When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, Western medicine can be very beneficial, but a canine cancer treatment plan often works best if used in conjunction with holistic treatment. Before beginning a holistic treatment, however, be sure to discuss with a veterinarian or herbalist since some herbs can be dangerous if used in conjunction with certain medications.
Dietary Improvements
Anything that can be done to improve your dog's immune system will help him fight cancer. A diet high in proteins and low in carbohydrates has been shown to improve survival time in cancer patients. Since dog's don't need carbs anyway, this is especially important. Look for foods with high quality protein or make a home-cooked protein diet for your dog.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your dog's immune system just as they are for yours. Capsules can be purchased at any grocery store but make sure they are high-quality and don't contain any mercury.
Arginine, medicinal mushrooms, green tea, broccoli, selenium and tumeric are also healthy additions to a homemade diet that can promote good health in your dog. Proper doses of antioxidants such as vitamins A and C can also help, but you don't want to overdose on vitamins. Add only a couple of these to your dog's healthy diet.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic medicine is based on treating "like with like," which means treating patients with diluted solutions of herbs that are thought to cause similar effects as cancer. Some of these include Hepar, Carcinosin, Lymphomyosot and Berberis, which cleanse the blood and lymphatic system. Astragalus is also shown to restore the immune system and suppress tumor growth as can Ashwagandha.
In addition, any homeopathic remedy that promotes a healthy immune system may be recommended such as Arnica and Calendula, which support the body's natural restoring functions in skin, bone and muscle tissue. Milk thistle is a widely recommended herb that detoxifies the liver, which is important in removing toxins from the body.
Acupuncture and Massage
When used correctly, acupuncture can suppress pain and inflammation without exciting cancer cells. Acupuncturists also claim that it can incorrect the body's imbalance responsible for the cancer. Most importantly, treatments like acupuncture and massage can help reduce the symptoms of pain, depression and reduced appetite associated with cancer.
Because cancer is so debilitating to your dog's body, a combination of treatments is often necessary. While no treatment should be started without veterinary support, there are many things that can be done to improve your dog's quality of life before, during and after traditional Western treatments. In treating cancer, improved diet and holistic treatments can add months, if not years, to your dog's life.