Guest Column: Canine Cancer Information

Today we are pleased to bring you a guest column by Jen Schneider, the President of The Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation. Cancer affects many pets and knowledge is a good weapon in the fight against the disease. So, without further ado, here's Jen.

Animal cancer is a cause close to my heart, not only because it affects so many pets (and the numbers seem to be climbing year after year), but also because my own dog, Indiana, was diagnosed with cancer back in 2006. Though Indiana is still alive and well today (and cancer-free), our experience was life-altering, and my husband and I vowed to make something good out of something so awful. We created the Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation to help educate others in hopes that just one dog could be saved from this disease.

Though no hard and fast numbers are known (so many cases of cancer go undiagnosed), some estimates say that cancer affects around 50% of all dogs. Some breeds, like golden retrievers, rottweilers, and boxers, have higher rates of specific cancers I’ve seen suggestions that up to 75% of all golden retrievers will be affected by lymphoma alone.

There is no one way to prevent cancer, and certainly genetics, which we can’t personally control, play a large role. However, we as parents can go a long way in helping to reduce our pets’ exposure to carcinogens.Some easy, but vital, ways to help prevent animal cancer include:

• Forgoing the use of pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn.
• These products are thought to be the number one cause of lymphoma, one of the most common types of cancer.
• Using non-toxic cleaners in your home. Your pets walk around in bare feet all the time, they they lick their paws. I feel much more comfortable knowing they’re being exposed to vinegar and baking soda rather than synthetic cleaners.
• Feeding a high quality diet--the best you can afford. This involves a lot of research, because commercial pet foods aren’t all as safe as we think. Humans thrive on a fresh diet, and it is no different for our pets.
• Considering titers instead of automatically vaccinating every year. A simple blood test will tell you if your pet’s body contains enough of the vaccine antibodies to keep them safe for another year.

What do you do if your pet is diagnosed with cancer? First, make sure your pet is seen by an oncologist, who is highly trained and deals only with cancer. Second, do as much research as you can (though be careful about the internet--there’s a lot of bad information out there too--and it will just scare you!). Knowledge really is power, and you’ll be able to be confident in whatever decisions you make. There are a number of online support groups, with dog parents who have been or are still dealing with cancer. You’ll often learn little tricks your vet might not know. Plus, the emotional support is invaluable.

Every dog parent dreads a cancer diagnosis, but cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Cancer treatments have come so far. Many people live within an hour or two’s drive from a specialized [animal] cancer clinic, where they have access to top oncologists, high quality diagnostic equipment, and the latest knowledge on treatments and therapies.

We often hear, “I could never put my pet through chemotherapy. My cousin had chemo, and she lost her hair and was sick all the time.” This is one of the biggest misconceptions about animal cancer treatments--that our pets will have the same side effects as our human loved ones. The goal of human chemotherapy is to cure the cancer. The goal of animal chemotherapy is to prolong quality of life. (Though cures can occasionally be achieved.) The dosages are much smaller, and many dogs sail through chemotherapy with few, if any, side effects. That’s why it’s important to consult with an oncologist; you may have more options than you think.

Hopefully you will never be faced with a diagnosis of cancer in your pet. But if you are, there is hope, and there are resources out there to help you and your pet, from finances, to support, decisions, and knowledge. Becoming educated about cancer is perhaps the best thing you can do. Helping to prevent cancer will make a difference in your pet’s future. I’d give anything to have had the knowledge I have now 10 years ago. Perhaps Indiana could have avoided her cancer diagnosis. I’ll never know. But I do know that I learned the hard way and am trying my hardest to make sure you don’t have to.

In addition to Great Good Heart Animal Cancer Foundation, Jen recommends these websites to learn more about canine cancer:

The Perseus Foundation "a wonderful resource for all aspects of animal cancer."

Georgia's Legacy: Canine Cancer Information and Support Resource "My favorite website written by a fellow canine cancer parent."

Things I Learned From My Dog Jen's personal blog where "you can learn more about Indiana and live after cancer."

Guest Entry Dog Massage: Much More than Pampering

Today we welcome Justine Erickson to Happy Dog Land. Justine is a Certified Animal Massage Practitioner and professional groomer. Today, Justine shares the many benefits of canine massage and explains why massage can actually improve your pooch's body, mind and spirit.

