Conventional cancer treatments like radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy may destroy the cancer, but there's a trade-off in side effects; the risk-benefit ratio must be considered. And even the most cutting-edge therapies may only prolong a pet's life without curing the cancer. Quality of life issues also impact the choice of treatments, once cancer has invaded.

Recent research suggests that the basis of many cancers is a chronic inflammatory process. And indeed, many of the factors involved in the development of cancer do cause chronic, low-grade inflammation. Such inflammation not only kills cells directly, but also deposits toxic inflammatory by-products and other "sludge" in the extracellular matrix that surrounds the cells. This toxic build-up hinders the flow of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between cells and the bloodstream, thus creating a fertile environment for abnormal cells that can thrive in such damaged environments.

Preventing and resolving inflammation and clearing the matrix are primary goals of holistic programs to prevent or treat cancer. In fact, holistic prevention and treatment of cancer involve many of the same components:

Providing an optimal diet based on fresh, whole foods. Most commercial pet foods (especially dry foods) are made with the leftovers and unwanted parts from livestock slaughter and processing, and loaded with additives and preservatives.

Offering only clean, purified water. Plenty of clean water is essential to the body's ability to resolve inflammation, and to clean up dead cells, inflammatory markers, and other waste products.

Limiting vaccinations. The antibodies produced by vaccines cause inflammation throughout the body, particularly in connective tissue; and every additional booster perpetuates it.

Reducing indoors air pollution, yard chemicals, and other sources of toxic exposure. This will calm the over-reactivity of the immune system and allow the body to cleanse and heal.

Minimizing electromagnetic radiation. Limit this cause of low-grade, chronic inflammation in and around your home.

Using a safe, non-toxic flea control program. Most flea products are pesticides that can contribute to the toxic overload of the body and inhibit natural cleansing processes.

Minimizing stress. It's been abundantly proven that stress suppresses the immune system.

Providing adequate exercise. Regular physical activity is a natural immune booster and stress reducer.

While we may not be able to do much about air pollution or background radiation, let's look at the factors we can control in more detail.

Diet & Nutrition 

Any cancer prevention or treatment program begins with diet. All the treatments in the world will not help a patient who eats "junk food" (as many commercial pet foods are!). The foundation of health is a balanced, home-prepared diet of fresh, organic, whole foods. When the body is supported with the building blocks needed to maintain healthy cells and repair damaged ones, healing from within can begin.

Many types of cancer cells-particularly lymphoma-utilize glucose from carbohydrates as fuel. Limit the fuel, and the cancer's growth will also be limited. A low-carbohydrate diet can be very helpful in fighting cancer. Additionally, many cancer cells cannot utilize fat as an energy source; so more and better quality fats in the diet will help combat the cachexia (weight loss and muscle wasting) that commonly occurs in cancer patients. Holistic veterinarians frequently recommend a diet that is low-carbohydrate, moderate protein, and moderate to high fat for cancer patients.

The most harmful carbohydrates come from processed grains, fructose-containing fruits, and starchy vegetables such as white potatoes and peas. Dry kibble must contain starch due to processing requirements; so in general, dry food should be avoided. Veggies with higher levels of fiber and plenty of antioxidants are better choices.

For dogs, a diet of roughly 50% meat, and 40-50% non-starchy vegetables is optimal.For cats, a diet of 80% meat (cats can tolerate fattier meats than dogs) and 20% non-starchy vegetables is recommended, again with fish oil added for additional fat. For both dogs and cats, supplementation with vitamins, minerals, marine-source Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and antioxidants should also be part of the daily diet.

A high-quality Omega-3 oil (green-lipped mussel, cod liver or fish oil) will provide additional fat, which helps prevent cancer cachexia (wasting); the bonus is Omega-3s'powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

When a home-prepared diet is not possible, try ready-made (frozen) raw food, freeze-dried or dehydrated diets, or a very high quality low-carbohydrate canned food. Meat can be lightly cooked without losing nutrients.

