Home Remedies For Mammary Tumors In Dogs:
Natural Support & Supplements
Mammary tumors in dogs are a common concern, especially in unspayed females. While conventional treatments like surgery are often necessary, natural remedies and supplements can help support your dog’s overall health and recovery. Ask Ariel’s time-tested, veterinary-approved supplements for mammary tumors in dogs can complement the care provided by your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.
Top Supplements for Dogs With Mammary Cancer
OncoPet Cancer Vitamin For Dogs is a proprietary blend of herbs and medicinal mushrooms that provide powerful immune support. The natural ingredients in OncoPet contain polyphenols, beta-glucans and antioxidants, like D-fraction and L-ergothioneine, that boost the immune system and help regulate your dog's inflammatory response. OncoPet is a comprehensive dog cancer vitamin that also includes herbs to help balance the gut microbiome and reduce nausea and cancer-related fatigue. Combines well with cancer treatments from your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist. Helps pets handle chemotherapy and radiation. Excellent value. One bottle lasts up to 8 months for small dogs.
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Happy Paws Organic Hemp Extract For Dogs is a professional veterinary strength CBD oil that can help reduce inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Controlling inflammation is a core part of cancer treatment and that is the main characteristic of this dog breast cancer oil. The ingredients in Happy Paws are being researched for their ability to reduce metastasis and cancer growth in certain types of cancer. Anecdotal reports include reduced pain, inflammation and discomfort. Each 1oz bottle contains 550mg of full-spectrum hemp extract in an unflavored all-natural coconut-oil base. It’s 100% organic and made in the USA.
K9 CurcuMagic is a scientifically proven, natural anti-inflammatory pet supplement containing a patented combination of three curcuminoids acting as free-radical scavengers. These cancer-fighting nutrients in this unique bioactive turmeric formula help pets prevent and fight cancer. K9 CurcuMagic absorbs best when digested with fat, especially omega-3 fatty acids (found in Amazing Omegas), which is why our clients use the two pet cancer supplements together. If your pet is undergoing radiation, curcumin can protect the skin.
Resveratrol for Dogs is an exceptional antioxidant, backed by research, and can help your dog in so many ways. Cancer support and prevention (use with dog breeds that have a higher incidence of cancer, such as Bichon Frises, German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Boxers). Resveratrol for Dogs acts on the process of carcinogenesis by affecting all three phases — tumor initiation, promotion and progression — and suppresses the final steps of carcinogenesis. Resveratrol for Dogs also supports immune function and provides excellent natural cancer support for dogs.
What Are Mammary Tumors In Dogs?
Mammary tumors in dogs are very similar to breast cancer in women. Owners may find a lump in their dog's breast tissue. Mammary tumors, commonly referred to as dog breast cancer, develop in the mammary glands located along two chains running down the sides of a dog's body. These tumors are more common in unspayed female dogs, as estrogen produced by the ovaries stimulates the growth of mammary tissue. Spaying a dog before her first or second heat cycle can significantly reduce the risk of developing these tumors. Dogs spayed prior to their first heat have only a 0.5% risk of developing mammary tumors. After the second heat, this risk dramatically increases to 26%.*
Mammary tumors in dogs can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Approximately 50% of these tumors are malignant. Malignant tumors may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as nearby lymph nodes or the lungs. Since mammary tumors are easily felt, in many cases they are caught early and can be successfully treated with surgery. Having multiple mammary tumors at once is quite common.
*Reference: Malignant Mammary Tumors in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Debbie Stoewen and Christopher Pinard.
Symptoms Of Mammary Cancer In Dogs
The most common sign of mammary tumors is a lump or nodule near a nipple. Dogs may not show any other symptoms until the cancer has progressed. Subtle changes to appetite, mood and activity may signal that your dog does not feel well. Symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- Painful abdomen, usually near the back legs
- Swollen breasts
- Sores on the skin or nipple
- Nipple discharge (pus or blood)
- Exercise intolerance, low energy level and lethargy
- Poor appetite and gradual weight loss
Dogs of any breed can develop mammary tumors, but the condition is more commonly diagnosed in older dogs, typically over the age of 7. Certain breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds, may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Mammary Tumors in Dogs Treatment
Surgery is typically the conventional veterinary treatment for mammary tumors in dogs. The procedure usually involves removing the tumor along with some surrounding tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are removed. In many cases, the lymph nodes connected to the mammary glands are also removed to prevent the spread of cancer. If the dog is unspayed, veterinarians often recommend spaying at the time of tumor removal to help reduce the risk of future tumors.
