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The relationships we share with our pets are often irreplaceable. Their companionship and constant presence can be both soothing and invigorating. Unfortunately, pets suffer health issues and occasionally require costly medical attention in the same way people do. When an emergency occurs and it becomes necessary to visit the veterinarian, many owners are stunned by the costs of performing tests and procedures. If they are unable to afford it, the alternative can be heartbreaking. Pet insurance was created to provide owners with an alternative.

Today’s article will focus on how this unique breed of coverage works. We’ll describe what you can expect after investing in a policy for your dog and how it can reduce the costs of veterinary care.

How It Can Reduce Veterinary Costs

Medical care for canines has come a long way over the past 20 years. Many procedures that are common today were not even possible a few decades ago. As a result, dogs can live longer, healthier lives and receive treatment for a variety of illnesses and disorders that would otherwise have deadly consequences. Of course, as with medical attention for people, the costs of veterinary care have skyrocketed.

For example, a condition called “bloat” (also referred to as gastric torsion) might cost more than $5,000 to treat. Because the condition is life-threatening, an owner who cannot afford treatment may be forced to euthanize his canine. Even a relatively minor leg fracture can cost several hundreds of dollars to set.

To be sure, performing tests and providing treatment for your pooch can be expensive. That is the reasons dog health insurance was created. It allows owners to invest in a policy that helps allay the high costs of veterinary treatment. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, the policy covers the expense.

It works in a similar manner as your health insurance policy. When you visit your veterinarian, he or she will present you with a bill covering the procedures that were performed on your canine. After you pay the bill, you would file a claim with your pet insurance provider. Your provider would then review your claim and send you a check to reimburse you for the treatment provided by the veterinarian.

Is It The Right Decision For You?

Only you can know whether your budget is able to accommodate the premiums attached to a dog health insurance policy. In truth, the premiums are usually slight, especially when compared to the amount of coverage a policy offers. Given that a large portion of veterinary care is attributed to unexpected circumstances (i.e. injuries, sudden onset of illness, etc.), it’s an investment that every owner should at least consider.

The worst possible scenario is to find yourself in a situation that forces you to choose between absorbing a significant veterinarian bill or allowing your pooch to perish. A dog health insurance policy can help you avoid that tragic circumstance.

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Introduction – The Anatomy of the Canine Ear

Just as with humans, a dogs ears mainly function for hearing. The difference is the appearance. The outside part of a dogs ear is referred to as the Pinna and is sometimes floppy like a Basset Hound or straight like a Corgi. The main function of the pinna is to funnel sound into the ear canal. While human ear canals are straight, dogs are shaped like the letter “L”. The ear canal is made up of the vertical or descending canal and the horizontal canal. The latter canal ends at the eardrum or tympanic membrane. In a dogs ear the eardrum is a clear membrane and separates the external middle an inner ear.

Common Causes for Ear Infections

Otitis Externa is the most common ear infection in dogs. The three main causes are ear mites, bacteria and yeast and it affects the external part of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals.

Ear mite infections are caused by the mite Otodectes cynotis. Ear mite infections are seen more in puppies than adult dogs, but any dog can get ear mites. A dog gets ear mites from other infected dogs. Ear mites can live in the ear and on the head and neck.

Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacteria related ear infections. Malassezia is the most commonly seen cause of yeast related ear infections. These two types of infections are seen more frequently than ear mite infections. However, there are predisposing factors that make your dog susceptible. They include:

Malformed Ear Canal – When a dogs ear canal is too long or too small, this provides ample opportunity for moisture and debris to become trapped leading to an infection.

Excessive Ear Canal Hair – When there is too much hair in the ear canal, it tends to trap debris and retain water which leads to ear infections.

Swimming and Humid Areas – If a dog loves to swim, he/she can have water trapped in the horizontal and vertical canals which leads to infection. In addition, if a dog resides in a humid climate, the ear can retain moisture from the air, thus resulting in an infection.