If processed foods are used, consider adding fresh, ground or minced meats, and (for dogs) pureed or steamed non-starchy vegetables and/or high antioxidant value, low fructose fruits. Dark leafy greens (kale, chard, collard greens), broccoli, carrots, and berries contain antioxidants that are beneficial in fighting cancer. Another good source of green nutrition, as well as antioxidants, is blue-green algae such as BioSuperfood or BioPreparation.

One other significant dietary issue needs mentioning, and that is weight management. Overweight pets are at increased risk of many diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease as well as cancer. Food does not equal love; your pet would rather have quality time with you than a big dinner or a few extra treats. Body fat doesn't just sit there quietly; it continually churns out inflammatory signals that can contribute to tumor formation. Keeping your pet at an ideal weight is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Water

Depending on where you live, the quality of tap or well water ranges from wholesome to highly toxic. Distilled water is not suitable for long-term consumption because it pulls minerals from the body; but it can be used in a short-term detoxification program that is closely monitored by your veterinarian. 

Reverse-osmosis filtered water is top choice, followed by natural spring water. However, bottled water can leach toxic chemicals from the plastic into the water; be sure it is BPA free. The animal's water needs to be kept clean and fresh at all times. If your pet is not a great water drinker, add extra water to the food, or try a non-plastic pet fountain. Wet foods, including homemade, reconstituted freeze-dried, and raw diets, are also important sources of moisture. Many cats who eat only wet food will
not drink water very often because, like their wild cousins, they get most of their water from their food.

Vaccinations

Many holistic veterinarians agree that over-vaccination is a significant contributor to the rising rates of chronic disease and cancer in cats and dogs. This is not to say that pets should not receive any vaccines-puppy and kitten vaccines against life-threatening diseases are still important; and rabies vaccination is required by law. But most pets in the U.S. receive many unnecessary vaccines over their lifetimes. Some cancers, such as vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats (and occasionally in dogs and ferrets), are directly caused by killed vaccines (which include rabies, feline leukemia, and FIV). Most booster vaccines (other than legally mandated rabies vaccines) are unnecessary for adult pets. If your veterinarian recommends multiple or annual vaccinations, consider finding one who is more aware of the risks.

Moreover, every vaccine is labeled "For use in healthy animals only." Any animal diagnosed with cancer (or any chronic disease) or exhibiting signs of a weakened immune system should not be vaccinated at all. For more information please read our in-depth article on Vaccination.

Home Pollution

Indoor air pollution has gotten a lot of press lately; it can be even worse than outdoor air pollution from cars, factories, and agriculture. For our companions' sake, it is important to examine our home and yard care practices. Cleaning products are the first place to look; if the floor or carpet cleaner you use contains toxic chemicals (as most do), and your companion's nose is continually close to that floor (as most are), then the body must continually detoxify itself. Choosing homemade, natural, and green cleaning products can go a long way to limiting the toxins your companion accumulates. 

Spray and plug-in air fresheners and scented candles are popular with some pet owners to help cover up that "pet" smell, but they constantly release toxins (such as formaldehyde, camphor, ethanol, phenol, and petrochemicals) into the air our companions breathe. They are unnecessary and should not be used. There are many natural alternatives, including essential oil diffusers and spritzers, HEPA air filters, organic herbal sachets and potpourris, and fresh aromatic plants. However, keep in mind that pets are far more sensitive to smells than we humans. Cats in particular may be repelled by citrus, pine, and other scents; always provide a place where pets can escape odors they don't like.

Yards and other green spaces are another area of toxic exposure to our companions. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and similar products around the home should be eliminated. There are abundant non-toxic alternatives available today.

