Here we are, part 3 of the cancer series (no Home Alone analogies this time). Part 3 is just as important as understanding the pathogenesis, diet and supplementation segments. This is about minimising exposure to external factors that affect the immune system. Whether that be mental well being, stress, how they exercise, monthly chemical treatments and yearly boosters etc, they are all points that must be considered and addressed.
Reducing stress in your pet’s life
We know anxiety is a silent killer. It reeks havoc on your body and creates immense inflammation that can led to much disease. Dog’s in particular experience a lot of stress living in a 21st century home. Stress can lead to a TH2 dominant immune system, this is also the dominant state your body is in during cancer. Helping to reduce, modulate the stress response is key in supporting this disease state.
This can be done in a manner of ways and we always suggest looking into what we call ‘life load’ in functional medicine. How much is your cat or dog taking on? Are they happy being an only pet, do they love their companion, do they get overwhelmed easily, excited easily, do they have a safe space just for them, are they attached to you, are they left home alone a lot. We are not suggesting any one thing is responsible for cancer but taking into account the entire picture and looking at the mental state of mind correlates and can impact physical health greatly.
If you feel there are some behavioural constraints, then consulting with a behaviourist is a good idea. If money is too tight to mention, look at some subscription sites or groups on Facebook to help with general tips. Always be careful how you select your support.
We once had a family greyhound and she was very nervous of life generally. We made her a den, got her another friend for play dates and played classic FM A LOT and used natural essential oils to induce a more relaxed environment. She had plenty of walks, chewed certain bones under supervision (this has shown to help with stress, exercise and mental stimulation, as well as cleaning teeth) and numerous other things.
Please always consider if your pet’s needs are being met. We know how important it is to reduce stress and to feel happy in our own lives, our pets are no different.
Exercise
Exercise is always important but there is research out on certain types of exercise being cancer respondent. HIIT type exercising, where there’s intense short, sharp bursts of exercise with intermittent periods of rest (basically how most dogs tend to play), may help support cancer patients in a positive way. This has not yet been ‘exercised’ in dogs but research shows some promise as part of a healthy and supportive regime.
Not to mention that exercise for dogs is part of a healthy lifestyle where they get to explore, socialise and keep active.
Reducing Toxic overload in your dog’s life
Toxic daily metabolic overload challenges the immune system every day. This not only includes radiation and environmental pollutants but grooming products, flea and worming products, vaccinations, household items, garden items and the impurity of the water in your pet’s life.
Ok so lets’ touch on grooming
If you need to wash your dog, then we recommend a gentle and natural shampoo like Helios for itching pets and general applications:
Helio shampoo
To moisturise, help heal wounds, help itchy dry and flaky skin, I like leucillin as a natural option:
Leucillin
If you dog has a wound or hotspot that isn’t healing, I recommend green clay as something to have in your emergency cupboard, no chemicals for us:
Green clay
Flea products and Vaccinations
Flea products and tick products are incredibly toxic and overload the body when the immune system is already under challenge. Fleas aren’t a great concern but ticks are so make sure after every walk you check your dog thoroughly and invest in a tick removal kit if you are in a zone for ticks. They can be dangerous to your dog as they carry disease such as Lymes. There are lots of natural products out there. Rotate them as fleas and ticks are adaptable and you need to make sure your pets are not desirable hosts. If your dog is sensitive to oils try diatomaceous earth, it’s a great option and effective. If we aren’t meant to handle topical flea treatments, how can this safely be used on your pet?
A lovely
spray with beautiful essentials before you go on a walk can be helpful:
A natural
flea collar or amber collar can be deterrents and non-toxic:
If you wish to avoid worming due to toxicity you can buy worm egg count kits. Advised to do every 6 months. Greens also offer a heart worm count.
Vaccinations can be over stimulating to the immune system. With yearly boosters and exposure to toxicity on a regular basis, this will only challenge your sick pet further. Vaccinating responsibly is important.
There is a movement of vets who are starting to titer test rather than vaccinate yearly.This is a blood test and chargeable by the vet to check antibodies in the blood to see what your pet is currently inoculated against. It’s much safer and less challenging for your dog’s immune system and 9.5/10 your pet won’t need another booster in their lifetime after their initial vaccinations. Titer is not required after 9 years of age.
Talk to your vet about it, it’s a supply and demand thing. We recommend looking into
Vaccicheck. They have a lot of data and scientific research on titers regardless of what some sceptics may say.
Household items
Washing up detergents, dish washer detergents, clothes detergents, floor cleaning, general cleaning products can all be hazardous and some dogs may be allergic to your clothes detergent or floor cleanser. You need to go natural here, especially if your pet is sensitive, itching and immune challenged. The most common and more natural products can be found in all the major supermarkets like ECover andMethod. Of course if you are in America or Australia there are plenty of decent natural products around. Avoiding aerosol sprays, fabric deodorisers, plug ins, scented candles and so forth is soooo important. Go Natural where possible!
Radiation is a big problem in most houses due to wifi and general electrical points in the house. Keeping succulent plants in the house helps to absorb that radiation rather than you and your dog’s.
Fertilisers
Not only are these toxic to pets but some dogs can react to certain chemicals found in fertilisers, fungicides and pesticides. Be careful of your dog’s exposure and perhaps consider some natural alternatives.
Water
Always keep water available but most importantly make sure it is filtered, distilled or bottled. Preferably filtered or distilled. Giving fresh filtered water is essential. Unfortunately, a lot of tap water contains toxins such as chlorine, fluoride, aluminium, nitrates, insecticides, herbicides, prescription medications and more.
Adding a little liquid chlorophyll to your pet’s water may protect your pet against radiation and help cleanse and soothe the system.
Kiki health Liquid chlorophyll
We hope this article helped give an overview of how to manage life load, stress, exercise and reducing toxic overload for your pet’s health.
As always check us out over at MPN!
Consultations
MPN Team x
