It will be a difficult time for you and your dog if your dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is undergoing canine lymphoma care. But it's important to remain positive and enjoy as much as you can with your dog every day. Dogs are really sensitive, and this may evoke a similar emotional reaction from them if they feel like you're down and upset. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to please your dog, and they will still have a decent quality of life even in such unfortunate circumstances. Any quick steps you should take to help ensure the best possible result when coping with a diagnosis of canine lymphoma are as follows:
Speak to the veterinarian
Keep in good contact with your veterinarian and/or veterinary oncology specialist first and foremost. Not only is it vital to ensure you are staying on top of your job to help your pup's care, but veterinarians can be a great source of relief in what can be a very stressful period. They will reassure you that your loved one receives the best possible care and can also help you understand during the treatment of canine lymphoma what to expect from your dog.
Train your dog according to your instructions
Keep alert and watchful
As we note in our blog the signs of dog distress, dogs rarely "complain" anything other than crying sometimes to go out or to starve. It is also necessary to remain alert and notice changes in everyday habits and patterns for your dog and notify your veterinarian of any unwanted findings. Sometimes these subtle changes will give you a sense of how the lymphoma and/or the medication cause your dog distress or pain. To identify early signs of pain will enhance the prognosis and care approach for your veterinarian and help to make your dog easy.
Feed as much as your veterinarian tolerates and approves
The appetite of your dog can differ significantly during canine lymphoma treatment. Make the most of your hungry times and feed them as much as they eat (with the permission of your veterinarian, of course). Dogs that fight cancer must be well nurtured to preserve their strength. But don't abandon your route to make them feed, or make any drastic adjustments to their normal diets—such as "people food" in their bowl—if you haven't done so before, unless your veterinarian suggests it.
Mobility help
Treatment for any severe illnesses such as canine lymphoma, will cause your dog's weakness. It may make getting into and out of the vehicle, ascending stairs or even standing in some cases difficult for them. Speak to your doctor about the correct and safest approaches to support your pet with mobility. Be alert and polite regardless of the tool you use. For most dogs, the inability to do things by yourself is a new and familiar experience.
Limit improvements to their home atmosphere
Although dogs can adjust over time to changes in their environment, try to limit any significant changes to your home and its environment. Since they are still experiencing some lymphoma-related unfamiliarity and any care they are undergoing, sticking as much as possible to their usual home/environment routines will help keep additional stress to a minimum. Moving homes also can be very stressful for your dog, and yourself.
Find some opportunities to enjoy fun together
Ideally, the treatment of cancer would help put dogs in remission for as long as possible. The truth, however is that you don't know how long you'll have with them. Take the time to do some of the "special occasion" things they enjoy. They love walking the trail. Go for a drive with the windows down. Have a gentle playdate with their favorite furry friend. It will be a good experience for you to watch them have fun as well.
Keep positive and motivating
Dogs are animals who are really intuitive, and they can sense your mood. Although keeping your spirits up when your dog faces a serious health problem can be hard, do your best to maintain an optimistic attitude, as during their dog lymphoma treatments, that will have a positive impact on them. Dogs are people-pleasers, and your encouragement can give them the energy they need to make it through tough times.