Folded or Floppy Pinna – If the pinnae are folded over or cover the vertical ear canal, debris and water can become trapped, thus resulting in infection.

Allergies to Food – Not only will food allergies cause skin problems; they can also alter the environment of the ear canal. When this happens excess moisture is retained and results in ear infections.

Seasonal or Inhalant Allergies – This is also known as Atopy. If a dog has an allergic reaction to grass, trees, mold, dust and other environmental factors it can affect the environment of the ear canal. When this occurs, moisture accumulates creating an ear infection along with skin afflictions.

Systemic Diseases – Some diseases of the endocrine system, such as hypothyroidism, change the environment of the skin and decrease the ability of the immune system to fight off infection. The combination of these things can lead to ear infection.

A Growth or Foreign Object – If there is an abnormal mass or some kind of foreign particle in the ear, it can trap debris and moisture causing an ear infection.

Cleaning the ears too much and leaving water or cleanser in the ears may also predispose a dog to getting ear infections.

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For many dogs with mild diarrhea that are still eating, drinking and acting normal, home treatment may be all that is required. This can be done by providing your dog with a bland diet such as white rice and boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast. Implementing this food in small portions every two to four hours during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours of the onset of diarrhea will allow the intestines to resume a normal balance of enzymes. Once the diarrhea has resolved, you can then begin re-introducing their normal food in small amounts. If the diarrhea does not resolve or it returns after re-introducing the dogs regular diet, this can be an indication of something more serious and warrants an immediate visit to the veterinarian for testing and further treatment options.

There are several options for treatment of diarrhea.

Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to remove any abnormal bacteria in the intestines.

Pectin and Kaolin are medications often given in conjunction with Metronidazole as together they work to stop diarrhea and firm the stool more quickly.

Probiotics are sometimes used also. These are beneficial bacteria that help restore the balance of normal bacteria in the intestines. Some probiotics are used to treat diarrhea and others can be used to prevent diarrhea.

Another option is bland food. Giving your dog white rice and boiled chicken allows the intestines to calm down and readjust to a normal balance.

Do not give your dog over the counter medications such as Immodium, Kaopectate, or Pepto-Bismol without checking with your veterinarian first. Most cases of simple diarrhea respond to treatment within a few days. If your dog continues to have diarrhea, you may need to re-visit the veterinarian for more testing or a change in therapy. The video below discusses treatment of simple diarrhea.

Tar like stool or blood stool, additional symptoms and a dog that just doesn’t feel well must be taken to a veterinarian immediately. If gone untreated, the condition can become worse rapidly, leaving your dog vulnerable to more serious and dire consequences.

How to Prevent Diarrhea

Listed below are several ways you can prevent your dog from having diarrhea:

Keep all trash, human food and medications out of reach.

Do not feed your dog human food or table scraps.

Always supervise your dog while he/she is outside in order to make sure they are not eating something they shouldn’t.

If a change must be made to your dogs regular diet, be sure to do it gradually. This can be accomplished by simply mixing a little of the new food with the old. Gradually increase the amount of new food until that is all your dog is eating. By doing this, you allow your dogs intestines to become slowly adjusted to this new introduction. For most dogs a period of about seven days is all that is needed, however some dogs may require longer.

When boarding your dog, take your own food.

Deworming. It is important to do this every month. Most heartworm medications will also deworm your dog.

Please bear in mind that no information in this article is designed to diagnose or treat your pet nor should it replace a visit to your veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Heather Fox is an an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge. You can find her class about Dog Diarrhea Treatment and other lessons like Dog Parvovirus Infection Diagnosis on Clivir – the Free learning Community Site.

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The Anatomy of the Canine Ear

A dogs ears are the same as a persons ears in that their main function is hearing. Dog ears just do not look like peoples ears. The outside part of the ear is called the pinna. In some dogs it is floppy (like a Basset Hound) and in some dogs it stands up (like a Corgi). The pinna helps to funnel sound into the ear canal. Whereas people have a straight ear canal, the ear canal in the dog is a little L shaped. It is made up of the vertical (descending) canal and the horizontal canal. The horizontal canal ends at the eardrum, or tympanic membrane. The eardrum is a transparent membrane that separates the external ear from the middle and inner ear.

