| The word "cancer" is enough to strike terror into | | | | chemotherapy like their human counterparts. |
| the heart of most people. Just like humans can | | | | However, if your dog does vomit during |
| suffer from cancer, dogs are also susceptible to | | | | treatment you should be very careful to ensure |
| this terrible condition. Some people are surprised | | | | that he doesn't become dehydrated as sick pets |
| to know that dogs get cancer and aren't aware | | | | may sometimes refuse to drink. Dehydration is |
| that there are cancer specialists (oncologists) that | | | | fatal to a pet. Also observe your dog's appetite; if |
| deal with canine cancer. Unfortunately cancer can | | | | his appetite decreases you have to make sure he |
| strike pets with frightening frequency, especially | | | | is getting ample nutrition. Appetite stimulants and |
| as they age. It is not uncommon for a dog owner | | | | supplements may be prescribed by your vet to |
| to discover their dog has cancer when performing | | | | aid with this. |
| a routine checkup. Dealing with cancer in a pet can | | | | Offer your dog foods he likes, do everything |
| be a very difficult experience but you should try | | | | possible to make sure your dog is eating. |
| to do what's best for your pet. | | | | Tempting him with tasty food can help. You |
| Cancer can affect the skin tissue, organs and | | | | should also try to keep your dog as stress free |
| bones of dogs, just like with humans. There are | | | | as possible during this time. Food that is easy to |
| many different types of cancer which are | | | | digest yet nutritious is best as well as omega-3 |
| categorized according to location and severity. | | | | supplements. If your dog refuses to eat your vet |
| Cancers that are aggressive are usually the type | | | | may have to insert a feeding tube to make sure |
| that spread to other locations and these are the | | | | the dog is getting much needed nutrients. |
| hardest to treat. Sadly, an animal may have been | | | | If the condition deteriorates to the point where |
| suffering from cancer for quite some time before | | | | your dog becomes listless or in pain and there's |
| it begins showing any symptoms and this makes | | | | nothing more you or your vet can do to make his |
| it vital that you perform regular blood tests and | | | | life comfortable, you may find yourself coming to |
| checkups for your pet on a regular basis. Caught | | | | a very difficult time in any pet owner's life, having |
| in time, the prognosis can be positive, so early | | | | to make the decision of whether your beloved |
| detection and treatment is crucial. | | | | pet's quality of life has become so compromised |
| If your dog is diagnosed with cancer, the highest | | | | that euthanasia is an option you should begin to |
| priority on your list should be pain management. | | | | consider. You should discuss this will your vet and |
| You should do everything in your power to | | | | try to base your decision on what is best for |
| prevent your pet from suffering. Pain medication | | | | your pet. It is never an easy decision to make |
| such as pills, anesthesia, injections and pain | | | | and you should try to get as much information as |
| relieving patches are commonly used to prevent | | | | possible from your vet to help you make the |
| pain. Gentle handling and care should be provided | | | | right decision for your best friend. |
| for your dog as well as comfortable bedding. | | | | Cancer can be a very emotionally draining |
| Chemotherapy may be recommended by your | | | | experience and the best thing you can do for |
| vet as part of the cancer treatment and it is | | | | your pet is to ensure he is comfortable and pain |
| comforting to know that many dogs don't | | | | free and give him a lot of love and attention. |
| experience nausea and vomiting during | | | | |