Hearing that a pet has cancer is heart-wrenching and terrifying. It’s quite normal to feel loss and grief. Recognize these feelings, but at the same time, remember that your pet is still here. Providing your pet with the attention and care he or she needs has never been more important. Become your pet’s advocate. Put time into your animal.
Create a Plan
Create a plan that helps reduce stress on your pet and for yourself. This includes working with your veterinarian to create a health plan. Your pet’s medical plan should include appointments, management of medications and/or supplements, and exercise. Discuss what the options are.
Your pet’s medical plan should include appointments, management of medications and supplements, and exercise.
Learn About Options
Many pets will live for years with cancer, depending on when it was discovered. Be sure to speak to your vet about your pet’s likely lifespan and needs. Discuss natural supplements and treatment options that can help reduce pain and improve longevity.
Providing your pet with the attention and care he or she needs has never been more important.
Facilitate Support for Your Animal
Be realistic. Can you carry your pet? Are you able to provide the animal with a place to sleep and live that is on one level? Can you minimize stairs and other difficult obstacles? At the same time, you’ll want to ensure you have plenty of help to support you in caring for your pet. Who can stay with your animal when you cannot be there?
Recognize Signs of Pain
If your normal happy dog is no longer willing to let you touch him, that’s a sign the animal is in pain. Most often, your pet’s vet can help reduce and eliminate the animal’s pain. You may also need to limit physical activity and work to improve quality of life otherwise to keep the animal comfortable.
Seek Out Supportive Care
Don’t panic. Instead, do your best to make your pet’s life the best it can be. Work closely with your vet to make that possible.