Electromagnetic Radiation  

Ongoing research suggests a link between electromagnetic radiation and cellular changes that can lead to cancer. Sources of electromagnetic radiation include sunlight, cell phone and broadcasting towers, underground and aboveground power cables (ambient sources outside our control); but also home wiring, electrical cords and outlets, microwave ovens, appliances, cordless and cellular phones, computer monitors, and televisions. This is especially relevant for cats, who love to curl up in warm places like the top of the cable box or computer monitor.  Keep your companion's bed as far away from electrical components as possible. At night, make sure all electronics are turned off. This is important not just for the radiation, but also light. Even the tiny glow from power indicators can be disruptive to sleep, and inhibit the body's natural healing cycles.  

Pest Control  

Flea and tick management is an essential part of health, but spot-on flea control products such as Advantage, Frontline, and Revolution, are heavy-duty pesticides. These poisons absorb through the skin permeate the animal's system; while a portion of them is eliminated in through urine and feces, some components may not be fully cleared, and can contribute to the toxic sludge build-up in the extracellular matrix. Tablets given by mouth are no better. A recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency makes it clear that every commercial flea product can cause illness and even death in pets; the agency is now encouraging more truthful labeling, but it is not requiring safer products.  

There are many natural flea/tick control products that offer effective, non-toxic alternatives to chemical pesticides. They take slightly more effort than putting occasionally a few drops on your companion's skin, but they are well worth it for the long-term health of your friend.  

Stress 

You may look at the cat sprawled in a patch of sunlight, or the dog curled up at your feet, and wonder, "How can this animal be stressed?" Yet our furry companions can and do experience stress, as much or more than we do. For instance, dogs with separation anxiety live in extreme stress every day their guardians go to work or school. Cats in multiple-cat households are frequently stressed over territorial competition.  

Of course, both cats and dogs are acutely aware of the stress levels of their human companions-the more stressed you and other family members are, the more your cat or dog feels, absorbs, and manifests that stress-whether by acting out behaviorally or internalizing it as illness or cancer. Managing our own stress may be the most important step we can take to improve our pets' well-being.  

For dogs, one of the best ways to reduce their stress is proper training. Every puppy should go through a "puppy class" for basic obedience and socialization. Even if you adopt an older dog, both you and the dog can benefit from a consultation with a good trainer or behaviorist. These professionals help you interpret the dog's behavior and teach you how to communicate in ways that your dog can understand. A well-trained dog is a secure dog-and a much safer one as well.  

Cats are not as easily trained (although it's not impossible, and can be very beneficial for young cats, as well as active breeds, like Orientals and Bengals). But you can reduce cats' stress in other holistic ways, such as energy therapies, Tellington TTouch, massage, and flower essences.  "Indoor enrichment" can be helpful for both dogs and cats to reduce mental and emotional stress. This may include: food-dispensing toys; sensory enrichment (such as a window perch for bird-watching, pet-directed videos, and cat furniture for climbing and scratching, as well as to increase vertical territory); and novel objects (like cardboard boxes or paper bags). But adequate quality play and petting time with the human family is truly the most important "enrichment" tool.  

Exercise 

You need it, and your pet needs it. Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress, and is also crucial for the health of the mind and body-human, dog, or cat. In their natural state, canids and felids roam large territories and hunt for a living. The more we can mimic this natural lifestyle, the better.  Play is wonderful, because s it provides both exercise and the joy of fun and laughter (on your part!). There is nothing more hilarious than the antics of a cat chasing a laser beam or feathers on a pole or string. Cats need exercise as much as dogs do, and regular play sessions are the ideal way to accomplish it. Or, try a kitty harness and go for walks. Introduce this activity gradually to increase the chance of acceptance.  

Dogs are fairly easy to exercise; a simple walk will do you both good! A play date with another dog or a romp at the dog park can be great exercise as well as mental stimulation and stress relief. If your dog is a firm believer in staying home, then play fetch in the house, or find some other way to provide exercise every day. But don't overdo it...if your dog has been playing couch potato, start slowly and gradually increase exercise intensity as much as can be tolerated.