs whole foods rich in Omega-3s, vegetables such as sprouts and grasses with their B vitamins and trace minerals, and certain proteins (which depend on the type of cancer your dog suffers from). Be conservative in the amount of protein you give your dog because with certain cancers, an excess of protein can be damaging to his system. Clean, filtered drinking water is essential. You should stay away from commercial dog foods containing artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives, animal fat and simple carbohydrates (found in biscuits, bread and crackers).

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a holistic therapy that is based on the Law of Similars, the underlying theory being that a disease can be treated with and cured by a substance that produces the same symptoms of the disease when given to a healthy animal. Some substances that normally are toxic to humans and animals are completely safe in homeopathic strengths. If you opt to take an entirely holistic approach to cancer treatment, Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D. (See References 3) recommends that you begin by administering the herb goldenseal and pair it with the homeopathic remedy Thuya occidentalis right from the beginning, as Thuya occidentalis will clear your dog's body of the lingering effects of past vaccinations (which could stimulate tumor growth). If you see no improvement or not enough improvement after about four weeks, then try either Natrum muriaticum or Silicea if your dog has solid tumors or lymphosarcoma, particularly with appetite and weight loss issues. Conium maculatum can be given to dogs with very hard tumors, and Phosphorus can be administered if your dog's tumors hemorrahage or bleed often. If you opt for conventional cancer treatment, the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica, together with cooked oatmeal (with milk and honey), will help ease your pet's nausea. It is essential to consult with your holistic veterinarian for the proper strengths and dosing instructions for these medications.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment involving the placement of very fine needles at certain energy points on the body in order to stimulate energy flow. Administered over several treatments by a certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture can help alleviate your dog's pain and re-balance the energy flow throughout his body to bolster his weakened immune system.

Reiki

Reiki practitioners believe that life force energy flows throughout the universe and is freely available to all. Reiki, meaning "universal life force energy," is a gentle, non-invasive healing touch therapy guided by the principle that the practitioner can channel this life force energy through the hands and into the recipient to remove energetic blockages and restore health to the client. Reiki treatments have been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and stimulate the immune system and the healing process.

Herbs

The root of the echinacea plant has antibiotic and immunity-enhancing properties that are valued by herbalists and lay people alike; it is readily available in several different forms in health food and drug stores in the United States. Astragalus is the source of huang qi, a Chinese herbal medicine with antiviral and immunity-enhancing properties that can be purchased from many health food stores around the country. Goldenseal is especially helpful in cases of cancer-associated weight loss. It is imperative that you consult with a veterinarian before administering any herbal treatment for proper dosing instructions.

References

• Holistic Alternatives for Canine and Feline Cancer; Susan Blake Davis; AskAriel Newsletter; March 2008
• Integrative Treatment of Cancer in Dogs; R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD; University of Florida; 1997
• Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats (Second Edition); Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D. and Susan Hubble Pitcairn; St. Martin's Press; 1995