Expert Nutritional Advice for Helping with Your Dog's Cancer

Posted by | Posted on 12:07 AM

By Helga Schmitt

The nutrients that a dog receives from their diet, has a profound influence on the prevention, control and treatment of malignancies in dogs. Scientists have accepted the fact as a truth not a folklore. Specialists are confident that effective measures for treating and preventing cancers, most definitely include nutrients.

When treating cancer, if micro nutrients are joining the treatment plan, the remaining therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biologic responsive modifiers, all become incredibly effective. Adjuvant therapeutics is the amalgamation of any nutrient used with other methods of anticancer treatments.

An extremely important metabolic consequence of cancer is Cachexia. This causes a continual decline in weight despite all of the nutritional requirements being met. Unfortunately, any dog that is inflicted with this condition has a shortened survival time and a decreased response to treatment. Metabolic changes of Cachexia have already taken effect in the dog before the condition is diagnosed.

There are three phases of cancer cachexia. The first is silent and the dog does not exhibit any outward signs of the disease but the biochemical changes and alterations in amino acids are present. During the second phase the dog will start to lose weight, appear anorexic and lethargic. In the third phase, the dog has marked debilitation, weakness and is losing carbohydrate and protein stores in the body.

Sadly, these dogs are wasting away because of the physical effects of the cancer and the alterations in metabolism. The most profound metabolic alteration in dogs with cancer occur in carbohydrate metabolism. A theory is that diets high in simple carbohydrates may increase the total amount of lactate produced and causes the host to utilize excessive energy for the conversion of lactate. This excessive lactate can have long-term detrimental effects on dogs with cancer.

The cancer is fueled by the carbohydrates at the expense of the host. Tumors usually utilize amino acids for energy via glycogens. Many important bodily functions become altered from this. The most significantly affected is the immune system, gastrointestinal function and surgical healing.

The amino acids are in great demand by the host and the cancer cells. If the demand is not met, the malignant process will rob them from the host. It is imperative that high quality proteins are given. Most dogs with cancer have gastrointestinal toxicity. To help with this condition, amino acids such as arginine and glutamine are very beneficial for the host. They help to reduce the toxicity as well as support and enhance the immune system.

Loss of fat causes most of the weight loss in dogs with cancer cachexia. Dogs with cancer will benefit from reduced simple carbohydrates and increased fat in their diets. Alterations in the dog with cancer can be minimized with the addition of N-3 fatty acids in their diets. The adverse effects of radiation are reduced by these as well as them having an anticancer effect.

A dog with cancer needs to be assessed for what amount and for what type of nutrients they should be getting. Cancer cells can be regulated by Retinoids. These agents work great by themselves or in conjunction with other agents when treating certain types of cancers. Studies have shown a significant impact when they are utilized.

One of the best substances to use in the prevention and treatment of cancer is Vitamin C. For overcoming drug resistance in certain cancer cells, Vitamin C is a helpful alternative. For preventing cancer of the esophagus and stomach, this is the supplement most commonly used.

One of the great capabilities of Vitamin E is its tendency to block mammary tumors and colon cancer. In the makeup of Vitamin E, it has chemo-preventative properties which work against various malignancies. In studies that were done on dogs, it was shown that some had a complete remission in cancer and others had a 50% reduction in tumor size.

Other anticancer and chemo-preventive agents are the minerals; lead, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, iodine, arsenic, selenium and germanium. Amino acids have also been used in preventing tumor growth.

Another helpful enzyme is L-asparaginase. This has been used in treating lymphomas and leukemia in dogs. Another anticancer alternative is garlic extracts. This has been used on animals that have been subjected to carcinogens.

To reduce the chances of your dog getting cancer, feed them a holistic diet that is rich in fresh foods and supplements, and free from preservatives, additives and chemicals. All this will support the body and reduce the impact if they do get cancer. Turmeric or green tea should be added to their foods daily. These are anticancer herbs that have been used for centuries.

There are a number of signs that could point to cancer. These are some to watch for: picky appetite, lumps and bumps, sudden weight loss, sores that don't heal, odors, lethargy, breathing difficulties, stiffness or soreness, loss of enthusiasm, difficulty urinating or defecating, and persistent discharges.

Reduce all carbohydrates in the diet and increase the fats and proteins. A rich source of fats to add are fish oil (salmon) and cold pressed flax oil. Feed anti-cancer foods like beetroot, broccoli, parsley, berries, apples, peaches, pears, plums, cabbage, sage, garlic, yams, cauliflower, shitake mushrooms, green and orange vegetables, yogurt, carrots, watermelon, fish, spleen, fresh thymus and extracts. Feed 40% vegetables and 60% meat.

To increase the longevity of your dog, supplement their daily food with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Co enzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes. The best diet for your dog is one that is made from fresh foods or home cooked foods. This will help prevent them from getting cancer. Nutrition is extremely important for preventing tumors. Feeding your dog the best diet will lengthen their lifespan incredibly. Thy food is thy medicine.

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