The Leading Suspects
As
far as we know, the following are the most likely causes of cancer in
dogs:
 Probably
if we could eliminate all of the above the likelihood of cancer would be
very slim. We do know that a healthy dog is constantly fighting off the
"beginnings" of cancer on a day-to-day basis. The body's
immune systems usually take care of the potential development of cancer
cells, "nipping it in the bud" so to speak. When the immune
system is compromised, the danger of cancer increases. Let's examine the
dangers, and consider what can be done about them...
Our Sparky may
have been genetically disposed to get cancer - we're not sure. But if
this were true, was he also genetically disposed to responding so well
to his treatment? In our minds this doesn't make sense. Certainly if we
had thought that genetics was the culprit, we may have given up hope
right then and there.
There's not
much a dog owner can do about genetics if you already have a dog. The
genetics are built in. Some breeds do seem more disposed than others to
cancer. Personally, we consider the research in this area vague at best.
We  know
of no breeders who actually breed for low susceptibility to cancer,
probably because there's not much of a solid guide for them to follow.
We can hope for more research on genetics. Probably if one parent had
cancer, a puppy would be more disposed to contracting the disease. But
where's the evidence? We need more research!!
more
here
This was
covered in detail in our August 2005 issue. Here's a quick review:
-
Most
owners/vets/breeders vaccinate too much. Vaccines damage the immune
system
-
Never give
more than one shot at a time
-
Some
veterinarians are now saying not to immunize at all before
three months. The puppy's immune system isn't fully formed
yet.
-
Some say never
vaccinate at all!
-
Avoid
"annual" boosters. We are finding more and more that
vaccines last the entire lifespan of the dog and don't ever need to
be repeated.
more
here
Some commercial dog
foods, both dry and canned, contain toxic metals. Not good! Also,
many list "animal by-products" as an ingredient. Commercial
dog food producers are usually rooted in the "human food"
business. Often, the subsidiary dog food business is a way of using up
the leftovers - fillers and substandard food matter. If you use commercial food, check out the ingredients, and
supplement
substantially with fresh human-quality foods such as vegetables, meats,
fruits and grains. Cancer patients should eat low-carbohydrate diets,
and, while not as crucial in cancer-free animals, we think it wouldn't
hurt to cut down on the carbs for them also. We don't like extreme
diets, such as macrobiotic, vegetarian, all-protein and the like. It is
our personal opinion that balance is the key.
Fresh foods and
those high in anti-oxidants are highly recommended today.
 These
include garlic, carrots and broccoli. Lycopene? - Tomatoes, and
cooked-down tomato products such as ketchup. Omega-3 oils? Sardines and
salmon are excellent. Soy? - We're not sure; the verdict isn't in. Adding
soy might overdo, since soy is hidden in so many commercial foods.
Proteins? Include chicken, meat and fish.
Supplements:
Of course, we swear by noni juice. Sparky, now just
beginning his sixth year of remission, still takes it. Flaxseed oil, yes. Fish oil, yes.
Turmeric (curcumin) yes - not only helps cure but also prevents cancer
(see our last issue). Check with your holistic vet about additional
supplements - vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.
Summary:
A balanced variety of fresh, human-quality foods low in carbs and
high in protein, anti-oxidants and Omega-3's. (By the way, avoid
chocolate and grapes -- they're both toxic to dogs!)
more here
Water may
contain traces of all sorts of toxins. Is your local tap water fine?
Fine. We boil our (well-rated) New York City water for three full
minutes, then filter it. Many swear by bottled spring water, very much
in vogue these days. Fine. But much of it isn't as safe as local tap
water boiled and filtered. One of these days we may do some more
thorough research on water. Rule of thumb: never drink or serve your pet
tap water without boiling and filtering. Use bottled water if you (a)
completely trust your brand and (b) don't mind paying upwards of $8.00 a
gallon. (You think gasoline is expensive?)
more here
This topic
could fill a book. So many poisons and toxins floating around! The air
outside is generally getting better than it was, say, twenty years ago.
But what about indoors? In 1989, the EPA submitted a report on indoor
air quality to the United States Congress. The report concluded that
North America's worst air pollution is found inside our homes. When you use strong chemical cleaners and
solvents, not only you, but your dog breathes this into his nostrils.
Easy on those "powerful" cleaners. If they have you gasping
for fresh air, well, that simply can't help matters. How about smoking?
Do dogs suffer from second-hand smoke? We don't know for sure; so far we
haven't seen a study on cancer rates among dogs living with smokers. But
we think we can safely say that your smoking indoors doesn't do your
pooch any good.
Bottom line:
You can't personally clean up the air outside, but you sure can
control the quality of the air inside where you and your dog
live.
more
here
FLEA DRUGS,
HERBICIDES AND PESTICIDES
Some flea
collars and treatments are toxic,
and it is claimed that some are carcinogenic! Check this out. Just
remember that you are putting a killer in or on your dog.
Sometimes natural methods just don't do the job. But be careful, is all we
are saying. Get some reliable information on the product you are
considering using.
Be careful
about using a pesticide or weed killer on the lawn where your animals
frequent! Again, remember that these poisons are designed to kill. Check
out the safety of the products you are using!
more here
Stress in
animals can be caused by anxiety and fear, boredom, even grief. Well
adjusted dogs aren't bothered by stress. If your dog is a "happy
camper," no problem. Things that can cause anxiety are separation
and, god-forbid, abuse. One of the best stress-relievers is exercise.
All dogs need a certain amount of daily physical activity. If you are
too busy to walk/run your dog each day, consider getting someone to do
it for you. Have you seen "The Dog Whisperer" on TV (National
Geographic Channel)? We think he's terrific. But most of his affluent
Hollywood-type clients all seem to have a problem related to their dogs'
lack of exercise. Spending all its time in a house - even a palatial one
- just won't fill the bill for most dogs.
Stress can play havoc with the immune system.
Relieve
behavioral problems in your canine and you'll also relieve stress. Think about it.
Many suspect
that electrical fields, such as occur near high voltage lines, can cause
cancer with long exposure. Also, some devices such as televisions and
computer monitors emit radiation, particularly from the bottom. We
confess not to know much about this subject (yet!) but will try to get
informed. Meanwhile, we'll not be letting Sparky sleep on the floor under the
computer monitor!
more
here
and here
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a POUND of prevention...
Our
However,
let us clarify what a low titers score signifies. One
veterinarian we quoted last week stated that a low titers score means that
it's time to revaccinate. What we didn't say is that this interpretation
is contradicted by other veterinarians. 