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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
A cancer diagnosis is frightening, but fear doesn't have to lead the way. Take time to understand your options, decide what your pet would want, and spend as much present, loving time together as you can. Diet, medicinal mushrooms, probiotics and antioxidants can all help support your pet along the way.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and about one in five cats will develop cancer. Everyday stressors and environmental factors all play a part. This guide is here to help you be proactive, protective and present.
Facing a cancer diagnosis
Fear, terror and anger are completely normal after a diagnosis. But if they take over, they can stop you from:
✓ Seeing the situation clearly
✓ Making choices based on what you want, rather than what you're told to do
✓ Staying connected with your pet
Acknowledge those emotions and work through them, but don't let them make the decisions. Ask yourself what your pet would want. Would they cope with days in hospital, or with the side effects of medication? Then think about what you and your family want.
If you can, learn about the risks, alternatives and likely outcomes before a diagnosis, so you're not deciding in a state of fear. You can choose a fully alternative, fully conventional or integrative approach. Any choice made from love is the right one.
Cancer isn't always an immediate death sentence. You can't always control the outcome, but you can shape the experience and the choices along the way. And remember: time is the most precious treatment. Spend as much of it as you can with your pet, present and unafraid. Sadness is natural. Fear is something we can set down.
The power of oxytocin
Oxytocin is often called the bonding hormone. It's linked to connection and stress relief, and helps lower cortisol, blood pressure, inflammation and pain. It's also used to help with anxiety, PTSD, depression, shyness and mood disorders.
Oxytocin is being studied in cancer research too:
✓ In lab studies, oxytocin slowed the growth of some cancer cells that have oxytocin receptors, including cells of epithelial, mammary, endometrial, nervous and bone origin.
✓ Researchers at the Australian National University are exploring oxytocin as a possible lung cancer therapy.
✓ One study suggested that oxytocin production in women who are premenopausal and not breastfeeding may help protect against high rates of breast cell division.
The lovely part is how easy it is to raise. A 2015 Japanese study found an eye-to-eye oxytocin loop between dogs and their people: when they gaze at each other, oxytocin rises in both. So talk to your pet, snuggle, read to them, or simply be with them.
Supplements to support pets with cancer
Turkey tail mushroom
Used alongside conventional cancer treatment in Japan since the 1980s. Its triterpenes are anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, fever-reducing and liver-protective, with chemopreventive properties. Try Myco-Biome Turkey Tail.
Chaga mushroom
Can trigger cell death in tumour cells without affecting healthy cells, slow tumour cell growth, and has anti-mutagenic properties. Try Myco-Biome Chaga.
A mushroom blend
For broader support, Four Leaf Rover Seven Shrooms combines seven medicinal mushrooms.
Larch arabinogalactan
Stimulates the immune system by activating macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, and helps block the spread of cancer. Read more in larch arabinogalactan for pets.
Pre- and probiotics
Support the gut, reduce stomach upset from the disease or treatment, support immunity, and may help with prevention. Try Love Bugs, or a species-specific probiotic like Fido's Flora or Felix's Flora.
Antioxidants
Counter free radicals, oxidative stress, inflammation and cell damage, and some research shows they may help kill cancer cells. Phytoplankton is rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD). Try Phyto Synergy or Vital Defense. Read more in the best antioxidants for dogs and cats.
Depending on the type of cancer, other support may help. For mast cell tumours, Dr Judy Morgan's PEA can offer support, and Amber Naturalz Tumoxil is formulated to support pets with tumours. If you're not sure where to start, I can help you in a PawConsult.
Cancer-fighting foods
Plant compounds called phytochemicals help protect against chronic disease, including cancer. Rotate these foods for variety, gently cook and purée vegetables, and choose organic whenever possible.
✓ Apples (core and seeds removed)
✓ Asparagus
✓ Blueberries
✓ Broccoli
✓ Brussels sprouts
✓ Cauliflower
✓ Garlic, for dogs only and at the right dose. Read more in garlic for dogs
✓ Kale
✓ Leafy greens
✓ Pears
✓ Raspberries
✓ Spinach
✓ Winter squash
Cut down on household chemicals
The air in our homes can contain compounds from air fresheners, cleaners, detergents and disinfectants, some of which are potential carcinogens. Switching to natural cleaning is a simple way to lower your pet's toxic load. See pet-safe cleaning made simple for 4 easy DIY recipes and how we use Hygiene Water around our home. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is also a helpful resource for checking products.
It's going to be alright
Whether you have a lot of time left together or only a little, know that you're doing your best for your pet. Be present. Spend time simply being together, and don't let fear shape that time. Our animals live in the moment, and we can learn to do the same with them.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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