Common Causes of Dog Ear Infections

The most common is an infection of the outside of the ear including the horizontal and vertical canals. This infection is referred to as Otitis Externa and is caused by three main reasons; ear mites, bacteria and yeast.

Ear Mites or Otodectes cynotis cause these ear infections. While they are most commonly found in puppies, any dog at any age can get them. They are contracted by exposure to other animals infected with them and can live on the head and neck as well.

Malassezia is the most common cause of a yeast related ear infection while Staphylococcus is the most seen factor in bacteria related ear infections. These two forms are generally more common than ear mite infections; however there are predisposing factors that can make your dog vulnerable. These factors include:

Malformed Ear Canal – When a dogs ear canal is too long or too small, this provides ample opportunity for moisture and debris to become trapped leading to an infection.

Over Abundance of Hair in the Canal – This excess amount of hair is the perfect tool for trapping debris and holding onto water which can lead to an infection.

Swimming and Humid Areas – If a dog loves to swim, he/she can have water trapped in the horizontal and vertical canals which leads to infection. In addition, if a dog resides in a humid climate, the ear can retain moisture from the air, thus resulting in an infection.

Floppy or Folded Over Ears – Pinnae that cover the vertical canal can trap debris and retain water which results in ear infection.

Food allergies – An allergic response to a particular food ingredient can change the environment of the ear canal leading to moisture build-up and an ear infection. Dogs with food allergies may have other skin problems, too.

Seasonal or Inhalant allergies (atopy) – An allergic response to grass, trees, mold, dust, etc. can change the environment of the ear canal leading to moisture build-up and an ear infection. Dogs with seasonal allergies will usually have other skin problems, too.

Systemic Diseases – Diseases that affect the endocrine system such as hypothyroidism can affect the skin and the immune system. When both of these systems are compromised, an ear infection can occur.

A growth or foreign object in the ear – A growth or foreign object in the ear can trap water and debris in the ear canal leading to an infection.

Cleaning the ears too much and leaving water or cleanser in the ears may also predispose a dog to getting ear infections.

Heather Fox is an experience veterinarian who loves to share her knowledge about Dog Illness Diagnosis. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where you can find more of her articles about Ear Infections in Dogs.

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No matter what the root cause of an ear infection is, the symptoms are all the same. Here are signs you should watch for at home:

Shaking of the Head

Scratching at the head or ears

Continuous rubbing of the head and ears on the ground or floor

A distinct redness or irritation in the ear canal

Discharge coming from the ears

A brown or yellowish discharge present in the ears

Foul smell emanating from the ear

Pan when ears are petted or touched

The Veterinary Visit – Diagnosis of an Ear Infection

At the first sign of symptoms an appointment should be made with a veterinarian. It is also important to remember that you should never put anything into your dogs ears before seeing the veterinarian. This could result in additional symptoms including neurological which include head tilting and walking in circles.

For dogs that get repeated ear infections or have infections that will not go away with treatment, it is important to find the underlying cause of their problems. Some things are easy to figure out just from a physical examination. If a dog has a lot of hair in its ears, floppy pinnae, or small ear canals, a visual examination will show this. Tumors and foreign objects in the ear can usually be seen during a physical examination, too.

In order to rule out an allergy to food, the veterinarian will put your dog on a hypoallergenic food for a period of about eight weeks. During this time you will monitor your dog and keep a journal of any receding symptoms, increasing symptoms or no change in symptoms at all.

Skin and blood testing is used to rule out Atopy. This word stands for seasonal and inhalant allergies. The test will provide the veterinarian with exactly what your dog is allergic to, if anything.

