If you've just received the diagnosis that your pet has cancer, undoubtedly you're feeling lost, alone, and overwhelmed. We will discuss many of your options as well as some changes you can make in your life and the life or your pet to help him or her be as healthy as possible.

Find a specialist
It is always advisable to seek the opinion of an oncologist, even if you don't think you want to treat your pet's cancer with chemotherapy or radiation. Veterinary oncologists deal only with cancer and are very knowledgeable about the latest treatments and protocols. They can fully inform you about your pet's cancer, from what it is to all the possible ways you can fight it. Ask your vet to refer you to an oncologist if you aren't familiar with one already.

Change your pet's diet
Diet is a complicated issue, and most vets do not agree on what is best. Traditional vets tend to be in one camp, and holistic vets tend to be in another. It is the opinion of The Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation that the best diet for any pet, especially one with cancer, is the freshest diet possible. Just as foods full of preservatives and additives are not healthy for humans, it makes sense that the same goes for our animal companions. We believe a fresh, raw diet is the healthiest for all animals. Not all parents are comfortable with this type of diet, and not all animals, especially cats, are keen on making that switch. Fresh, cooked food would be the next best option. If this doesn't fit into your lifestyle, a holistic food containing human grade ingredients is also acceptable. We recommend avoiding carbohydrates, as it is thought that cancer feeds on them. We also recommend avoiding commercial pet food, such as the brands you can find at your local grocery or superstore.

You also should switch to filtered tap water. Bottled water is not preferred, as the plastic can leach into the water, exposing your pet to excess toxins. If you have municipal water, you might want to consider a filter system that removes chlorine, another toxin.

Consider your treatment options
There are many options for treatment, and a skilled veterinarian can guide you through them.

Chemotherapy is an option for nearly every type of cancer. There are many different drugs and many different treatment protocols; some drugs and protocols work better than others. The success of the chemotherapy will depend on many factors, including the type and severity of your pet's cancer. Many families are afraid of cancer. We often hear, "My cousin had chemotherapy for his cancer, and he was so sick all of the time. He lost all of his hair and didn't have enough energy to do anything. I can't put my dog through that." Animal chemotherapy is much different from human chemotherapy. The goal of animal chemotherapy is to improve the quality of life of the pet, not to cure the cancer (as is the case in human chemotherapy). Therefore, the doses are much smaller. Oncologists do not want your pet to be sick, and many pets experience few or no side effects. If you're concerned about chemotherapy, discuss potential side effects with your oncologist, and also consider joining a support group to discuss chemotherapy with other parents who have experienced it.

Radiation is also an option for some types of cancer. It requires a more intensive time commitment, as your pet will generally receive radiation several days a week for many weeks. As with anything, there are pros and cons to radiation, but it may increase your pet's survival time. In advanced cases, radiation may be used to shrink a large tumor enough to provide more comfort for the pet. This is called palliative care.

Another treatment option, often ideally used in conjunction with oncological care, is holistic care. Holistic care works to treat the whole pet, not just the symptoms. With a cancer pet, boosting the immune system and supporting other systems affected by cancer treatment is very important. A holistic vet can also help you determine the healthiest diet for your pet. Not all oncologists or traditional vets are supportive of holistic care. Be sure to discuss holistic care with your oncologist before seeking the services of a holistic vet, but ultimately, you must make the decision you feel most comfortable with.

Regardless of the type of treatment you seek, if any, it is most important to follow your instincts and your heart. You know your pet best. You won't always agree with your vet or feel comfortable with his or her recommendations. Always question your vet and always be an advocate for your pet.

Please visit our Resources page for more information on animal cancer.