Death is death, no matter who or what you are. The difference is we are an evolved species that can discern or come to terms with our emotions and mortality easier. A dog can't. It's instinct is survival, and when it's close to death, it's an unknown predator that they cannot understand nor see. And it scares them.

@@RemnentPlays Oh, how I disagree with this...

I'm not sure it's one or the other. I think it's a lot more nuanced than that. When humans are in the process of death, they often can communicate what they need. They're thirsty, hungry, in pain, etc. When they can't communicate directly, we often know a lot about how they are doing by our own empathy. If we were in that state, how would we feel? We can guess and make them comfortable. The problem for veterinarians is that their patients do not communicate directly with them. They have to rely on what they feel, their experience, and the report of those closest to the animal. They are more in the dark. And dogs and other animals cannot consent the way humans can. We have no sure way of knowing if a dog would sign a DNR that states no interventions, or one that states ALL interventions, or something in between. They are always operating in a gray area. Perhaps this is why they so often seem more dramatic to you? Without direct reports from animals themselves, it's hard for us humans to know ... so we guess and hope to err on the side of humane treatment. In some countries, it is illegal for a veterinarian to pts a patient ... but they also struggle, there. They feel that sometimes, witnessing a natural death is worse than what we see here. (Based on our conversations with individual veterinarians.) Death is not an easy topic, for sure.

@@DogCancer Thank you for this measured answer. I agree and would add that in dying it's not so much about 'all the interventions' vs 'no interventions' but rather about the right interventions. From what I've seen, doctors and veterinarians who usually aren't trained in end-of-life care, don't know which those appropriate interventions are. In an attempt to preserve life they often make the transition disproportionately more challenging. My other issue is that pet euthanasia has become the norm (at some 90% I think?), and as you said - it's done without their consent and it's only sometimes justified. That's a huge and very sad discrepancy. I just wanted to bring attention to this because it's information like I heard in this video - that 'dying is painful for dogs and it only gets more painful towards the end' that leads people and vets to pts rather sooner or later, and often unnecessarily. This is objectively not true. The body has inbuilt mechanisms for dying. Once the most troublesome symptoms are addressed the rest usually takes care of itself. Now, cancer might be the one exception. It's varied and the symptoms are hard to predict. It doesn't always follow the usual process of dying, and it can be very painful. So that's an area where I wouldn't be opposed to euthanasia. Thank you for your engagement. It's a great video summary otherwise.

Great point -- this is why Dr. Hacker suggests making sure that all toys are made of natural fibers. But of course, dogs chew on other fabrics, too ... :-(

There is no type of fish that is unsafe for dogs in general, but individual dogs might be allergic to fish or a type of fish. Here is our article on fish: www.dogcancer.com/articles/diet-and-lifestyle/can-dogs-eat-fish/

Sounds delicious, just be sure that chicken is fully cooked through!

Prednisone is widely used in pain management protocols, so if your veterinarian thinks it will help your dog's vertebral disk disease, it's worth a shot!

Thank you so much for getting back to me!!​@@DogCancer

You are so very welcome. RIP, Ginger. <3

It's under investigation, true! It's got a similar action to some drugs that are currently used as chemotherapy agents, which is why it has some attention. Time and further experimentation -- both in formal studies and in practice -- will tell us more about whether it's useful enough to use and whether the possible long-term side effects are too hard on dogs. Here's our article! www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/fenbendazole-for-dogs/

You can always check the FDA's drug shortage pages to see when something is backordered or resolved. Looks like Tanovea was in adequate supply on 9/25/2024: www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/resolved-animal-drug-shortages

I feel your pain, I’m battling with diagnosing my Greyhound Zahli. After many vet visits we are still no closer but have changed her to a veterinary prescription dry food case closed ...oh but it’s not I feel it my deep being (if you know what I mean you just feel it’s not right)

Like they get a diagnosis in their mind and disregard any input from me the owner ....the one that knows Zahli the best.

We're so sorry to hear this. Misdiagnosing is not always the case, but it certainly can be. Good job, momma, getting a second opinion. It's always a good idea if you have a gut feeling -- or even if you just want to cover all the bases.

Absolutely. In fact, we believe palliative care should be started right away, even if you are treating! It will help the dog feel better, and that helps EVERYTHING.

Our understanding is that doses are calibrated based on weight, but also other meds, and what might be going on symptomatically. As Dr. Duffy points out, the original published doses (which you should be able to see in your pharmacy-related databases?) are not always followed now. Over time, the biologically effective dose is followed, because the side effects are minimized. And yes, the pills can't be crushed. It's possible your veterinarian just wants to double check with the oncologist to make sure they calculate it right! Please see our article on Palladia for more details on the general dosing guidelines: www.dogcancer.com/articles/drugs/palladia-for-dogs/

We're so happy to have been of service. It's pretty compelling research, the connection between these chemicals and bladder cancer, isn't it. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and take care of yourself as you grieve these important and meaningful loves.

A good general diet is Dr. Dressler's diet. You can get it at dogcancerdiet.com/ or get his book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide. There is some evidence that red meat (beef, pork, etc.) is not good for dogs with mammary tumors -- but lean proteins are great. Here's our article on mammary tumors: www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/mammary-tumors-in-dogs/

We're so sorry for your losses, and for your own cancer diagnosis. As Dr. Trepanier points out, there are a lot of chemicals that are coming out of building materials like carpet, flooring, paint, etc., that we don't have any way to control. You may be right, and it might be something in your home, but it might not be something you "brought in" as much as it's something in the home itself. Cancer rates in humans are very high, too, unfortunately. Best of luck with your treatments and take good care of yourself.

@@DogCancer❤Thank you.

There actually is some research on the effects of flea and ticks medications on long-term health. Dr. Dressler wrote about it in his book The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, and you can read about it on our new site, as well. It's really a tough call for us dog lovers. On the one hand, obviously pesticides are a potential contributingfactor of dog cancer. On the other hand, the illnesses caused by insects pose very real health risks, and cause death, too. In general, integrative veterinarians like the ones who work with us usually recommend that you only use meds when necessary, and only when in season. Here's our article, in case you didn't see it in the show notes for this episode! www.dogcancer.com/articles/causes-and-prevention/lawn-chemicals-herbicides-and-pesticides/

How sweet of you to take the time to leave such a lovely note. Our veterinarians and science writers work so very hard to bring information like this to you. It's our mission, and we do it gladly, but it's nice to hear a thank you 🙂.

This is Molly. I had a very bad experience like yours, as well, and it still haunts me. It's important to put it into perspective, though. A moment of pain followed by peace may still have been better than chronic pain over time, or dying unaided by you. Death is not usually easy, no matter how it occurs. You obviously did so well by your girl, and it's so painful to have this as the "last" memory. Please try to focus on the 18 years of beautiful and loving time together, and I promise, that's what your girl was thinking about. She wouldn't want you to be so down. Please reach out for support in a group, pastor, priest, rabbi, or counselor. You don't deserve to live without support. <3

@@DogCancer I appreciate this, thank you