Hypothyroidism and other endocrine diseases affecting the skin are usually diagnosed through a series of one or more blood tests which test the function of a particular endocrine organ. Usually dogs with endocrine disorders will have other symptoms besides ear infections that will lead the veterinarian to suspect another problem.

Treatment of Ear Infections

Once the underlying cause is determined, the treatment can begin. For dogs with food allergies, avoiding these foods is paramount. In dogs with seasonal and inhalant allergies, a combination of medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acid supplements and cyclosporine will be prescribed and your dog will most likely be required to take them for the rest of his/her life.

In addition, topical treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, shampoos and rinses may also be required. However, each dogs case is different and will depend on the severity of their allergy.

In general, an ear infection can be cleared up with a combination of oral medication and medication inserted in the ear. However, it is imperative that you clean your dogs ears once or twice a week to remove excess buildup of medication which can retain debris and impede the healing process. An ear infection is usually treated for two weeks, although some cases may take longer. If the infection does not clear up, a swab or ear culture may be needed for further testing.

How to Prevent Ear Infections

Treat all underlying diseases

Dry your dogs ears out after a bath.

Dry your dogs ears out every time it swims.

Do not use water or cleaner inside your dogs ears unless absolutely necessary and always make sure to dry them thoroughly

Remember: Keeping your dogs ears dry is the one key element in preventing as well as treating ear infections.

An experience veterinarian with great passion for writing, Heather Fox loves to share her knowledge about Dog Health Symptoms with fellow pet lovers. You can find more of her lessons including Dog Flea Allergy Dermatitis Treatment on Clivir.com.

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Taking your dog to the vet could be a debilitating experience for you and your dog. However, it’s necessary to guarantee your dog of a healthy, cheerful and long life.Your dog should see the vet annually for yearly checkups, shots and a blood test for heart worm. Always take your dog to the doctor instantly if it is sick or wounded.

Puppies will have to be immunized with a “5 in 1″ combo vaccine at two, three and four months old, followed by yearly shots. This vaccine inoculates your puppy from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and distemper. An unvaccinated dog that’s older than 4 or 5 months old will be necessary to have a sequence of 2 vaccination shots administered 2 – 3 weeks apart.

Many states need a rabies vaccination for your little puppy which should be given yearly for 2 years and followed up by boosters each 3 years. If your animal becomes sick and wasn’t correctly immunized, be certain to administer the vaccine once the animal has recovered.

Heartworm is a typical and lethal bug. It lives in the dog’s heart and is broadcast by mosquitoes. Each spring, it’s a good idea to get your dog tested for heart worm. This test will establish whether your dog was infected the year before. During mosquito season, you can give your dog an once-a-month tablet to guard it. If you live in a warm climate throughout the year, it is a good idea to continually monitor and administer heartworm medication.

Roundworms and hookworms are also on the roster of disabling doggie sicknesses. If you kiss or get licked by your dog and you breathe the “dog breath” this can not just be a case of gingivitis. Your dog’s halitosis is an indication to you that your dog can have a significant liver or abdominal disease, diabetes, kidney illness or merely wants to go to the dentist.

A regular dental check-up and cleaning will establish if your dog’s mouth has bacteria and plaque which will require pro treatment. You can maintain your dog’s good dental health by brushing the teeth on a consistent basis and feeding it dental treats to munch on. With a kid’s soft toothbrush, the owner can clean the dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste or baking soda and water paste weekly. Always take a look at your dog for fleas and ticks and never feed your dog medication which has not been prescribed.

Maximillian writes articles that informs people about dog health care tips and also general dog health

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Taking your dog to the vet could be a wearing experience for you and your dog. it’s required to guarantee your dog of a healthy, satisfied and long life. Your dog should see the vet annually for yearly checkups, shots and a blood test for heart worm. Always take your dog to the doctor right away if it is sick or wounded.

