How do dogs get Cancer?

How do dogs get cancer?  There are a lot of factors that we know, can cause cancer, like our environment. The air we breathe, food and water we intake. What we touch and put on our skin. We can wonder about all these issues but all we can really do is make healthier choices.  Like flea and tick control for our pets. I've read the warning label and it can cause seizures in senior dogs. We are putting an insecticide directly on our animals.  That's a poison. So I switched from the chemicals to natural flea and tick control.  I've also thought about vaccinations and if they are safe. The best answer to this is to not over vaccinate your pets. Keep records, so you will know when the last time they got their shots. In our state the rabies vaccine is mandatory and the law.  So don't avoid the vaccinations just don't over due it. Ask your vet for a titer test to see if they need more vaccinations. I've been told there is no reason the revaccinate once your dog responds to the vaccine. The titer test will check to see your dog response.

I never put any pesticides or herbicides in Daisy's play and potty area's outside. Knowing that they cause cancer. In fact lawn chemicals, weed killers and herbicides are just as toxic as flea and tick products. Studies (Abstract of environmental health 112(1):171-6 (Jan. 2012), show a link between lawn chemicals and cancer in dogs.  In this study researchers identified 263 dogs with biopsy confirmed canine malignant lymphoma (CML), 240 dogs with benign tumors, and 230 dogs undergoing surgeries unrelated to cancer.

Scientist found that dogs with malignant lymphoma were 70 percent more likely to live in a home where professionally applied lawn had been used.

 I never used a professional or personally put pesticides or herbicides in the back yard. I feed Daisy better more expensive dog food because of all the additives they put in commercial pet foods.  I have put insecticide directly on her not knowing how toxic it is, but I was told by a professional how she needs it, to keep her from getting those nasty fleas and ticks.

These are just a few causes that are important to me because of Daisy. I haven't covered household cleaners and other chemicals found around your home because I feel they didn't have much bearing on Daisy diagnosis.  With all chemicals, we should read everything before using!  Other folks are telling us there safe when they really aren't.

Next blog we'll talk about how to keep cancer away and or at bay. Stay tuned!

Dogs with Lymphoma

This is Daisy she's a 10 year old lab terrier mix. It was back in September 2016 when I felt the lumps on her neck. I knew something was wrong so I made the appointment with her vet. Her vet examined her and needed to take a sample from the lymph nodes to find out what is going on. It was confirmed that she has lymphoma. That's the most devastating news I think any pet owner can get. She was only given 2-3 months and I wouldn't have her with me by the holidays. At least that's what I was told and thought. Thankfully she is still here with me today. We take it day by day and I enjoy every minute with her. She get's to lead walks, gets fed homemade dog food and given so much love.

Dog Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphocyte cells of the immune system. A type of white blood cell, lymphocytes play an important role in the body's defenses.

There are two forms B and T cell. Occurring primarily in bone marrow, lymph nodes and organs. We did not get Daisy tested to find out which type she is.  The cost of surgery alone was already out of budget. Then there's the cost to see oncologist and treatment using chemo which runs in the thousands. They do offer a low cost treatment to folks that can't afford it. Daisy was prescribed Prednisone. She also wasn't given much time using this method and we beat it. I have changed her diet to high protein low carbs. I also cook for her, things like chicken, ground meat  and turkey. She is on healthy supplements to keep her immune system strong.

Since her diagnosis I have taken pictures and videos of her daily. I will share them here and your welcome to follow her and share her story with other pet owners. Next blog I'll be talking about how dogs get cancer.