Pet Cancer Prevention

Dear Pet Parents and Friends, ??

I've been seeing a lot of cancer cases in pets lately, and in all my conversations with pet families, I've found that the diagnosis of cancer is often fraught with many misconceptions and fears. Understanding cancer better can help alleviate some of that anxiety and allow us to focus on providing the best care possible.

A New Perspective on Pet Cancer:

One of the biggest misconceptions about cancer is that it’s a foreign invader attacking the body. In reality, cancer is a mutation of the body’s own cells. Imagine your body is like a garden. Normally, plants (cells) grow in an orderly way. But sometimes, due to various reasons, a plant starts growing uncontrollably and takes over, disrupting the harmony of the garden. This unruly plant is akin to cancer cells.

Understanding cancer as a part of the body gone rogue helps us rethink our approach to treatment. Instead of only attacking these cells, integrative oncology focuses on restoring balance and health to the entire system, much like tending to a garden to promote overall well-being. ?? In fact, the best prevention for cancer is prevention.

Embracing Integrative Veterinary Oncology:

Traditionally, we've treated cancer as a foreign invader, using chemo, radiation, and surgery to remove it. While these treatments are crucial for aggressive cancers, they can also harm healthy cells. That's why integrating holistic approaches is so valuable. Research consistently shows that combining integrative methods with traditional cancer therapies not only enhances quality of life but also significantly extends survival time.

Strengthening the Immune System:

A robust immune system is key to preventing and treating cancer. Think of it as the garden's natural defense system. Good nutrition forms the foundation of a healthy immune system, supporting a diverse and resilient microbiome. This is essential during stressful times or intensive treatments.

Nutrition: The Cornerstone of Health:

The best way to support your pet’s immune system is through optimal nutrition. Here are some starting points and resources to help you make informed decisions:

1. ?? 1. The Truth About Pet Foods:?Check out?The List, updated annually. This resource provides well-researched pet food options. There's a small fee to support the organization’s efforts, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
2. ?? 2. Dig Deeper:?If you find a pet food you like, don’t hesitate to contact the company with any questions or concerns. Reputable brands will welcome your inquiries and provide the information you need.
3. ?? 3. Consult a Pet Nutrition Expert:?Different ingredients and preparation methods can affect how your pet reacts to food. Depending on your pet's condition, preferences, lifestyle, the nutrition recommendation should be tailored specifically. For example, the thermal nature of food (whether it is warm, cool, or neutral) can influence your pet’s health. You can take?this?quiz?for your pet’s general temperature energetics and download?this?handout?as a reference guide. You can book a?nutrition consult?with our doctors who are trained in?Veterinary Food Therapy and use nutrition as part of the pet's optimal?therapeutic plan.?

Together, let's make cancer prevention a priority. By nurturing our pets with the best possible care, we can help them live healthier, happier lives. If you have any questions or need guidance on your pet’s nutrition and overall health, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way. ??

We've been working with a lot of cancer pets and know that cancer diagnosis itself doesn't have to be scary - many of them thrive while living with cancer.The earlier we can get started to nurture and restore the body, the better they will be! ?

With all my love and gratitude,

Dr. Lily Chen ?? Integrative Pet Wellness Center