Dog massage has been performed for thousands of years…by dogs themselves! In one of my favorite books on dog massage, Healing Touch for Dogs , Dr. Michael W. Fox explains how dogs in the wild use their own type of massage called “social grooming.” When mothers lick their young pups, this important stimulating action actually aids in their digestive process. Dr. Fox also points out that dogs that do not receive this type of maternal social grooming or ‘massage’ are less likely to develop and thrive.

The physical benefits of massage are numerous:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Aids Digestion
• Improves joint flexibility
• Relieves muscle soreness, tension, stiffness and weakness
• Helps cleanse the body of toxins
• Improves skin elasticity and coat quality (removes dead skin and stimulates hair follicles)

Massage has many emotional benefits for you dog too:

• Reduces anxiety in chronically nervous dogs
• Helps calm a dog for specific events that may make her anxious, such as vet visits, grooming sessions, moving to a new home, welcoming a new pet or baby into their family, etc.
• Creates a sense of trust
  
• Is an effective and enjoyable way to bond with your dog

Dogs in every stage of life, from puppies to seniors, can benefit from massage. Indeed, a regular massage regimen can:

• Help with socialization: Massage gets a dog used to being touched and handled, which is especially important for families with young children or other pets.
• Serve as a consistent way to monitor your dog: When regular massages are given, the therapist can develop a sense for what is "normal" for your dog. Any changes in temperament as well as physical changes (e.g., newly sensitive areas of the body, the discovery of new lumps, bumps or other changes in the skin or coat) can alert you to something that requires veterinary attention and may aid in early detection of a serious condition or illness.

Whether it’s for general wellness or condition-specific, massage can be customized to serve your dog’s individual needs and preferences. If your dog is very active and likes to engage sports, such as agility, or if is he's your favorite running companion, massage can help keep your pooch finely tuned for his favorite activities. Massage can also help your dog stay strong and avoid injury. For dogs who have had surgery or illness, massage can help speed recovery time as well as enhance their comfort and pain relief.

In my own practice, I like to incorporate gentle stretching as well as Reiki and acupressure when I feel that they will be beneficial for the dog. I really ‘tune-in’ to the dog and follow their signals about what feels good and what doesn’t. For some dogs, a short yet continuous session is best. Other dogs like to have longer sessions with "breaks" where they can stand up, stretch, sniff around and then resume the massage. Just like humans, dogs definitely have their own individual preferences and moods, which makes every session both enjoyable and challenging.

One of the most interesting aspect of the massage is what I refer to as the “calming ripple effect.” When I’m working on an individual dog, I’ve often seen the calming effects of the massage trickle over to other dogs in the immediate area. Before you know it, all of the dogs are lying down, relaxing, some falling asleep and snoring! This effect is especially amazing in animal shelters where dogs are experiencing high levels of stress. The calming energy that flows through the room is especially beneficial to these dogs. I believe that it helps them cope until they are able to find their forever home.

What you can do at home
Touch improves a dog's well-being. In fact, I would encourage you to lightly stroke and cuddle your dog as much as possible. However, any deep massage, more advanced techniques or intense stretching should be performed only by a trained professional.

Massage professionals are trained to understand the limitations of a dog’s body including the appropriate range of motion for canine joints. In addition, dogs that are older, have health problems or have recently had surgery can be more susceptible to injury. Thus, it is important to keep your dog’s massage practitioner well-informed of your pooch's current condition as well as his health history. When in doubt of your dog’s specific limitations, always consult your veterinarian first. Share this important information with your dog’s massage provider before the massage too. Massage should be a safe and enjoyable experience for your dog. Don’t be surprised if they get ‘hooked’ and are barking for more!

Justine Erickson is a graduate of the Northwest School of Animal Massage. She is also an Animal Reiki Practitioner and has completed canine acupressure training with the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute

What to Feed Fido: Some Quick Tips

Lately, many people have been asking us advice about dog food. To tide you over until September 1st when you can read the detailed, but pithy nutrition chapter in our book Happy Dog Caring for Your Dog's Body, Mind and Spirit, here's some information.

• Learn to read labels. The length of the ingredient list doesn’t always indicate the quality of the food. The ingredient list must show the ingredients in descending order by weight. A protein from a specified animal should be the first ingredient. Avoid generic proteins such as “meat” or “poultry.” Although dogs like to eat some of the animal parts we don’t, proteins from a specified animal are better than by-products. Likewise, by-products are better than rendered meals and digests.
• Watch for ingredient splitting. A manufacturer can list similar ingredients separately to make you think that it’s using less of a lower-quality ingredient. For example, corn is a mediocre, but cheap protein source. Rather than put it first, a manufacturer might order its list of ingredients this way: “Chicken, Ground Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Cellulose, Corn Germ Meal,” etc. Because Chicken comes first, you’d think Chicken is the main ingredient. However, when you add up the three “corns,” they could well outweigh the Chicken.
• Don't fall victim to marketing. Just because a package is covered with beautiful pictures of fruit and veggies or uses the terms “natural” or “organic” doesn’t mean that the food is actually nutritious or healthful. You must read the label and see what’s actually in the food.

