Articles
Dr. Demian Dressler has been writing articles for DogCancerBlog.com since 2008. If you’re looking for excellent advice and insight into your dog’s cancer, this site has hundreds of articles to use. You can search using the box above or choose a topic from the navigation menu. And you can always ask us for help!
Is There a Link Between Overfeeding and Cancer?
As humans, we know that overeating is not healthy for us and by the same logic, we must realize that overfeeding our dogs is not healthy for them. While overfeeding can lead to obesity and shorten life expectancy, it may also lead to obesity and cancer. And since dog cancer is difficult to deal with emotionally,…
Food and Nutrition for Dogs with Mast Cell Tumors
Dr. Dressler’s Dog Cancer Diet is appropriate for most dogs, but dogs with mast cell tumors need a few modifications. Read this if your dog needs a low-histamine diet.
Luteolin, Apoptosis, and Cancer: New Research That Can Help Your Dog with Cancer
Luteolin is a powerhouse dietary apoptogen, found in vegetables and fruits. Its impact on cancer is profound because it supports apoptosis.
Luteolin
There were many studies, articles and books Dr. Dressler and Dr. Ettinger used when writing The Dog Cancer Survival Guide. Here is a list of the most important references about the use of luteolin, a flavonoid found in plants such as peanut hulls (the red skin surrounding the nut), chrysanthemums, and many other plants, fruit…
Apoptosis
There were many studies, articles and books Dr. Dressler and Dr. Ettinger used when writing The Dog Cancer Survival Guide. Here is a list of the most important references about the use of apoptosis, a completely normal, natural form of cell suicide that is biologically critical to health. In fact, the lack of apoptosis is…
Supplements for Dogs with Cancer
There are dozens of supplements that are supposed to help with cancer. How do you know which ones are worth using with your own dog?
Your Golden Retriever Can Help Stop Cancer: The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study
Attention Golden Retriever moms and dads: Help us understand cancer better by enrolling in this important research study by the Morris Animal Foundation. All you do is fill out questionnaires and get regular vet checkups!
Don’t Forget Your Dog at the Veterinarian
When booking a new consultation with me, pet Guardians often ask if it is necessary to bring their dog to the appointment. From their point of view, they are often concerned about the stress of the visit on their pet, or maybe the travel itself. But from my point of view, a consultation without the…
Worried about Oral or Nasal Tumors? You Should Be!
You should check your dog every month for dental and nasal tumors. Yes! They are way more common and aggressive than you might think. Here’s how.
Guidelines for Dealing with Your Dog’s Chemotherapy Side Effects
As I’ve discussed in other posts, chemotherapy is very well tolerated in dogs. Yes I know that is hard to believe. I have had family members get chemo and we have all seen it on TV, but happily it’s not like that for dogs. Approximately 80% of dogs do not have side effects at all…
Checking Your Dog for Anal Gland Cancer
Unseen Does Not Mean Undetectable It’s great to develop a habit of performing regular check-ups of our dog’s body by physically running our hands down their legs, looking in their ears, and sneaking in some extra neck rubs while we feel for lumps and bumps. Some dangers however, develop internally. Knowing how to detect these…
Lumps or Bumps Around Dogs Eyes or Ears? Here’s How to Check
Checking for bumps around dogs eyes is important because some cancers go unnoticed for a long time. Here’s how to check gently and thoroughly.
Giving Your Dog Chemotherapy at Home, Safely
Have to give your dog chemotherapy at home? Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology) has tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Checking Your Dog’s Legs for Signs of Osteosarcoma
Taking it in Stride: Those Amazing Legs Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is a common cancer in our dogs, and it usually develops in the long bones of the legs and the ankle or hock joint. It is more common in some breeds than others, and although there are certain reasons a dog is predisposed to bone…
Is It OK to Use Leftover Drugs If My Dog Gets Sick?