Puppies will have to be immunized with a “5 in 1″ combo vaccine at two, three and 4 months old, followed by yearly shots. This vaccine inoculates your puppy from hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and distemper. Bigger dogs like Doberman Pinschers, Yankee Staffordshire terriers / pit bulls and Rottweilers will need the mix vaccine up till 5 months of age. An unvaccinated dog that’s older than 4 or 5 months old will be needed to have a chain of 2 vaccination treatments administered 2 to three weeks apart.

Many states need a rabies vaccination for your little puppy which should be given yearly for 2 years and followed up by boosters each 3 years. If your animal becomes sick and wasn’t correctly immunized, be certain to administer the vaccine once the animal has recovered.

Heart worm is a standard and threatening bug. It lives in the dog’s heart and is broadcast by mosquitoes. Every spring, it’s a good concept to get your dog tested for heart worm. This test will establish whether your dog was infected the year before.During mosquito season, you can give your dog an once-a-month tablet to guard it. If you live in a warm climate throughout the year, it is sensible to consistently monitor and administer heart worm medicine.

Roundworms and hookworms are also on the roster of disabling doggie diseases. Whenever you kiss or get licked by your dog and you breathe the “dog breath” this could not just be a case of gingivitis.

A regular dental check-up and cleaning will establish if your dog’s mouth has bacteria and plaque which will require pro treatment. You can maintain your dog’s good dental health by brushing the teeth on a consistent basis and feeding it dental treats to munch on. With a kid’s soft toothbrush, the owner can clean the dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste or baking soda and water paste weekly. Always take a look at your dog for fleas and ticks and never feed your dog medication which has not been prescribed.

Maximillian writes articles that informs people about information on keeping your dog healthy and also your dog’s well being

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What defines a Hot Spot?

A hot spot is a single area of skin that has an infection on the surface. These localized areas of infection are more likely to happen in dogs that have thick hair coats, dogs that swim a lot, and in moist or humid environments. Sometimes flea bites or other insect bites can also be involved. A hot spot starts to develop when more than the usual amount of moisture stays close to the skin. This changes the local environment of the skin and allows bacteria to grow. The bacteria release toxins, which cause inflammation in the skin. This makes the skin itchy in that one spot. A dog will chew and scratch on that spot to relieve the itching, but this makes the situation worse. The chewing damages the skin more and makes the skin infection worse. This makes the area even itchier. This becomes a vicious cycle. A large hot spot can seem to develop over only twenty or thirty minutes and can get bigger quickly. A flea or insect bite can also start the itching process.

Hot Spots – What to look for

These spots are very easy to identify. They are large areas of the skin that are red, inflamed, hairless and sometimes oozing or scabbed over. Most commonly these spots are found on the rear legs and neck but can appear on other areas of the body as well. This are will be so irritating that a dog will not be able to stop licking, chewing, biting and scratching at it. This can make the area very painful to touch.

Diagnosing Hot Spots

Diagnosing a hot spot usually only requires a visual inspection or physical examination.

If several hot spots are present, a visit to your veterinarian may be needed for testing. These include:

Skin scrapings to rule out mange

Fungal Culture – This test is used to eliminate Ringworm as a cause.

Testing of Blood – This test is performed in order to ensure that seasonal or inhalant allergies are not the cause.

Blood and Skin Test – This can rule out an allergy to fleas.

Invasive treatment for fleas even if none are present.

Food Testing – This is performed in order to rule out an allergic reaction to food.

Treatment of Hot Spots

Things to remember when providing treatment include:

Ease Itching

Clear up the infection

Prevent the dog from biting or scratching the area

Keep the hot spot dry

Initially, the remaining hair on the hot spot and the surrounding hair are clipped. The spot is then cleaned well with an antibacterial soap and dried. Clipping and cleaning can be so painful that a dog may have to be sedated for the procedure. This depends on how bad the hot spot is.

A topical and oral antibiotic are the most common treatments. Each one contains a corticosteroid to stop inflammation and itching. By using these medications, your dog is more comfortable thus ending the itch, chew, infection cycle and speeding the healing process.

