Dog Cancer Diet: What To Feed a Dog With Cancer
Cancer can disrupt much of a dog’s digestive process. Depending on where the tumor or tumors are located, cancer itself can cause digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Vomited material may be blood-tinged or have a “coffee-grounds” appearance from partial digestion of the blood in stomach acid. Cancer of the intestinal tract may cause bright red blood in the stool or dark, tarry stools (called melena), depending on where in the intestinal tract the cancer is present. Cancer in the mouth can cause drooling, sores, and difficulty chewing. Cancer treatment can also cause digestive issues such as decreased saliva production (known as xerostomia or dry mouth) as well as mouth ulcers and some of the same effects as cancer, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In other words, a dog’s quality of life can be greatly diminished by both cancer and its treatment. Some parents of dogs with cancer are so anxious to comfort and show love to their furry friend they overfeed their pet. Others feed their pup potentially improperly balanced diets or home-cooked meals, says Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer for dvm360. Both are blunders that could make the dog ill or even promote cancer growth, Dr. Christman says. That’s why it’s vital to consult with a veterinarian, oncologist, or animal nutrition specialist to ensure you feed your dog the proper diet.,Jump to section How Does Cancer Affect a Dog’s Digestive Process? Why Diet Is Important When Your Dog Has Cancer Dog Cancer Diet: What To Feed a Dog With Cancer Best Foods for Dogs With Cancer Foods To Avoid
