Canine Cancer is disturbing. No question. When your beloved pet is diagnosed with cancer, this is probably the worst. What can be done? Well lots of things. First don’t panic, don’t give up and read everything you can. Talk to your vet, ask around for others that have gone through this before. There is a ton of information out there, probably way too much, but much can make you feel better by giving you the background you need for the decisions you will have to make. Have hope, have faith and don’t give up!

From the world of All Pet Naturals we’d  like to share a few tips on preventative care for your companion. We think we can help by giving you some product knowledge (as we are very proud) of the Animals Apawthecary line we carry and their signature herbal tincture Constitutional Blend — of which I fondly think of as our HERO product – the key attribute of which is a combo of  herbs fo pets that act like a SWAT team that boosts the immune system of the body so as to slow down the spread of anything that remotely looks like a cancer cell into the surrounding tissue and major body organs.

Bottom line? Herbs for pets that strengthen the immune system and support major waste-removing organs (the liver, kidneys and lymphatic systems) are especially useful in fighting cancer. “Now let me introduce you to the SWAT Team. Gentlemen, please take center stage and introduce yourself to these fine people.”

BURDOCK ROOT - supports and stimulates the liver, therefore facilitates waste and toxic removal from the body. It is also a very safe herb for pets for prolonged use.

DANDELION – is a diuretic herb for pets that helps waste removal via the kidneys and urinary tract. It also improves digestion and removal of waste by providing gentle stimulation to the liver.

SLIPPERY ELM – this herb is a jack of all trades. Slippery Elm is culled from the inner bark of the elm tree and works as a demulcent and astringent. It is the classic remedy for acute diarrhea, stomach ulcers, constipation, colitis, sore throat, coughs, wounds, abscesses.

Now Available for $22.95 USD

TURKEY RHUBARB – this herb packs a huge cancer fighting punch. First of all, its antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-tumor. Its used specifically in holistic herbal pet medicine for digestion, liver tonic and as an appetite stimulant.

The herbal ingredients found in our cancer fighting formulaton  Constitutional Blend — are safe and reliable and make a mighty contribution as a synergistic immune-boosting effect on dogs, who are weakened by chronic diseases such as cancer or allergies.

Finally, Constitutional Blend is built around the  famous ‘Esssiac’ formula – which is considered to be the numero uno herbal cancer therapy of all time; originally developed by Canadian nurse, R. Caisse. It is available in our web store at $22.95 USD per 2 oz remedy bottle.

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Please note other top cancer fighting herbs include:

ALFALFA – has been found to reduce the risk of cancerous growths and is therefore considered a good herb for cancer prevention.

MILKTHISTLE -  this herb can protect the liver against harmful by-products of the cancer. As well, milk thistle is effective in protecting the body from liver damage resulting from chemotherapy.

ASTRAGALUS – this herb is an immuno-stimulant; thus it can be used to boost your dog’s immune system. In addition, it has been found that astragalus contains an alkaloid that inhibits the spread of melanoma, a skin cancer.

ECHINACEA – this herb is well-known for its effectiveness in supporting and strenthening the immune system.

GARLIC - has a lot of sulphur-containing compounds (thus the strong smell!). These compounds are helpful in enhancing the immune system. It has also been shown that garlic stimulates the growth of beneficial cells.

RED CLOVER - this fine herb has been hailed as the “the” herb for cancer by many herbalists. The herb has tumor-inhibiting properties and strengthens lymphatic functions (crucial in cleansing cell tissues).

GREEN TEA – has been found to be effective in boosting and stimulating the immune system. It is also an antioxidant and astringent and has been shown to be an effective herb for cancer (especially for some kind of stomach and skin cancers).

MUSHROOMS – REISHI, SHIITAKE, MAITAKE – mushrooms, especially reishi, has been used for many years in China and Japan as herbs for cancer prevention and treatment in people. Recent research has found that these mushrooms can enhance the immune system, due to their high levels of polysaccharides and their effect on white blood cells. In addition, these mushrooms have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties.