If your dog is unable to stop licking the area, an Elizabethan collar or lamp shade like collar may be needed. This is generally only needed for a short period of time as most dogs become comfortable within 24 hours. Within one week, the hot spot is usually healed.

Methods to Prevent Hot Spots

To prevent hot spots, several things can be done:

Use effective flea control on a dog and in the environment

Trim the hair of long and thick haired breeds during the summer months

Whenever possible, prevent your dog from swimming

If a dog does swim, dry it well afterwards

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Arthritis in dogs is a degenerative disease of the joints. The combination of inflammation and degradation of the cartilage in the joints as the dog ages causes pain and disability along the way. Injured cartilage disrupts the elasticity and the ability of the joint capsule to nourish and heal itself, by releasing inflammation-causing enzymes.

Most dogs do not vocalize when they are in pain from arthritic joints. The common signs will be a dog that’s reluctant to go on long walks. They may circle endlessly before lying down or really struggle when getting up. They may avoid stairs, refuse to jump up or down from couches or beds, and may limp.

The most common joints affected are the hips, elbows and knees. Dysplasia is a developmental disease they acquire as puppies and usually appears when they are one or two years old. Once the damage of arthritis is done, it will not go away, although the severity of the symptoms can be reduced. Non-surgical management is a three step line of attack; weight control, exercise, and pain relief to increase the quality of life and slow down the progression.

The joint of a dog is comprised of a joint capsule, synovial fluid, articular cartilage and subchondral bone. For a smooth gliding function, the soundness of a joint capsule is extremely important. The production of hyaluronic acid and defense capabilities are of primary concern. To ensure adequate nutrients and lubrication to the cartilage, adequate synovial fluid is needed. This also maximizes the metabolic waste removal from the cartilage.

The wear and tear joint disease is Osteoarthritis. In the progression of OA, there is an increase on the load of the cartilage from the subchondral bone thickening. This leads to further damage and pain in the joint. A decrease in range of motion as well as reduced functioning, is secondary to the low-grade inflammatory process and joint capsular thickening.

For many dogs with arthritis, the use of Nutraceuticals and Chondroprotectants are very popular. The optimum treatment plan would encompass exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, weight management, nutritional therapy and pain management if required. Surgery should be a last resort.

The abnormal joint surface will benefit from a reduced amount of weight placed on it. This is where weight control is of paramount importance. Hip dysplasia will reap enormous benefits from a reduction in the weight load. One of the most beneficial forms of exercise for a dog with arthritis is swimming. Without impacting and stressing the joints with unnecessary weight, the dogs maintain a good range of motion and are comfortable in the process.

One substance that is very beneficial for dog arthritis pain is Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids prevent abnormal cell growth and normalize the immune system. They also prevent inflammation and degeneration of the joint. When looking for sources of Omega-3, look at green leafy vegetables, flax seeds/oil, green-lipped mussels and cold water fish oils. Be sure to purchase organic cold pressed oils packaged in light resistant containers. The quality of oils will vary.

The most widely used nutraceuticals are chondroitin and glucosamine. These products can be used with other remedies, have anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in slowing the progression of arthritis. These have been proven to reduce swelling and help with pain. For the most absorbable into the joint, Glucosamine HCL has led the way.

There are herbal supplements such as Boswellia, which naturally fights joint inflammation and has been used by people in India for centuries. Devils Claw, Ginger and Tumeric are also effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

If you want to change the course of the disease, relieve the pain from it and use something totally natural, Acupuncture has been around for centuries. The results on animals is astounding.

Homeopathy offers a few treatments to look into. Rhus Tox, is good for joints that are worse in cold, damp weather and stiff upon arising. Bryonia is for when the arthritis is worse with exercise and warm weather. Causticum is useful for the older dog that has less pain with heat. Check with your Holistic Veterinarian as to the correct dosages for your dog.

