Managing critical illness in dogs
There are many critical illnesses, from cancer to severe viral infections like Parvo diarrhoea. All of these require careful management with nutrition. Let's explore how to care for a dog with cancer as one example, and how — with the right care and nutrition — you can support your friend through their fight.
Age
Older dogs are more likely to develop cancer than younger dogs
Genes
Certain breeds have a higher predisposition to certain types of cancer
Toxins
Certain chemicals and environmental pollutants can increase the risk of cancer in dogs
Hemangiosarcoma
A common and unfortunately deadly cancer often seen in the spleen
Mast cell tumor
Develops almost anywhere in the body but is often visible as a skin lesion
Melanoma
Aggressive skin disease that develops in the mouth, eyes or foot pads
Osteosarcoma
Most common in the bones of large dogs
Nutritional support for restorative care
Maintaining a pet’s nutrition can be a big factor in the fight against illness. Your vet is the best resource for a recommendation, but the best foods typically support some key dietetic goals:
- Encourage an enthusiastic appetite & food intake with tasty ingredients and easy-to-chew kibble
- Help maintain muscle mass with highly digestible protein and an adequate amount of essential amino acids
- Support healthy digestion with proven digestive support
Supportive Medication
Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help your dog with related health issues, such as digestive care, pain management, etc.
Treatment
Depending on your veterinarian's recommendation, supportive medication, radiation, surgery, and other treatment for dogs may be considered.
Love & Care
Whether it’s a road trip, a walk in the park or snuggling on the couch, your pet’s best friend in this fight is you.
There are several ways your pet can still enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Here are some ways you can help your pet and keep them comfortable.
Rally Support
You will need support from family, friends, and of course, your vet.
Do Your Research
Learn all you can about your dog's diagnosis so you can be an advocate for the best care.
Consult With an Expert
A vet that specializes in your dog’s disease can give the best care. Ask your vet for a referral to a local veterinary specialist.
Assess Your Dog's Quality of Life
If your dog's condition is critical, it can help to understand and assess their quality of life. Lap of Love has a quality-of-life assessment tool.
Questions to ask your veterinary healthcare team
Here are some useful things to ask during your next vet visit:
- What treatments are available?
- What is the prognosis with each treatment?
- What are the side effects of each treatment?
- How will these treatments affect my dog’s quality of life?
- What can I feed my dog to provide the best nutritional support possible?
Contact your vet if you have any questions related to restorative care