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Since prevention is a better cure, we must learn something about dog illnesses and symptoms so we can better understand their conditions. This will help us recognize some common dog illnesses. If appropriate and adequate vaccinations are administered to the puppies, most of the common dog illnesses can be easily prevented.

Some elementary observations are useful to recognize certain common dog illnesses. Dogs take a lot of sleep but their sleep is marked by alertness. If a dog is sluggish then there may be various causes contributing to it, right from anemia to old age. If the dog is limping then you should check for prospective painful areas using a firm and yet gentile hand. Check out for any signs indicating lameness from time to time.

The appetite of the dog is bound to be affected by ill health. Look for any signs of loss of appetite. An important sign of dog health problems is excessive thirst. A pronounced weight loss is also an indicator of ill health. Check the eyes for any ulcers, discharges, veins or sores.

The mouth of a healthy dog is pink. There should not be any discoloring or cavities in the teeth. Look for signs of discharge from ears. It is advisable to clean the ears from time to time. The dog’s head should be regularly checked for sore patches, hair loss, or deep wounds.

Investigate the limbs and trunk for the same signs. If the dog is vomiting, there may be various underlying problems. If the body temperature of your dog is not between the range 38 to 39 Celsius it is an indication of some kind of illness. Check the female dogs for any kind of foul smelling vaginal discharge, which needs attention of a vet.

The symptoms of pain and discomfort experienced by a dog can give us many clues about the possible underlying illness. If the dog is suffering any abdominal pain, it may be due to canine hepatitis, enteritis or it can be a simple case of constipation. The abdominal swelling dogs indicate canine bloat and roundworms in puppies. Aggression of the dog may be caused by rabies. Roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms my cause anemia in dogs. Any behavioral changes in dog can be an indicator of hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, canine arthritis, heart disease, canine, or parvovirus.

Kidney diseases sometimes cause blood in urine. Eye infections and entropion cause bloodshot eyes in dogs. A ruptured diaphragm, obstructed airway, lungworm, bronchitis, pneumonia, food poisoning, heatstroke, allergies can cause respiratory problems in dogs.

There are various reasons of sudden change in weight of dogs like heart disease to heartworms. Hernia might be caused due to long term constipation in dogs. Allergies, parvovirus, hepatitis, lungworm, TB, pneumonia or distemper may be one of the reasons of coughing in dogs. Cannine parvovirus can also cause dehydration in dogs. Any pancreatic disorder, food poisoning can give rise to diarrhea in dogs. The dog may suffer from hair loss due to mange, red mange demodectic, scabies, cheyletiella mange, or cushings syndrome.

If dog indicates any signs of failing genital bleeding, persistent constipation, projectile vomiting, fainting, hair loss, seizure, stumbling, trauma, trembling, mouth bleeding, rectal bleeding, lethargy, shaking, urinating problems contact a dog care specialist.

Cat hairballs are a normal phenomenon in feline and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.

According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.

With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract.  Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent cat hair ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these.   Be aware that most cat hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.

Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task.  Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.

Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer.  Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care.   Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.

 Cat hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean.  In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Cat Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.

As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn’t bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.

If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up.   It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically.  At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Cat hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.

Although dogs can become constipated, a premium diet, daily exercise and plenty of fresh water will usually keep bowel movements regular and healthy.

Symptoms

Although it’s true that dogs are rather expressive animals, they still can’t actually tell us when something is wrong or when their not feeling well. It’s up to the owner to be diligent in monitoring their dog’s health, and to watch for any signs of complications or problems.

Besides the lack of a bowel movement for one or two days, the most common symptoms of dog constipation include:

- A loss of appetite.

- Signs of nausea or vomiting.

- Lethargy with no interest in toys or playing.

- Small amounts of blood in the stool.

Causes of Dog Constipation

A balanced diet designed specifically for dogs that contains enough fiber to keep their bowels moving as they should is important not only for warding off constipation, but for the overall health of the dog in general. Any age or breed of dog are susceptible to constipation, and dehydration is another culprit of causing the potentially painful condition.