Should you use those old prescriptions if your dog’s symptoms return? It turns out you probably shouldn’t. Dr. Stacy Branch, our resident pharmacologist, explains why.
Using the Full Spectrum Approach: Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Dogs with Cancer
When my dog was first diagnosed with cancer I spent time every day looking for help for him. It’s what we do. My vet was wonderful, and together we worked out a great conventional treatment plan. But I wanted more. I wanted everything that had any chance of helping. Sound familiar? In addition to terrific…
Better Life Quality: Play with Your Dog with Cancer
How important is it to play with your dog with cancer? Very!
Metronomic Chemotherapy for Dogs with Cancer
What is Metronomic Chemotherapy? Metronomic chemotherapy is a relatively new type of chemotherapy that uses low doses of oral (pulse) chemotherapy given on a continuous treatment schedule. Since it is given daily or every other day, the chemotherapy is given at lower doses then typical chemotherapy, often with a reduced toxicity profile. That reduction in…
Diet and Dogs with Cancer
Dr. Ettinger’s views on diet have changed since she co-authored The Dog Cancer Survival Guide and attended the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Associations’ conference. This is important stuff!
Prepare for Emergencies with Senior or Ill Dogs
The Call We Don’t Want to Make This is a tough one to write, and it will probably be a tough one to read. But part of being my dog’s champion, guardian, friend, and ‘parent’ means I have to be prepared to help. We all do, like it or not. It’s been over three years…
Facing Dog Cancer? This Is Your First Priority
Want to help your dog with cancer? Learn this, FIRST — it’s the foundation of every cancer journey.
Is Your Dog’s Food Helping or Hurting?
One of the most important things you can do for your dog with cancer is improving his or her diet, which is why Dr. Demian Dressler, author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, made food the exclusive focus of step four of his five step approach to cancer care. But how far do you have…
Ethoxyquin
View a list of the most important references about Ethoxyquin that Dr. Dressler and Dr. Ettinger used when writing “The Dog Cancer Survival Guide”.
How Is Your Relationship with Your Vet?
Dr. Demian Dressler, author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, and his oncologist co-author, Dr. Susan Ettinger, don’t always agree about everything. But they definitely agree that you are the ultimate authority on your own dog – and that’s why you should take on the role of “Primary Health Advocate.” As Primary Health Advocate, you…
Do You Need an Oncologist on Your Dog Cancer Team?
Do you really need an oncologist on your dog cancer team? Sigh. As always with dog cancer, the answer is not the same for everyone. Dead Set Against Conventional Treatments? No Need. If you already know that you would never, ever, ever use surgery, chemotherapy or radiation to treat your dog’s cancer, hiring a specialist…
“Alternative” Strategies That May Help Dogs with Cancer
Some conventional vets find Chapter Fifteen in The Dog Cancer Survival Guide one of the most controversial sections of the book. It’s where Dr. Demian Dressler talks about his fifth step in Full Spectrum cancer care: brain chemistry modification. Dr. Dressler has found that it’s really important to boost your dog’s mood in order to…
Budgeting for Your Dog’s Cancer Care
It’s a sad fact that budget concerns will probably impact which cancer treatments you choose for your dog. Especially when it comes to conventional care, the price tag can be quite high. According to studies, conventional cancer treatments (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy), typically cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Single treatments, like surgery, may cost $2,000 or…
Winter Dangers for Dogs with Cancer
Even as I begin writing this post I sigh at the title “Winter Dangers”. It just seems that everywhere we turn there is a threat! And constantly being on guard can be exhausting! So I offer this to you both from the perspective of caring for your dog with cancer, who may be more vulnerable…
Checking your Dog for Testicular Cancer
One for the Boys Intact males (those who have not been neutered) may, in later years be more prone to bladder, prostate or testicular cancer. Dr. Ettinger’s post “Spay/neuter and the association with cancer in dogs: part one” discusses the pros and cons of neutering in more detail, and is a wonderful read. When my…