November 2005
Healthy Dogs & Cats
Ten tips to prevent cancer
in our companion animals
by Deborah Straw
In the hustle and bustle life of 21st Century America, our companion animals provide some of our purest love and some of our most relaxing moments. However, just like us, they are acquiring diseases at rapid rates.
Currently, approximately 47 percent of dogs will develop — and die of — cancer. In cats, that number is somewhat lower, but still quite shocking: 32 percent. Many other species also get cancer: guinea pigs, rabbits, parrots, ferrets and horses. Ad infinitum. We can change our lifestyles to make ourselves healthier and happier, and we can do the same for our beloved animal friends.
As is true with human cancer, prevention and early detection are vital. With lifestyle changes, our animals can live longer lives in less pain.
So here’s some advice on how to find and keep a pet that’s cancer-free and healthy.
1. Choose your pet wisely. Choose a healthy animal from a reputable dealer or a well-respected shelter. Do your homework when you choose new animals. Visit several shelters and/or breeders. Listen to your friends’ advice. Don’t support disreputable, dirty pet stores or puppy mills. Read cat or dog books to see what breed, size or temperament will best fit your needs. The more closely you pay attention to this, the more certain it is that you will keep your pet, and that the pet and you will lead happy, healthy lives together for several years.
2. Find the right vet. Work with an up-to-date, open-minded, compassionate veterinarian who is not afraid of working closely with both you and your animal(s). Many American veterinarians are open to some alternative health treatments, and many take classes to keep up on new research, equipment and procedures. At the 2004 North American Veterinary Conference, they voiced this opinion: “Explanation of treatment procedures, discussing risks, benefits, toxicity and costs must be combined with client discussions regarding a realistic and unbiased view of all treatment options available, and the animal’s likely prognosis. Second, third, or even fourth opinions are sometimes necessary to provide optimal therapy for an individual patient.”
3. Diet is key. Either cook for your animals or buy the best possible food you can afford. Consider adding a multi-vitamin, too. Yes, specialty or “natural” foods are more expensive, but they will save you money in the long run because of fewer vet visits. Most grocery store foods and famous brands found in vets’ offices are not the best foods, and may even be dangerous and/or carcinogenic. Ingredients such as meat byproducts should be avoided because these often include road kill, or diseased, dead pets or parts of birds and animals that no one would want or should have to eat. There is still considerable debate regarding a cooked diet versus a raw food diet, so do some research before you decide. Remember, cats truly are more carnivorous than dogs. Two other advantages of a healthy diet: Softer coats and a sweet breath.
A recent The Whole Dog Journal analysis of the best dog foods recommended a few specific brands. Among them are Innova, California Natural, Artemis, and Evolve Natural. One of the best sources on animal diets remains Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. Also recommended reading are both Ann N. Martin books, Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food and Protect Your Pet — More Shocking Facts.
Personally, we feed our cats and dog a mix of homemade and commercial: usually dry Wellness for the dog and California Natural
or a similar product for the cats.
4. Consider environmental factors. Take stock of your cleaning agents; consider making your own or buying natural products. Don’t use pesticides or herbicides on your lawns and avoid golf courses at all times. If you live with a white or light-pigmented cat or a white dog, avoid excessive sun exposure. Sunscreen may be used up to SPF 30 on dogs. Such cautions may reduce potential cancers of the eyelids, nose and ears.
5. Reduce stress. Animals pick up on our stress, so if you are especially stressed, take a walk or chill out and exercise before spreading it to your dog, cat or rabbit. If your animal gets especially stressed about car rides, visits to the vet or other changes, consider using Rescue Remedy, a Bach flower remedy that is successful in most cases. Or find creative solutions such as locating a vet who makes house calls.
6. Check for lumps and bumps. Our animals love full-body massages almost as much as we do. Also notice any new lameness or stiffness or any other obvious change in behavior. Have it checked out by your trusted animal professional.
7. Keep vaccinations to a required minimum. Some combination vaccines have killed cats. The new protocols call for most vaccines to be given only every three years, and not all are necessary, especially if your cats or other animals don’t go outside. Ask your veterinarian about titer testing, which often makes re-vaccination unnecessary.
8. Exercise. Animals and people need to play and walk. Depressed? Walk the dog. Stiff joints? Walk the dog. Raining? Walk the dog.
9. Communicate. Love your pet as an individual — learn to communicate, to read his body language and his/her sounds. Note the expression in her eyes when she is depressed, happy, sad or in pain. Whatever breed, size and age animal you live with, you need to accommodate his/her needs or you will have an unhappy and/or unhealthy animal.
10. Seek alternative care. If your animal companion does develop cancer, be aware that many treatments exist in addition to the three traditional ones — surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. None of these may be necessary, or may be combined with more alternative, less invasive therapies. What matters most is quality of life over the longest time span for your pet. (For example, if amputation becomes absolutely necessary, many dogs can live quite happily and comfortably with three legs.).
Deborah Straw is the author of Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets? (Healing Arts Press, 2000), recently re-released in an expanded, updated version under the title The Healthy Pet Manual, A Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. (Healing Arts Press, 2005).
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