No one likes it when their dog is vomiting. It’s gross, and could mean he’s sick. So, when do you need to worry about your dog vomiting? Why Is My Dog Vomiting? The most common cause of vomiting in dogs is eating something that they shouldn’t have. Garbage, an entire turkey carcass, underwear… the list is endless. And while it isn’t pleasant, it is usually transient and nothing to worry about. Your dog will throw up once or twice, but should otherwise seem happy and healthy. Other potential causes of vomiting include: Eating or drinking too quickly Diet change Intestinal parasites Acid reflu ..read more

To start the new year off right, we spoke with Dr. Kendra Pope and Dr. Trina Hazzah, two of the four (you read that right!) integrative veterinary oncologists in the U.S. to get their take on dog cancer treatments now… and things they are excited about for the future. I’ve got the highlights of our conversation for you here, or you can listen to the full conversation through the Dog Cancer Answers podcast. An Integrative Approach Many dog lovers have long wondered when dog cancer treatment will embrace a more integrative approach. According to Dr. Pope and Dr. Hazzah, the time is now! General ..read more

Many of us dog lovers get upset if our dog is shaking. Is she in pain? Is she afraid? Do I need to call my vet? This symptom can be caused by a variety of emotional and physical states, but the good news is that cancer is not a common direct cause. Little dogs in particular can be the most prone to shaking and quaking… and often it is not due to a medical reason. Let’s dive into why your precious pup is trembling. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Many things can cause a dog to shake and tremble. Here are some of the most common potential causes: Stress or anxiety Cold Pain Neurological disorders Elect ..read more

You read that right – Laverdia for dogs is a PILL that can help treat lymphoma! While lymphoma is one of the more treatable dog cancers, we are still always on the lookout for treatments that can help the unlucky dogs that either don’t respond to current options or don’t have access to them. Laverdia is a new treatment, so we don’t have all the answers about when it works best yet. Let’s learn more about this pill and how it may fit into dog cancer care. A Pill for Lymphoma Laverdia Ca-1 (verdinexor) was originally developed by a company working on human cancer treatments. When it turned out ..read more

Blood in dog stool is something that makes us dog lovers panic. But there is some good news! Isolated episodes of a little bloody stool is nothing to worry about, and it is only rarely a sign of cancer. Causes of Bloody Stool in Dogs Bloody stool can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from simple and easy to fix to more sinister. Here are some potential causes, with the most common in bold: Parasites (most commonly Hookworms or Giardia) Ate something he shouldn’t have Straining from prolonged diarrhea Infected anal gland Obstruction/blockage Clotting disorder Stomach ulcer Irritable b ..read more

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common dog bladder cancer. Let’s go over the most important things to know about this cancer. Transitional What? TCC Explained Your dog’s urinary tract is lined with some really cool and unique cells called transitional cells. Transitional cells are called transitional because they change depending upon what’s happening in the area. They can stretch and then bounce back to their normal form. This is is why your dog’s bladder can expand to hold urine! Transitional cells expand like the walls of a balloon to accommodate urine, and then bounce back t ..read more

It is scary when your dog is bleeding! How to stop dog bleeding depends on where and how bad it is. Sometimes bleeding is a minor thing that can be handled at home, but other times it requires immediate veterinary care. Let’s break down some different scenarios. My Dog is Bleeding: Is it an Emergency? Dog bleeding is an emergency if: There is a lot of blood and an artery may have been cut The bleeding doesn’t stop within ten minutes There is a large wound It is a result of trauma (such as being hit by car) The dog is lethargic More minor injuries, such as a toenail that got ripped off, a cu ..read more

Your dog made it through surgery. You’re relieved, you’re exhausted… but now what? How do you take care of your dog after surgery? Most of us are so worried about the surgery itself that we don’t think about the recovery period afterward. But don’t worry – with some patience and persistence, your dog will be back to normal in a matter of weeks. And here’s a spoiler: the two most important things you can do to help your dog heal quickly are to keep a cone on her and prevent her from running or jumping. The First Night After Dog Surgery Expect your dog to be groggy and tired – after all, she ju ..read more

Chronotherapy, also called a chronotherapeutic drug delivery system, basically means “time therapy.” It is the timing of chemo treatments and other medications. Why would timing matter for chemo treatments for dog cancer? As it turns out, the time of day that a drug is given can affect how well it works, and how many side effects it causes. When a drug is given can affect how well it works and how many side effects it causes. And this concept can apply to ALL medications and supplements that your dog takes, not just chemotherapy. About Time Your dog’s body has a daily routine – get up at a c ..read more

The day of dog surgery is always a bit stressful, whether it is just a routine procedure or involved tumor removal. Let’s go over the general timeline that most veterinary practices follow, what you can do to help your dog, and what you can expect. What Happens the Day of Dog Surgery The exact schedule for the day will vary from hospital to hospital. Some facilities have a dedicated day just for surgeries, while others either alternate appointments and surgeries or lump surgeries together during part of the day. You can ask about this ahead of time. Here is a general outline of what your dog ..read more