There are also cases of dogs with long hair that have not been properly groomed where the fur becomes entangled and causes a blockage within the bowel. Many dogs also tend to eat whatever strikes their fancy, so it’s important to make sure that no foreign objects have been ingested which may be causing the constipation or blockage.

Treatment

One method of alleviating dog constipation is to add a teaspoon or two of bran to your dog’s food, which will help them move their bowels easier as it adds moisture to the stool. A half teaspoon twice daily of psyllium added to your dog’s diet will also help to soften the stool.

Yet another option for treating your dog’s constipation is mineral oil, which is used if the dog has a build-up of hard stools that they are unable to pass on their own. The recommended dosage is two teaspoons twice a day for no longer than one week.

Of course if your dog’s constipation does not improve after a week, you should take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to tell if the constipation is due to some underlying medical condition, such as a blockage within their bowel, or because of some other ailment including mega colon, which is a painful inflammation of the colon. A veterinarian can also prescribe a medication or laxative to help ease their pain and regulate the bowels if needed.

Prevention

There are several things you can do to prevent dog constipation from affecting your best friend. The most important components for a long, healthy life are daily regular exercise and an adequate diet. Adding a little warm water to your dog’s dry kibble will help. A little raw meat and vegetables will also aid with constipation, particularly for older dogs who may have more trouble digesting their food.

Although some feel that feeding a dog table scraps or human food may contribute to digestive issues, table scraps in moderation are an added treat and not generally a problem. Dog owners must use good judgment when it comes to their dog’s diet and avoid certain foods all together such as pork. The bulk of the diet should be that of a healthy blend of an all natural premium canned and dry dog food.

With regular check-ups, an adequate supply of fresh water at all times, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, you can be sure that your beloved dog is happy, healthy, and enjoying their life with you.

1. Give the dog a mild laxative. The amount you give depends on the size of the dog. Consult a veterinarian to make sure you administer the proper dosage.
2. Add canned pumpkin to your dog’s regular food. Again, dosage can vary according to the dog’s size. A 1/8 tsp. of canned pumpkin may alleviate constipation in a smaller dog, while a larger amount is necessary for a larger dog.
3. Introduce fiber to the dog’s diet. Change to a high fiber dog food or add a fiber supplement to the dog’s current diet.
4. Use a supplement designed to treat canine constipation. One such product is Natural Moves for Pets. This is a natural herbal remedy that can relieve canine constipation.
5. Put a small amount, usually around 1/2 tsp., of Metamucil in the dog’s food twice a day. When increasing fiber, give the dog plenty of water throughout the day as well.
6. Administer an enema. If necessary, consult with a veterinarian before attempting to give the dog an enema.

Tips & Warnings

• Lack of exercise, especially in older dogs, can bring on canine constipation. Walk an adult dog twice a day to help prevent constipation.
• Canine constipation can be a sign of a more serious malady. If any remedy doesn’t clear up the constipation within a couple of days, consult a veterinarian. The dog may be suffering from a blockage or inflamed colon.
• Some “human” foods can lead to constipation for the dog. Avoid giving the dog ice cream, cookies, bread or too much meat.
• Seek immediate veterinary attention if the dog is suffering from a decreased appetite, lethargy or is passing some blood.

As mentioned earlier, a proper diet and exercise are key components in ensuring your dog has the ability to move his bowels as often as necessary. House dogs usually need to be walked twice a day while maintaining a proper diet. If your dog becomes constipated, one method to alleviate this problem is by adding one to two teaspoons of bran to his meal. This allows for extra moisture in the stool.

Another method to soften the stool would be to add psyllium (Metamucil in the adult world) to his diet. Half a teaspoon twice a day, in addition to drinking plenty of water, will suffice. A third option would be mineral oil. This may be used in cases where there is a large build-up of hard stool. Two teaspoons, twice a day should be added to his meal, but for only a week. There are several other steps you can take to alleviate your dog’s constipation. Keep his food moist by adding a bit of water. If your dog is getting on in years, add some raw meat and vegetables to his diet.