Remember, just as with you, Fido is what he eats! Obesity is a growing problem for dogs too. Feeding good quality food and treats will help keep Fido’s waistline in check. This also maximizes his quantity and quality of life.

Tips To Keep Fido in Tip-Top Shape

Here's some easy ways to keep Fido's body, mind and spirit healthy. Print this tip sheet out and post it on your refrigerator.

• Insect the dog from head to toe and front to back, every week for growths, injuries abnormalities or grooming issues.
• Clean teeth, eyes, ears, paws, rear end and genitals regularly. Keep nails trimmed.
• Visit the veterinarian at least once a year for a check up and as often as necessary for emergencies or mishaps.
• Keep your dog’s vaccinations current.
• Spay and neuter.
• Don’t forget doggie dental care at home and with the vet.
• Feed your dog the most nutritional food and treats you can afford.
• Love and play with your dog every day.
• Use preventatives to protect against parasites such as fleas, ticks and heartworm.
• The dog must wear current identification at all times.
• Keep your dog on leash or in a 100% secure area if off leash.
• Be a canine ambassador: clean up after your dog and train him to be well behaved.
• Help dogs in need and speak out to protect animals.

The National Canine Cancer Foundation: Fighting the disease and providing information

Did you know that cancer affects one in three dogs? Did you know that research into canine cancer may help cure cancer in humans? Do you know if your best pal is at risk for cancer?

The Nation Canine Cancer Foundation has the answers. The NCCF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing, treating and curing cancer in dogs. The organization funds grants for scientific research and provides education and advocacy programs. The NCCF website is an excellent resource for facts and information on canine cancer. The site also hosts a memorial page to remember beloved furry friends who have lost their battle with cancer and includes an informative blog. Take a few minutes to navigate around the site and you'll learn something that could help your dog.

According the the NCCF, the 10 early warning signs of canine cancer are:

• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Offensive odor
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecation

Many of these symptoms can indicate other illnesses too. If your dog exhibits any of these signs or you feel that something just isn't right, take your pooch in for a veterinary check-up. Tell the doctor everything you've noticed and speak openly about your thoughts and hunches. Be your dog's advocate: if you know something is wrong, be sure that the doctor understands your concerns and takes steps to address them. In addition, don't be shy about getting a second opinion.

Get the facts on canine cancer from the National Canine Cancer Foundation.

Heartworm: A Serious Threat!

Heartworm is on the rise in the United States. Dogs and cats in all 50 states are at risk to contract this serious and potentially fatal disease. If an infected mosquito bites your furry friend, it passes along the disease, which causes parasitic worms to grown in the lungs and heart. An infected dog may not show signs of the disease until the disease is serious and harder to combat. Moreover, if untreated, the dog can die. Thankfully, treatment for infected dogs is available, but it's difficult for the dog and expensive.

A now for the good news: heartworm is preventable! It's much easier and less taxing on your furry friend (and your wallet) to use heartworm preventatives than to risk disaster. Today, the options are numerous: daily or monthly pills, monthly spot on treatments (liquid is placed on the dog's skin between the shoulder blades) or injections twice a year. As an added bonus, many of the preventives also fight intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and whipworms. Caution: Cats have their own heartworm preventatives; using canine medication on a cat can have deadly results!

Giving your dog heartworm medicine without a visit to the vet is dangerous! An infected dog can have a severe or fatal reaction to the preventative. Because it can take five to seven months for an infected dog to show signs of the disease, your dog must be tested for heartworm before he begins any preventative. Call your vet today to have your pooch tested and to determine which preventative is best for your pet. The test is quick and inexpensive and requires only a bit of blood. If you need finaincal assistance, contact local animal shelters as they may have programs to help.

Remembering to administer the preventative may be the hardest part of keeping your dog heartworm-free and healthy. As soon as you come home from the vet, mark your calendar to remind yourself when each preventative dose is due. Dogs should take heartworm preventatives all year regardless of where they live

To learn more, talk to your veterinarian and visit the American Heartworm Society's website.