The Most Common Types of Canine Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs—especially as they age. While genetics can play a role, many veterinarians and researchers agree that diet, toxins, immune stress, and chronic inflammation strongly influence whether cancer develops and how aggressively it progresses.

I’ve lost two dogs to cancer (hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma). The veterinarian suspects Rodrigo had also developed hemangiosarcoma in the end as well. The experience taught me a lot about cancer treatments; I learned even more about potential cancer prevention.

This article briefly covers the most common cancers seen in dogs, how they develop, warning signs to watch for, conventional and holistic treatment options, and foods that may help support the body before, during, and after diagnosis.

Important note: Food and natural therapies do not cure cancer. They support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life, often alongside conventional veterinary care.

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the blood vessels, most commonly affecting the spleen, heart, and liver. It often grows silently until a sudden rupture causes internal bleeding.

This cancer is not contagious and often develops unnoticed.

Conventional:

Natural & integrative support:

*Curcumin (turmeric or golden paste) is often recommended for dogs with cancer; however, curcumin is an anti-clotting agent and isn’t recommended during an active bleed. This and other anti-clotting foods (garlic, fatty fish, leafy greens, broccoli) should be fed with care and under the guidance of a holistic veterinary oncologist or holistic vet.

Prognosis is often poor, but early detection + integrative care may improve quality of life and survival time.

*Like curcumin, leafy greens, and fatty fish (sardines, salmon) have anti-clotting benefits and are not recommended to dogs with HSA during an active bleed.

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, affecting lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

Conventional:

Natural & integrative support:

Many dogs respond well initially. Diet and immune support may help extend remission and comfort.

Mast cell tumors arise from mast cells, which are part of the immune system and involved in allergic responses.

Conventional:

Natural & integrative support:

Low-grade tumors often do very well with surgery. High-grade tumors require ongoing management.

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer, most commonly affecting large and giant breeds.

Conventional:

Natural & integrative support:

Treatment can significantly improve comfort and extend life. Supportive care is critical.

Melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells and is especially aggressive when found in the mouth.

Conventional:

Natural & integrative support:

Early detection greatly improves prognosis.

While no diet can guarantee cancer prevention, reducing inflammation and immune stress matters.

Cancer is scary—but knowledge is power. Supporting your dog with better nutrition, reduced toxin load, and immune-supportive foods may help lower risk, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

I haven’t found the magical regimen to avoid cancer, I’m applying what I’ve learned to my dogs, praying that they remain cancer-free. Besides feeding a raw and gently cooked fresh food diet, I follow the above-listed “supportive daily strategies,” and add the following supplements to their diet as needed:

I wish I had the answers, but I don’t, so I stay open to new information, praying that I find the answer, the diet, the supplement, the regimen that will help me raise happier, healthier dogs.

If you’re interested in learning more about canine cancer, check out this course offered by Dr. Kendra Pope: Pet Cancer Prevention Course