Tips for Dealing with Pet Cancer Diagnosis

Few things are more frightening than learning that your beloved pet has been diagnosed with cancer. It is such a devastating disease that for many years, it carried with it an almost certain death sentence. Today, however, your pet’s chances of surviving cancer have improved greatly, as many advancements have been made in terms of care and treatment.

To bring attention to these new treatments and to also inform pet owners about preventative care and the symptoms of cancer, November has been declared National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, approximately 6 million cats and 6 million dogs will be diagnosed with new cases of cancer each year.

If your dog or cat has been recently diagnosed with cancer, the following steps can help you both cope with this terrible disease.

Stay Positive

You may be an emotional wreck upon hearing that your beloved pet has cancer, but it’s very important that you stay positive around them. Animals are very sensitive and can quickly pick up on humans’ moods. So, while it may be very difficult, work hard to be upbeat and to reduce the amount of stress radiating from your body to your pet.

Seek Online Support

Feeling stressed out, sad, or confused after learning that your pet has cancer? Have questions that you'd like to ask somebody whose pet may be dealing with a similar type of cancer? Thankfully, Facebook has made it easier for you to connect with other owners whose pets have cancer. Members of these groups are often able to offer you support, advice, and suggestions on new treatments or healthy lifestyle changes that could help your pet survive and/or to ease any pain or discomfort. To find one of these groups, simply search Facebook for support groups that deal with cats, dogs, or pets with cancer.

Make Life Easier for Your Pet

Depending on a number of factors—including the type of cancer and the type of treatment—your pet may begin to experience physical issues that could require special accommodations. For instance, if your dog or cat typically sleeps on your bed, he may now be too weak to jump up onto your mattress. If so, you may want to consider buying steps or a ramp so he can still climb up onto your bed to snuggle.

Keep a Journal

Whether you decide to use an online app or a paper journal, it’s important to keep a record of your pet’s treatments and medications. It’s also imperative that you note any new problems they may be exhibiting, such as a lack of appetite, difficulties urinating or eliminating their bowels. Keep your veterinarian aware of these changes, as they may want to make changes in your pet’s medications or treatment.

Consult with Trusted Experts

Once your regular veterinarian has diagnosed your dog or cat with cancer, your next step should be to consult with an oncologist. A specialist will have the training and expertise to help you choose the right medical path for your pet. Of course, the idea of taking your pet to an oncologist can lead to a new fear: the high cost of treatment and its possible effects on your family’s budget.

Unfortunately, this fear is not unfounded. According to Healthy Paws Insurance, the typical cost of cancer treatment for a pet can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more. This is a major blow to most people’s wallets. And if they can’t find any vet bill help, some pet owners may be forced to make the gut-wrenching and heartbreaking decision to put their pet to sleep.

In these types of preventable pet euthanasia situations, your veterinarian may be able to help you find financial support by placing your pet on Waggle. This site is dedicated to crowdfunding for pets with serious health issues. And because funds raised on Waggle are paid directly to the veterinarian, more people are willing to give generously to a campaign with the knowledge that their donation will be legitimately used for the pet in need.

Finally...

This is the easiest step: Love your pet and be there for them throughout their ordeal. Remember, in their eyes, you are their whole world.