Supplements for Dogs With Cancer
1 Omega 3 essential fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids serve as natural anti-inflammatories in cells. There is evidence in human cancer patients that these fatty acids can reduce postoperative infections and acute radiation side effects, as well as being able to kill cancer directly and reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. “Multiple studies highlight the benefits of omega 3s for not only cancer, but many inflammatory diseases,” says Dr. Kramer. “It is important to look for a quality product and introduce it gradually since high doses can cause diarrhea.”
2 Medicinal Mushrooms
(including chaga, reishi, shiitake and turkey tail) “Mushrooms contain immune polysaccharides (also known as beta glucans) that have anti-tumor effects and prevent the spread of cancer by stimulating the immune system,” says Dr. Kramer. Chaga is said to help with aging and inflammation; shiitake, with lowering cholesterol, heart health, blood pressure and circulation; turkey tail, with immune support, cancer prevention and antioxidants; reishi, with regulating the immune system, fighting cancer and helping with sleep, anxiety, and depression; and cordyceps, with energy and muscle recovery.
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3 Ashwagandha
“An Ayurvedic herb also known as Indian ginseng, ashwagandha has been studied in mice and was found to have anti-cancer properties and can decrease neurodegeneration, inflammation, adrenal stress, and anxiety,” says Dr. Kramer. Withaferin, a bioactive compound in ashwagandha, is thought to promote the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.
4 Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)
There are several formulas that may benefit dogs with cancer, says Dr. Kramer. “Common cancer preparations are Hoxsey formula, Stasis breaker, HSA formula, and
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang. Herbal formulas typically contain multiple herbs and have complex mechanisms of action. Recommendations for a specific formula is tailored to the individual patient. Combining herbs with other aspects of TCVM (acupuncture, massage, food therapy) can be quite effective,” she says.
5 Green tea extract
Green tea contains polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants, and “antioxidants prevent DNA damage which can lead to cancer,” says Dr. Kramer. “It has been shown to inhibit certain tumor types in lab animals.” Studies have also shown green tea extract to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, prevent disease, and keep skin and liver healthy.
6 Milk thistle
Milk thistle has been found to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. Kramer. “Typically used in dogs with liver disease, milk thistle aids with cellular repair and regeneration and detoxification,” she says. Milk thistle can be helpful for dogs undergoing chemotherapy as some chemotherapeutic agents also can be directly hepatotoxic. Many dogs will experience elevations in liver enzymes during chemo, with a smaller number developing liver failure. Studies have shown milk thistle to reduce liver enzyme elevations and allow patients to receive chemotherapy on schedule.
7 Turmeric
“A member of the ginger family, turmeric has been used for ages due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions,” says Dr. Kramer. Curcumin, the principal compound in turmeric, has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro by many mechanisms, as well as relieving pain and inflammation, such as that caused by osteoarthritis. It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, liver disease, and itching. Janet Cvitkovic of Ambridge, PA, made her Golden Retriever, Honey—who was diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2020—turmeric golden paste (turmeric, coconut oil, water and fresh ground pepper, frozen into cubes). Janet’s vets felt it helped with Honey’s stomach health, bones, and joints.
8 Lactoferrin
“An iron-binding protein found in colostrum, lactoferrin is being researched as a promising agent in cancer prevention and treatment,” says Dr. Kramer. “It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.” Lactoferrin is also used to treat diarrhea, inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, anemia, common colds, sepsis, and other conditions.
9 CBD
A hemp-derived cannabinoid, CBD has become very popular for its health benefits for humans and dogs.
“CBD can be very helpful in relieving pain and nausea and stimulating appetite in most dogs,” says Dr. Kramer. “This can be very beneficial for providing not only palliative care but relieving the side effects of chemotherapy. There is also a large body of evidence that suggests CBD and many of the other chemicals in cannabis have specific anti-cancer effects. There are several very exciting studies underway looking at the effects of CBD on specific dog cancers.”
Although veterinary cannabinoid medicine has come a long way, and while CBD is legal in both the U.S. and Canada, veterinarians in Canada and the U.S. are not allowed to recommend, prescribe or dispense cannabis or CBD products. “However, veterinarians can engage in harm reduction education and advise on how to find regulated CBD products and how to use them safely,” says Dr. Kramer. “A majority of my geriatric and cancer patients receive a CBD supplement.”
Cancer Diets
In addition to medical treatments and supplements, a dog diagnosed with cancer would benefit from a tailored, vet-approved diet. It is always best to feed real food and use food as a source of antioxidants, says Dr. Kneebone. “Home cooked is best for chemotherapy dogs. The goal is for high quality minimally denatured highly bioavailable protein to keep the muscles and to have co-factors for the detoxification enzyme systems, with soluble and insoluble fiber to feed a patient’s microflora and fruits and vegetables for the antioxidants,” she says. “If the patient can maintain or gain weight, you might win the battle against cancer. Cancer burns up more caloric ATP than it gives back to the body which leads to cancer cachexia.” Simply – the best diet is always going to be the one the pet will eat, says Dr. Kneebone. “Even if they'll only eat a high-processed diet, there are still things one can do to boost the quality of the antioxidants for the pet.”
Self-Care For Pet Parents
It’s important for the pet parent not to neglect him or herself in all of this. “When faced with a cancer diagnosis for your pet, its important to take care of yourself. If you’re not cared for, you can’t make the right decisions for your pet. “Don't ever think that it was something you did wrong,” says Dr. Kneebone.
“We are all faced with the same pollution, the same nutrient-depleted and pesticide-filled food, the same chemical toxins, the same EMF radiation, the same emotional issues,” she says. “One must get over the shock of the diagnosis and the fear of the family pet’s mortality. Our loved one doesn't always know they are so ill, and our anxiety upsets them too. If cancer is suspected, get it confirmed. Not all cancers are malignant and not all that looks like cancer actually is.” Dr. Kneebone recently had a patient, a large breed dog, that had an X-ray for a limp. The radiograph showed an aggressive pattern highly suggestive of bone cancer.
“The client asked for my opinion. I didn't think the radiograph was classical in appearance so I advised a bone biopsy,” she says. “Turned out to be an aggressive arthritic lesion. The dog had a surgery and is alive and recovering. So, I always advise a biopsy be performed to confirm the diagnosis.”
Secondly, get your support network together for your emotional support and your financial support, as diagnostics and treatments come at a high cost, says Dr. Kneebone. “You want positive people with you all the way.”
That’s the way Denise sees it. These days, Rook is doing well, with no noticeable decline in his health or stamina, Denise reports. “I’m thankful he has shown no signs of slowing down and his latest bloodwork looks very good,” says Denise. The vet says he can’t feel the tumour—he was very surprised! My vet is pleased to hear he is getting chaga too—he says it certainly can’t hurt to try everything.”