For dogs with more advanced cases, such as those where the cancer has spread (metastasized) or the tumors are inoperable, additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may be considered. Radiation can sometimes help manage symptoms for dogs with inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC), a highly aggressive form of mammary cancer that causes inflammation resembling mastitis.
Holistic treatments for dog breast cancer can be combined with most conventional veterinary options. Adding supplements for mammary tumors in dogs, such as medicinal mushrooms, curcumin, CoQ10 and fish oil, can support your dog's immune system and overall well-being. Feeding a low carbohydrate cancer diet rich in omega-3s and fresh nutrients can also help. At Ask Ariel, we will include FREE dog breast cancer diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your order.
How Long Can A Dog Live With Mammary Tumors?
The life expectancy of a dog with mammary tumors depends on the type of tumor and treatment options selected. Benign tumors can often be cured with surgery. Tumor removal surgery can be curative for about 50% of dogs with malignant tumors. For dogs in which cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the average survival time is about a year. For malignant cases, a combination of surgery, a holistic cancer diet, and supplements can help extend your dog's life and improve their overall well-being.
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"Cookie is my senior cocker spaniel/dachshund mix rescued a few years ago. Just over a year ago, she had a malignant mammary tumor removed and it was suggested that she have chemotherapy immediately thereafter so it wouldn't come back. Instead, I did some research for alternatives, found Ask Ariel, and then decided to try the OncoPet and Immune Harmony. It is obvious that Cookie's health only got better from that point on and I am grateful to Ask Ariel for their advice and fabulous products! Cookie also benefits from Phosphatidyl Serine for her Cushing's Disease, Amazing Omegas, and Power Probiotic.
Thanks also to the Ask Ariel team for superb customer service and fabulous bonus gifts. It is clear that you all care very much about your customers and their furbabies! Thanks again!!" - Gina, Florida
The Best Diet for Dogs With Mammary Tumors
Mammary cancer in dogs treatment includes not only surgery and supplements, but diet changes as well. Dogs with breast cancer can benefit from a low-carbohydrate, hypoallergenic diet, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Diets high in carbohydrates may promote tumor growth and should be limited. Dry food diets generally are high in carbohydrates so choosing another form of dog food such as raw frozen, canned or homemade can be beneficial.
Research studies have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two types of omega-3 fatty acids, can help slow the development of tumors and metastases of certain cancers. Using a high-quality fish oil and adding a small portion of baked fish or sardines in water can provide a source of omega-3s in your dog's diet.
Adding an array of fresh vegetables can provide important enzymes and nutrients to your dog's diet. Since the majority of your dog's immune system resides in the intestinal tract, maintaining a balanced microbiome is also essential. Probiotics along with fresh foods containing prebiotic fibers can support a healthy immune system.
Ask Ariel has extensive experience formulating diets for pets with cancer as our Pet Nutritionist Susan Davis offered holistic consultations for over 10 years at VCA hospitals and at a veterinary oncology clinic. While we no longer offer consultations, we do include FREE dog mammary cancer diet tips on the packing slip that comes with your order.
Do Cats Get Breast Cancer?
Yes, cats can get breast cancer, too. Mammary cancer is the third most common form of cancer in cats, behind lymphoma and skin cancer. Cat breast cancer is usually seen in middle-aged and older female cats (around 10 years and up). Certain breeds, like Persians and Siamese, tend to have a higher risk of developing mammary tumors. Spaying female cats before their first heat cycle can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by over 90%. Male cats can also get mammary tumors, but it is very rare.
The clinical signs of cat mammary cancer are very similar to those found in dogs. The first symptom is a mass that can be felt near the mammary glands. Many cats will overgroom the area and this can cause ulcerations and bleeding. Most mammary tumors in cats are malignant, almost 9 out of 10. If the tumors are found early, surgery can be done to remove the affected tissue. Since cat breast tumors are generally aggressive, chemotherapy is often included in the veterinary treatment protocol. With feline mastectomies, cats can live for 3 or more years. The prognosis is more guarded if there are multiple tumors or if cancer has spread through the lymph nodes to other organs.
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