If we modify the home to accommodate our companion dogs, it helps make their life much easier. One of the easiest modifications to make and utilize is the ramp. This prevents the dog from having to navigate up and down stairs. Raised feeding dishes and water bowels help reduce neck and back strain. Stiff, achy and painful joints are helped with heated beds. After all modalities have been exhausted, drugs or surgery may be useful. For the well-being of your dog, do everything else before that route.

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Many people have for years suspected that nutrients play a key role in our prevention, control and treatment of malignancies in dogs. Now, it is finally accepted by experts and scientists that it is not folklore but a truth. Experts are optimistic that nutrients can be effective measures in preventing and treating certain types of cancers.

Many micro nutrients are extremely effective when combined with traditional therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biologic responsive modifiers. Any nutrient that is used in conjunction with anticancer therapies is called adjuvant therapeutics.

Cancer has many consequences. A very significant metabolic result is Cachexia. In spite of sufficient nutritional consumption, there is a consistent loss of weight. In response to treatment, this condition lessens the survival time and reduces the beneficial results. Cachexia causes shifts in the dog’s metabolic system before the condition is recognized.

There are three different periods of cancer Cachexia. In the first period, there are no noticeable signs of the disease. There are however, biochemical changes and alterations in the amino acids taking place. Entering into the second period of this disease, the dog will become anorexic, lose weight and have decreased energy. Now into the third period of the disease, the dog is weak, debilitated, and has lost protein and carbohydrate stores from their body.

Unfortunately, the physical effects of the cancer and the alterations in the metabolism, cause these dogs to waste away. It is the carbohydrate metabolism in these dogs with cancer, that has the greatest metabolic impact. Some scientists believe that a diet high in simple carbohydrates increases the amount of lactate produced. This excessive energy is then used by the host to convert the lactate. This is damaging for 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 host and the cancer cells both compete for the amino acids. If the diet cannot supply the need, the malignant process takes them from the host. High quality amounts of proteins should be provided. Amino acids like arginine and glutamine really benefit the host by helping the immune system and reducing gastrointestinal toxicity for dogs with cancer.

Most of the reduction in weight from cancer cachexia is from fat loss. Therefore, a diet that is high in fat and low in simple carbohydrates will benefit a dog with cancer. The fatty acids N-3 have been shown to reduce many metabolic alterations in dogs with cancer. Not only do these have an anticancer effect, they also reduce the adverse effects of radiation.

Each dog with cancer needs to be assessed individually to determine the appropriate amount and type of nutrients that they should receive. Retinoids have the ability to regulate cancer cells. Various studies have determined that these agents are beneficial either as a stand alone or in combination with other agents in the treatment of certain types of malignancies.

Vitamin C has the most potential in preventing malignant disease as well as in treating certain cancers. Vitamin C could be an alternative for overcoming drug resistance in certain cancer cells. It has been known to prevent cancers of the esophagus and stomach.

For inhibiting mammary tumor carcinogens and colon carcinogens, Vitamin E has lots of potential. In its constitution it has chemo-preventative properties which work against certain malignancies. A 50% reduction in tumor size has occurred in some dogs. In others a complete remission has been witnessed.

Some minerals suggested as chemo-preventive or anticancer agents are, copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, lead, iron, potassium, sodium, arsenic, iodine, germanium and selenium. Several amino acids have also been used as a basis for inhibiting 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.

It is very important to greatly reduce the carbohydrates in the diet and to increase with fats and proteins. The best fats to add are fish oil (preferably salmon) and cold pressed flax oil. Some anticancer foods are beetroot, broccoli, parsley, berries, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cabbage, sage, garlic, yams, cauliflower, shitake mushrooms, green and orange vegetables, yogurt, fish, carrots, watermelon, spleen, fresh thymus and extracts. Feed approximately 60% meat and 40% vegetables.

Supplement the dogs diet with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Co enzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes. All anticancer diets are from fresh foods or home cooked foods. Good nutrition is extremely important in anticancer diets. You can dramatically increase the lifespan of your dog by feeding them a top quality diet. Thy food is thy medicine.

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