My Dog Has Cancer

Do you need to do ALL of the diagnostic tests? Some testing is necessary. A vet cannot treat a dog for cancer without confirming that it is cancer and knowing what type of cancer it is.

But there are a thousand tests that can be done! Not all of them are needed. If your dog has cancer, you won’t want to put your dog (or your wallet) through tests that are not necessary.

Ask your vet to help you rule out tests that are not necessary. Rule out the ones that will not have any effect on your dog’s treatment plan. Ones that don’t render any information needed to diagnose and treat your dog.

A vet’s job is to inform, not to choose. Your vet’s job is to inform you about ALL treatments that could help your dog fight cancer. Then, it is your job to decide which treatment plan is best for you and your dog. 

Your vet is not aware of your financial situation, your personal, philosophical, religious, or spiritual feelings about cancer treatment. And he doesn’t know your dog as well as you do. If your vet tells you about only one way to treat your dog’s cancer, get a 2nd opinion and do some research.

Find out what side effects might be caused by the treatment, and be prepared to manage them.

If your dog has cancer, join an online support group. They are full of people who are going through or did go through exactly what you are going through. They all say “My dog has cancer,” and they share information and support. See list of some great groups below.

Feed your dog an anti-cancer diet with low carbohydrates and high Omega-3 fatty acids. Give him some important supplements that will help him fight cancer (see Home Care page).