How to Help Dog Lung Cancer Using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Luckily, lung cancer is not very common in dogs. 

In fact, according to PetCure Oncology, lung cancer only accounts for approximately 1% of all diagnosed cancers in dogs.

But, it still happens. And, both of our founding veterinarians, Dr. Marc Smith  and Dr. Casey Damron have experience treating dog lung cancer in their clinics.

In this article, we'll share with you what they recommend.

How Dogs Get Lung Cancer

You are probably wondering how on earth your dog got lung cancer. 

Your dog doesn't smoke. And chances are, you may not either.

Unfortunately, certain dog breeds are genetically prone to developing lung cancer.

Cancer-prone dog breeds include:

• Boxers
• Dobermans
• Australian Shepherds
• Irish Setters
• Bernese Mountain Dogs

Age is also a factor, with most lung cancer cases occurring in dogs 10 years old and above.

The most common form of canine lung cancer is metastatic cancer. 

In metastatic cancer, cancer originated elsewhere in your dog's body and has spread to the lungs.

The other type of canine lung cancer is primary lung tumors. 

Primary lung tumors originate in the lungs but often spread to other lung lobes and lymph nodes.

Primary lung tumors usually grow slowly and can become quite large before they are diagnosed.

However, just like with humans, exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke is also linked to causing cancer in dogs.

Symptoms of Dog Lung Cancer

Sadly, some dogs don't display any lung cancer symptoms.

Or, the dog suffers symptoms elsewhere and lung cancer is found during x-rays for an unrelated condition.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

• Appetite loss
• Coughing (sometimes blood)
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Shallow and rapid breathing
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Learn More About Dog Cancer

If your dog is newly diagnosed with cancer and you are still learning how it affects your dog, you should get a free copy of our ebook What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Cancer: An Arsenal of Medical, Holistic, and Alternative Options.

Holistic veterinarians Dr. Casey Damron and Dr. Marc Smith wrote the ebook with you in mind. It explains what's going on, how your dog feels, and offers information on things you can do at home to help.

Feed a Home-Cooked Diet

Another amazing tool for battling cancer is feeding an energetically appropriate diet.

Feeding a diet based on Eastern Food Therapy will make a huge difference in how your dog feels. Good news - it may affect how well your dog responds to herbs, medications, and other treatments too! 

A good diet is the foundation of good health.

If you want to cook at home, you can quickly and easily get started by visiting the PET |  TAO Holistic Pet Products recipe page. If you're not sure what diet is best for your dog, take a look at their feeding suggestions chart. 

If you prefer to feed an already-prepared diet, check out PET | TAO Zing Canned Formula. 

Feed Lung Treats

The Five-Element Theory and Yin & Yang Theory encourage feeding lung treats to assist the lung meridian.

For example, in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the Five-Element Theory explains the relationship between the five naturally occurring elements in the environment.

The lung's main function is respiration and creating energy from the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Interestingly, in Chinese Medicine, the lung is also responsible for controlling and regulating the skin surface and hair of the entire body. The body also "breathes" through the skin.

In addition, according to the Five-Element Theory, lung represents Metal.

Metal's attributes are determination, strength, and persistence.

The Metal Element is also known as the “breath of life.”

By eating lung treats, your pet strengthens all of the above attributes in his or her own body.

Supplement With Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are a powerful tool for boosting your dog's immune system. 

All medicinal mushrooms contain powerful polysaccharides called beta-glucans.

Studies show beta-glucans balance the immune system and fight inflammation.  

Dr. Smith and Dr. Damron's product recommendation is PET | TAO Complement Immune.  

Complement Immune is a synergistic blend of four medicinal mushrooms: Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Maitake. 

• Reishi mushrooms enhance immune function through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection and cancer. 
• Shiitake mushrooms contain the antioxidant l-ergothioneine and the immune-boosting polysaccharide lentinan. 
• Turkey tail mushrooms contain a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. PSK is so effective it is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan. 
• Maitake mushrooms enhance macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and cytotoxic T-cells. 

Supplement with Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

Supplementing with probiotics and digestive enzymes has several benefits. 

First, they help ease your pet's stomach upset naturally. Many dogs with cancer suffer stomach upset as well.

PET | TAO Harmonize GI naturally provides all the digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics your pet needs for optimum gut health.

Secondly, digestive enzymes and probiotics help your dog better digest and assimilate food.

The extra help is very important, as pets with chronic health conditions often have trouble with nutrient absorption.

Try TCVM Herbal Medicine

Dr. Smith and Dr. Damron also recommend TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) herbal blends for their patients suffering from cancer.

Some examples of TCVM herbal formulas they often recommend in their clinics for lung cancer include:

• Bai He Gu Jin San
• Lily Combination
• Nei Xiao Luo Li San
• Max's Formula

However, TCVM herbal formulas require an authorization from your veterinarian or a telemedicine consultation or examination with one of our veterinarians.

Need Extra Help for Your Special Needs Dog?

If you ever feel like you need extra help in managing dog's cancer naturally or with TCVM herbal blends we can help.

TCVM Pet Supply cofounders Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron offer TCVM telemedicine consultations.

If you get a TCVM telemedicine consultation ($125), you'll get personalized TCVM recommendations specific to your pet, including:

• TCVM Evaluation
• Food Therapy Recommendations 
• TCVM Herb Recommendations & Veterinary Authorization
• Supplement Recommendations
• Alternative Medicine Recommendations

If you reside in the Middle Tennessee area or would like to commute, you may choose an in-clinic appointment instead.

You can learn more about each vet and contact their clinic to set up an appointment:

• Casey Damron, DVM - White Oak Animal Hospital
• Marc Smith, DVM - Natchez Trace Veterinary Services

We hope this information helps you, and wish you the best in helping your dog feel better. 

If you have any other questions or if we can help you in any way, just let us know!

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