It's been a long time since I posted a blog, but I have not stopped studying and researching. My most recent interest is in canine cancer. I am currently taking a certification course in canine cancer in the hope of helping pet parents who are facing a cancer diagnosis with their dog.
I recently had a "forever foster" from a local rescue. Ethel (a miniature poodle mix), came into the rescue un-spayed and with mammary tumors. Due to her health situation, a spay and removal of the tumors was not a doable solution. This began my journey (and many rabbit holes) into studying and researching this epidemic disease.
I find it sad that most veterinarians and pet parents do not realize the prevalence of cancer in dogs. When I read that 65% of dogs will develop cancer in their life, I thought to myself "that's too many!" I knew I had to learn everything I could to help. I've long said that nutrition is your first line of defense...and that is even more so for a dog with cancer.
I will be doing in depth research on dry dog food (kibble) and wet dog food to determine which are best for dogs and for which kinds of cancer, as I'm sure each one is probably unique in how to design a nutritional plan. For example, red meat is not good for a dog with mammary tumors. I will zero in on the nutritional analysis of many brands of dog food and blog here regarding those, so you can make informed decisions about what to feed your dog.
Let me stress this...kibble is a "no-no" for a dog with cancer! It's my personal opinion, but I have also read it elsewhere in my research. I know there are formulas out there that would lead you to believe otherwise, but even the best (and most expensive) are too high in carbohydrates. (many 50% plus)
I realize kibble and packaged wet foods are a convenience. People don't have time to home cook for their dogs, or feed special diets. The dog food industry has long brainwashed people into believing, I have a dog....this is dog food...and it will meet my dog's nutritional needs. The process in preparing dry food is one of over cooking and overprocessing at very high temperatures, thus destroying any original nutrients the ingredients may have had. Vitamins and minerals listed on the ingredient list are added back in AFTER the cooking process, and are in my opinion, second best, if that. (not the way your dog should be getting supplementation)
This article is to serve as a springboard to what I will be blogging about in the coming new year. The following 12 common canine cancers will be the ones I will really zero in on: lymphoma, mast cell tumors, mammary cancer, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, transitional cell carcinoma, oral cancers, malignant melanoma, nasal tumors, soft tissue sarcoma, brain tumors and gland tumors.
I realize this is an extensive list, maybe even somewhat overwhelming, but I take my studies and research seriously. Considering 2017 statistic numbers of 89.7 million dogs in the United States, that 65% I mentioned earlier that will get cancer (and by the way, I recently read, 1 out of 3 by the age of 10, and 2 out of 3 after the age of 10 will develop cancer) gives me cause to believe it's an area I should focus on.
I hope you will follow these blogs, share them with family, friends, co-workers...whoever may need this information, so that going forward perhaps we can find the proper means to deal with a disease that truly needs a cure...one that I believe will come through education, nutrition and herbal avenues.
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