The Dog Cancer Survival Guide (70 page)

Dogs like routine and they also like surprises. Switch exercise activities once in a while to keep mind and body stimulated.

Not every dog can handle a lot of exercise, and some dogs with cancer are truly limited in their mobility. If that applies to your dog, there are several things you can do to improve his circulation and burn off some steam (see the sidebar).

There are many ways to get your dog to move without his having to move, himself.

Assisted Movement:
Help your dog along by using a harness or a towel slung under the belly. (See
www.DogCancerShop.com
for mobility aids.)

Physical Therapy.
To increase blood flow and help with general stiffness, repeatedly and slowly flex and extend every joint in your dog’s legs. Spend about three minutes on each limb before moving on to the next.

Grooming.
Gentle brushing with a soft bristled brush stimulates the skin and feels relaxing for your dog. If he doesn’t like brushes, you can use your fingers to give a thorough and gentle pet.

Warmth.
Applying low heat can increase blood flow and relieve stiffness, and is especially useful if your dog is thin or old. Soak a washcloth in warm (not hot) water and apply it to the low back, hips, knees, shoulders and elbows. You can also use hot water bottles (make sure the water is warm, not hot). Another option is to buy a pillow designed to be heated in the microwave to gentle warmth. Always test the temperature on your own skin before you apply anything to your dog’s skin or fur. If it’s too hot to keep on your own skin, it’s definitely too hot to keep pressed to your dog’s. I do not recommend electric heating pads or blankets, because skin can burn if the elements are not padded adequately or if they get wet.

Fresh Air and Sunshine.
Just getting outside in the breeze and sunshine can feel good to your dog. Take a meandering ride in the car or move his bed out onto the porch. One client bought a playpen and set it up on her back porch, then carried her dog out to rest comfortably in the fresh air. Even opening a window can help. At my hospital, I bring all my patients outdoors, regardless of their age or mobility, because I see an immediate lift in their mood.

We know from human studies that feelings of isolation worsen cancer outcomes, so I propose using this information to help our dogs.

Dogs can get lonely, especially when they’re the only dog in the house. Most feel a natural instinct to congregate with other dogs, and satisfying this need is not only a life quality booster, it may even be considered a cancer treatment. Social connection decreases loneliness and stress, especially when it is pleasant.

Arrange play dates with other dogs you think will be compatible with your dog. For example, if you have a slow, slightly deaf, elderly lady, she might not want to deal with a bouncy, barky puppy or a large and athletic German Shepherd. Your dog should be able to hold her own with her friend, without getting intimidated, overwhelmed or physically overpowered. It is a good idea to start with one easygoing dog and invite more friends later.

If your dog does not enjoy the company of other dogs, she may enjoy meeting other people. Have your friends over, especially if they are dog lovers. Playing, walking and even cuddling with other humans can be therapeutic for a dog with cancer.

Just like people, most dogs like to have jobs and tasks to complete. Training engages your dog’s mind and emotions and builds self-esteem. Remember, self-esteem does not come from unearned praise – it comes from facing a challenge and overcoming it. Getting a reward, in the form of a healthy treat or lavish praise, is even better.

While a full agility training program is not appropriate for a dog with cancer, responding to simple commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Speak, Shake, Fetch, Roll Over and others, can build self-esteem and connection between the two of you. Even five minutes a day can help your dog feel productive and happy.

If it’s been years since your dog went to puppy kindergarten, you might want to pick up a copy of a good book on low-key dog training. I recommend Tamar Geller’s book,
The Loved Dog
.

Keep in mind that you are not training for your own benefit, but simply to give your dog a chance to manage a challenge and receive abundant, lavish praise. Your enthusiasm and excitement can make your dog feel like he has just won a gold medal, which will help elevate his life quality and may even help him fight his cancer.

“Exercise every day is a must, and enjoyed by all. If one dog doesn’t have high stamina every day, he does what he can and thoroughly enjoys it. We simply roll the ball closer rather than throwing it far, and let him walk while the others run around. It’s totally accepted, never seen to be a sad thing, and I can tell he enjoys it as much as ever. It would be a true shame to not go out because I assume he’s not up to it. We mediate or just stay quiet together a lot. Touching, singing to him, sending boundless love and joy to him has benefitted us all.”

- Susan Harper, High Wycombe, England

Sometimes just doing something new can make you feel good. You may remember the joy and pride you felt as a child, when you mastered tying your shoes or riding your bike. These were manageable challenges that your parents knew you could meet and overcome .

You can come up with your own list of manageable challenges for your dog, and every once in a while encourage him to master one. Walking in a new area is a manageable challenge, as is going up stairs, learning to roll over for a belly rub or learning to shake paws. When your dog overcomes a manageable challenge, give her abundant praise!

Every dog is unique in her appreciation of life. Some dogs love to run fast, while others love to chase balls. Some would rather cuddle on your lap than take a walk and others love to swim. Whatever makes your dog feel uniquely happy is what I call a joy of life. You probably already know what your dog’s joys are, and I encourage you to view those joys as opportunities to treat her cancer. Make a list of her joys and make sure that she gets them on a regular basis.

Sometimes we can’t provide a joy, the way we once could. For example, a dog who once adored running on the beach, who is no longer able to romp, may enjoy sitting on a towel and sniffing the salty breeze. Whatever your dog’s joy is, indulge it as much as you can. While you do so, create some extra positive emotions in your dog by getting excited yourself. Express your own enthusiasm for her joy through your voice and gestures. For example, if you are sitting on the beach and she is sniffing the wind, sniff it yourself and rub her behind her ears. A big smile and a gentle “yay!” or “all right!” can express your pleasure at being with her and sharing this moment. This enhances your connection and can elevate her joy quotient.