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IMMUNE BOOSTING AND SUPPORT FOR DOGS WITH CANCER
| Step 1: Nutritional Supplements that Support Immune Function and have Cancer Fighting Properties |
Clinical studies indicate a number of natural supplements that effectively boost the immune system and have anti-cancer properties. In step 1 of our plan we include the best of the best.
 For centuries certain strains of mushrooms have been used in parts of Asia as a disease remedy and health support. Recent western studies support their benefits and cancer fighting properties.
Their findings include the following about medicinal mushrooms:
- Mushroom compounds appear to reduce the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- They are useful for cancer patients due to the enhancement of cell-mediated immunity, oxygen free radical scavenging and support for cellular bioenergy systems.
- Compounds demonstrate both high anti-tumor activity and restriction of tumor metastasis.
- Significantly enhances the immune system.
- Safe taken over long periods of time.
 Among the most extensively studied medicinal mushrooms are Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Cordyceps. These three super mushrooms are part of a proprietary blend of over 200 immuno-modulators contained in K-9 Immunity. K-9 Immunity is the most respected and best documented anti-cancer supplement for pets on the market today. These medicinal mushrooms should be a part of any cancer fighting protocol. They are organically grown and certified pesticide free.
 Transfer factors are immune regulating compounds that have the unique ability of speeding up the immune reaction (as is needed in cancer treatment). The small protein molecules in K9 Transfer Factor bind to the immune modulator compounds in K9 Immunity and bridge the gap to the immune cell receptors. This significantly enhances the absorption and effectiveness of the K9 Immunity product and generally leads to a quicker and more positive outcome in cancer treatment.
 Fish oils are also an important part of the immune supporting, anti-cancer protocol. The long chain fatty acids, found in the highest concentrations in fish oils, have long been hailed for their cancer inhibiting qualities. Research now suggests that adding fish oils to your support regimen can have various benefits ranging from immune support, combating weight loss in cancer patients, increasing energy and improving survival rates.
Our special salmon oil comes from 100% wild salmon, not farmed sources. Wild salmon has higher levels of beneficial omega-3 and lower levels of saturated fats.
Get all these supplements and more in the
Essential Immune Support Kit
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| Step 2: Proper Diet - the right balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates is crucial |
Cancer causes metabolic changes in your dog's body, which require a modification in diet. Unfortunately most commercial diets are inappropriate for dogs with cancer. This is due to the following:
- Most commercial diets contain meat by-products, which are higher in hormones that can stimulate cancer growth.
- The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is inappropriate for cancer support.
- Preservatives like BHT and BHA have been linked to various health problems in pets and should be avoided.
The best option for a dog with cancer is a homemade diet. This allows you to eliminate simple carbohydrates like white rice, potatoes and processed grains. The homemade diet should consist of 75% meats and 25% vegetables - mainly green ones like sprouts, broccoli, spinach, celery, etc. Fruits and sweet vegetables like peas, sweet potatoes and beets should be avoided. Evidence also suggests that cancer is inhibited by a high fat diet. You can add more fat to your dog's diet by adding more fish oil, which has additional benefits.
When switching to a homemade diet, be sure to do it slowly to avoid stomach upset. Always supplement a homemade diet with a high quality whole food supplement like Nupro.
If a completely homemade diet is impractical, look for a high quality canned food that lists meat as the first ingredient, does not contain by-products or meals and does not use potentially harmful preservatives like BHA or BHT. With the canned food as a base, add some high quality meats, poultry, canned sardines or eggs along with some of the fresh vegetables listed above. Vegetables can be added raw after pulverizing in a food processor or steamed.
Note that some kinds of cancer, kidney cancer as an example, contraindicate a high protein diet, so it is always best to check with your veterinarian about the appropriate diet for your dog's situation.
| Step 3: Lifestyle Considerations for the Dog with Cancer |
Stress Reduction
In an attempt to deal with stress, the body produces a variety of chemicals, one of the most important being a type of natural cortisone. This is actually a calming substance that is effective in helping the body deal with short term stresses. However during prolonged periods of stress the perpetual production of such chemicals can overload the system and create other problems such as decreased immune efficiency. This can have negative ramifications for a healthy dog, but it can be disastrous for a dog dealing with cancer.
 There is a great deal you can do to reduce the stress in your dog's environment like maintaining a consistent routine, regular exercise, creating a safe retreat, etc.
With excitable, high-strung breeds or in certain unavoidable situations you may need a little extra support. A calming mist diffuser can help. Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease Natural Calming Mist for Dogs provides a natural calming scent that offers relief during times of high stress or even day-to-day living. It contains essential oils - not extracts - of herbs that serve as calming agents, mood elevators and personality modulators. The calming mist diffuser offers a natural solution that is non-toxic and non-addicting.
Other Considerations
No vaccines. Never vaccinate a dog with cancer. Vaccinations can overload their compromised immune system and lead to serious health ramifications.
Pain management. Advanced cases of cancer can be accompanied by pain. Work closely with your veterinarian to make sure your dog's pain is properly managed. Allowing your dog to remain in pain is inhumane and the stress of dealing with pain further compromises the immune system.
Home exams. In many cases the first sign that cancer has come out of remission is enlarged lymph nodes. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to do a home exam of the lymph nodes and perform the check weekly.
 At home testing. Dogs with cancer often encounter other health problems. Kidney or liver disease and urinary tract infections are among the most common. With ThePetCheckup you can routinely check for these and other complications in the comfort of your own home. It means less stress for your pet, lower vet bills for you and greater peace of mind.
Addressing all of the issues that impact your dog's immune system is vital for their longevity and quality of life. By implementing the 3-step wellness and support plan today you give your dog the best advantage for the future.
Get the essential supplements plus 2 special reports on diet and lifestyle considerations for dogs with cancer.
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