My best friend of 11 years died of canine T-cell cutaneous lymphosarcoma, on Saturday. I wanted to share what I learned with you, that are still lucky to have your loved ones.
1. Prednasone made her breath rapidly constantly. This made her nose very dry and bleed. Put a humidifier where they sleep as soon as possible to lesson the drying.
2. DermCare pills were very effective with dry skin and itching. I gave my 50lb dog one with breakfast and one with dinner.
3. When in doubt, get a biopsy. It can often be done with minimal pain to the dog.
4. Get a few pills to help with the side-effects your dog may have. My Lady had diarrhea, and I wish I had thought ahead to get 2-3 pills for just in case.
5. If at all possible, put in a dog door to the outside. They hate to make messes in the house and you can't always guess when they have to go.
6. Get pictures taken as soon as possible, they have been very helpful to me through the mourning process.
7. Keep away from people who don't understand the your pet is loved as much as any human child. My Mother doesn't understand, so I have kept as far away as possible. She tries to be nice, but says incencitive things without even knowing. Just know the I (and many others) know that you love your pet as much as a child.
8. Spend the extra money to keep the house a comfortable temperature. I noticed Lady laid a lot on the cooler ceramic tile, so I kept dropping the temperature down until she seemed comfortable. (They sell dog beds for arthritic dogs that reduces the heat.)
9. Lady's thirst increased greatly while on chemo. I filed the dog water bowl with fresh water many times each day, and often offered her cups of cold bottled water which she LOVED.
10. Prescription Diet Canine N/D (only sold at vets) has been proved to extend and improve cancer dogs lives. It's worth a shot.
11. When your dog quits eating food, don't give up. I used greed (letting the other dog look at the food) often. Also, don't forget human food is often better than no food. The last three days, my girl wouldn't eat her favorite foods so I had to find new ones. Boiled, boneless chicken breast, peanut butter (with a glass of water), and beef jerky.
12. I realize that what most of you are going through is exhausting. I worried non-stop for the entire experience. I spent hours trying to get her to eat, play and be comfortable. Allow yourself to cry, but try not to cry around him/her, pets can tell when you are upset.
13. Become educated about your pet's condition and medication. Do not be afraid to ask your vet questions and question him on his choice of paths. Don't let the vet make you feel rushed through the meetings. If at all possible, find a specialist. There are so many new treatments that are being discovered.
Good luck to all. I hope for comfort for yourself and your loved ones.