It must be heartbreaking to find that your dog is suffering from cancer, however in such times, it is necessary to prioritize your dog’s happiness. It becomes important to comfort and care for your companion and be there for them.

Here’s how.

1. Know the signs when your dog is in pain

Since dogs tend to hide their pain, it can be difficult to tell if they are in discomfort. Monitoring their behaviour can help to notice the visible signs of pain.

Some of these include:

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Stiffness or limping

• Lesser interaction with the things they earlier liked

• Shaking and shivering

• Heavy breathing and fatigue

• Abnormal aggressiveness and tantrums

2. Connect with other pet parents going through the same as you

It can be overwhelming to deal with this situation all by yourself. Joining support groups where people are going through similar situations may be beneficial. Generally, your veterinarian would recommend some of these to help you deal with the fear and grief, and you may learn about similar experiences from other pet parents. More importantly, you wouldn’t feel alone in this battle.

3. Learn about your dog’s cancer and treatment

Although you may have diagnosed reports of your dog’s health, it is necessary to seek advice from a qualified oncologist. To provide better help and comfort to your companion, do your own research and look for the possible treatments that can be given to your dog to make them feel better. Since a variety of treatments can be used to treat cancer, choosing the best possible treatment for your dog will be challenging- here’s where your research will impact your decision.

4. Choosing the right treatment

Cancer is a complex disease that requires a combination of treatments to help your dog fight this battle. It is important to give priority to the treatment but not if it is more painful than the disease. Take advice from a veterinarian, and follow their recommendations.

5. Maintaining a ‘new lifestyle’ for your dog

Battling with cancer- along with dozens of treatments- doesn’t mean that your dog has to stick to their beds or home. Some days may be worse than others, but taking them for a gentle walk or playing with them like old times (but with low intensity) will allow them to feel normal.  Some cancer treatments may require additional care but performing safe activities with them will make them feel happier.

6. What can you do to improve their health?

Better health will help your dog to fight the disease and this can be done by providing supplements and nutritional additives. In addition to healthy home-cooked food, health supplements boost their immune system as well as strengthen their guts.

Some such supplements are-

• ZamiPet High Strength Probiotics + Gut Protect Oral Powder

• Paw DigestiCare

Take advice from the vet before using these supplements so they do not hinder the treatment. Following a diet plan- given by the veterinarian- will help to reduce the risk of other infections and diseases.

7. Stay optimistic but practical

It is difficult to predict results of cancer treatment- however, building a positive environment helps to ease the situation. Having realistic expectations will help you stay sane in adverse situations. Do not forget that it is your dog that needs you the most in this situation. Being there for them physically as well as emotionally will make them feel positive and loved.

Conclusion:

It would be a nightmare to find that your dog has cancer, but dealing with it positively and bravely is necessary for you and your dog. Be there for them and show love and care- they need it the most. More time spent with them will make you both feel ‘comfort’ and give you a sense of being ‘normal’.