There are certain signs which can alert you to potential problems, and for which you can take immediate steps. Long hair on dogs can cause feces to become entangled; therefore, keep your dog properly groomed. Dogs tend to eat everything in sight, ensure no bones or other material has been ingested. Just as we experience constipation due to certain medications, dogs are no exception. Psychological stress is another indicator relating to constipation.

While it has been suggested that all breeds and dogs of any age are prone to constipation, there are other aspects which you may need to consider, and for which many dog owners are culpable. Never feed your dog from the dinner table. While you may indulge the dog with a few scraps here and there, you are contributing to his constipation.

Foods that contain flour, sugar, rice, dairy and high protein are the main source of the problem. Ice cream, cookies, bread, chocolate, or other unhealthy food items can cause your dog unnecessary pain. As mentioned earlier, a lack of fiber and dehydration are common causes. Another cause for concern would be a condition known as mega colon. This simply means your dog has an inflamed colon which prevents the discharge of feces.

The time to visit the vet will become evident when your dog’s inability to defecate is hampered by a decreased appetite, passing blood in minimal amounts, and overall lethargy. Keep in mind, contributing to the overall health of your dog should be of the utmost importance. A dog’s love is unconditional, therefore, he or she is totally dependent upon you to maintain a healthy and harmonious life. Be ever vigilant to any signs of stress and ensure his diet and exercise regimen is appropriate and on-going.

But when a cat is chronically constipated it needs serious attention. As the cats age they are more prone to this problem. There are quite a few causes of Cat Constipation. Obstructions like hairballs, tumors and foreign bodies stop the movement of the feces inside the colon, and the fecal matter builds up. This becomes a hard dry mass and distends the colon, which looses its ability to contract and expel feces. This condition is known as megacolon.

When the cats are constipated they behave in a typical manner. They run to their litter box quite often and strain to pass stool. They make noise and start licking the anal area. They lose their appetite and become sluggish. Vomiting and passing a small amount of liquid feces is quite common.

If the Constipation is not very severe, an enema will clear the colon. Hard impacted feces may have to be physically removed in a veterinary clinic under anesthesia. Intravenous liquid is also given to prevent dehydration.

After the bout of Constipation is cleared, the underlying problem, like obstruction in the colon, has to be tackled. For the cats suffering from megacolon or an untreatable or unknown problem, a management regime has to be adopted. A high-fiber diet increases the bulk and assists in bowel movement. Increase the liquid consumption of the cat by feeding canned cat food rather than dry. Milk and soup can also be tried. We have to try and get the cat to consume liquid by a means that the cat likes.

If the megacolon is advanced, no amount of management can make it propel the stool to the exit. The only alternative is surgery. The colon is removed, and most surgeries are successful.

Mechanical obstructions such as tumors, strictures and foreign bodies are the most probable causes of initial Constipation. The ingestion of large meals of bones and some indigestible fibrous material can cause Constipation. If we do not notice it in time the feces accumulates in the colon, loses its moisture and becomes dry. It makes it all the harder to move the bowel. The older dogs are affected more. The dog may strain to defecate, and pass a small amount of liquid stool. Loss of appetite, vomiting and lethargy are other symptoms of Dog Constipation.

Frequent Constipation causes a condition called megacolon. When the feces accumulate in the colon, it dilates to hold the feces. Over a period it loses its ability to contract and expand to propel the feces out.

Clinical signs are the important methods by which the Constipation is diagnosed. Physical examination and, in certain cases, radiography can help in assessing the Constipation of the pet. First, treatment may involve enemas and or the physical removal of the feces in a veterinary clinic. If that doesn’t work then surgery may be used. The dog may need intravenous liquids to treat dehydration. Various laxatives are available for dogs, that soften the stools and improve colon contraction.

We can take several measures to prevent Dog Constipation. A high-fiber diet and the availability of water at all times are most important. Regularly exercising the dog is very important, and it also allows the dog regular chances for bowel movements. Encouraging the dog to pass stools by taking the dogs out often can improve the frequency. There are serious diseases that can cause Constipation. As the dog ages, the chance of Constipation also increases.

If the normal treatment is not effective, the veterinarian may do surgery to partially or fully remove the colon.