Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 Natural & Holistic Cancer Treatment for Dogs in 2025: Our Vet Explains

dog taking cbd hemp oil

Cancer, in its many and varied forms, is an often fatal disease that is present in virtually every species in the animal kingdom. In dogs, there are certain forms of cancer – also known as neoplasia – that are more common than others, including soft tissue tumors, skin cancer, lymphoma, bone tumors, and blood & bone marrow cancer.

There are also many and varied treatment options when it comes to canine neoplasia, from surgical removal or debulking, to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. How well a dog responds to these treatments depends very much on the type and location of the cancer, how aggressive it is, as well as how aggressive treatment can be. In humans, we can make an informed decision about our treatment options and their side effects, whilst it would be both cruel and unethical to subject our pets to high-dose chemotherapy, given the severity of potential side effects. Because of this, we may wish to pursue a multimodal form of treatment, and for some, that might include natural and holistic treatments.

When we think about natural and holistic treatments, our minds often go to a place filled with incense, candles, essential oils, and sound baths, and to be fair, sometimes they are a part of the equation. However, there are also some more mainstream and scientifically-based elements to natural treatments, and holistic therapy is a somewhat misunderstood and often misused term. Alternative or complementary therapies are not only increasing in popularity in human and veterinary medicine, but many are actually covered under pet insurance policies.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Natural & Holistic Treatments for Cancer in Dogs: Overview

owner holding the dog's muzzle
Image Credit: My July, Shutterstock

While we strongly advise against relying entirely on non-medical alternatives to treating cancer, there are a number of natural approaches that can help reduce inflammation, manage the side effects of treatment, and even reduce your dog’s risks of developing cancer.

Holistic therapy refers to a ‘whole body’ approach to treatment, that addresses the individual and their environment, rather than just the biological particulars of the disease. A holistic approach to treatment will typically include natural therapies, but ideally, it should also incorporate modern medicine, not be considered separate from it.

Natural treatments can be anything that falls outside the realm of surgical or pharmaceutical approaches, including nutrition, aromatherapy, acupuncture, massage, music, herbal remedies, and essential oils. In humans, it might also include hypnotherapy, yoga, meditation, and dance.

Some veterinarians may initially be resistant to the idea of holistic and natural treatments, but as their benefits become more widely accepted, you will find it easier to find one that is open to incorporating these options into your dog’s treatment.

It is extremely important that you inform your vet of any treatments you are considering outside their primary care. Although some natural therapies can be perfectly harmless, some can interact badly with certain medications, and others could have the opposite effect to what we are aiming to achieve.

If you need veterinary advice for your pet, we recommend PangoVet’s TeleVet service. You can have a video consultation with a real veterinarian from the comfort of wherever you are, no travel needed. PangoVet’s vets can provide you with personalized care and advice, and hopefully help ease your mind.

💛 🐶 Speak to a Veterinarian Online From the Comfort of Home
PangoVet_Mention-in-Content_v10_Oct-18-2024 copy

If you want to speak with a vet online, head to PangoVet and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Please note that PangoVet does not offer prescriptions and is not for medical emergencies.

Below are 5 natural and holistic cancer treatments that may help in the treatment of your dog’s cancer.

divider dog faces oct 2024

The 5 Natural & Holistic Cancer Treatments For Dogs

⚠ IMPORTANT!!

IF YOUR DOG HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER, OR IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG MAY HAVE CANCER, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE ANY OF THE TREATMENTS BELOW WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR VET.

1. Diet and Nutrition

owner feeding labrador dog
Image Credit: Christian Meuller, Shutterstock

We all know how important a high-quality diet is to the overall health of our dogs. Providing our canine companions with the right balance of nutrients for their body size, age, and activity level is one of the best things we can do to optimize their overall health. There is no definitive scientific evidence that any foods can cause or cure cancer, but when it comes to avoiding cancer, there is one element in particular that requires our attention: antioxidants.

Free radicals and oxidants are molecules that accumulate in the body through normal metabolic processes or from external sources like pollution. Although not all are harmful, they can result in oxidative stress, leading to a number of disease processes including inflammation, degenerative disease, heart disease, neurological disease, arthritis, and cancer. Although the body does naturally produce some antioxidants to combat these damaging molecules, it is often not enough.

Antioxidants come in many different forms and can be found in a wide range of sources.

Some important ones to be aware of are:

  • Vitamin A
    • carotenoids (found in pigmented fruits and vegetables)
    • retinoids (found in meat, particularly in liver, and fish oil)
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
    • commonly added to pet foods in the form of tocopherol
  • Polyphenols
  • Selenium

Foods rich in naturally occurring antioxidants that are safe for dogs:

  • Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries
  • Cooked yellow squash, carrots, sweet potatoes
  • Steamed broccoli, spinach, kale, green beans

Too much of some antioxidants can be toxic, so it’s just as important to not go overboard, and always check with your vet to make sure you’re giving your dog the right balance of nutrients.


2. Acupuncture

vet holding acupuncture needle near dog's neck in clinic
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

An integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is treating the body’s life force energy, or ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’). One of the ways this is achieved is through the placement of small needles at specific locations on the body to release blocked Qi, which is believed to cause disease. This type of therapy was dismissed as superstitious and outdated for a long time by Western medicine, but it is a technique that is gaining recognition as being, not just effective, but also having a foundation in anatomy and embryology.

It is being increasingly used in human and veterinary medicine, with applications in managing pain, arthritis, respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, wound healing, allergies, and autoimmune disease. There is no clear evidence that acupuncture has any direct effects on cancer itself, but it is often used in humans to manage the side effects of the disease and its treatment, such as pain, nausea, wound healing, bone marrow suppression, and peripheral neuropathy.


3. Herbal Remedies

Pet dog taking cbd hemp oil
Image Credit: Nuva Frames, Shutterstock

Another feature of TCM which is making its way into more modern veterinary practice is the use of plant ingredients to treat illness and injury. Given that this is where medicine began, it’s not such a strange concept, and many modern medicines still contain (heavily refined) plant extracts (eg. morphine, theophylline, pseudoephedrine).

More recently, the manipulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with cannabidiol (CBD) from the marijuana plant has been used to manage pain and nausea in cancer patients, and is even being explored for its potential anticancer activity.


4. Reiki

woman doing Reiki therapy to a dog
Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock

One of the more ‘mystical’ items on our list, Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique that uses a laying-on-of-hands approach to manipulate the body’s life force, known as ‘Ki’ in Japan, ‘Qi’ in China, and ‘prana’ in India. It is not linked to any specific religion or belief system. Although many modern medical practitioners are highly skeptical of this technique, it is becoming more difficult to deny the anecdotal evidence of Reiki’s effectiveness in helping to manage pain, stress, and anxiety, as well as improving general well-being and energy levels. Although some subscribers to the practice believe that Reiki can help target and treat cancer, this is not something that has any scientific evidence or endorsement. However, its use alongside more traditional treatments may help support your pet through their treatment and recovery.


5. Mushrooms

Chaga mushroom growing on birch tree in forest
Image Credit: Sandris Veveris, Shutterstock

Not the ‘magic’ type, although they certainly do give an example of the powerful effects fungi can have on the body and brain! Research has shown that Chaga mushrooms may be useful as an adjunct to chemotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer in dogs, and the anticancer applications of the polysaccharide protein (PSP) found in the Coriolus versicolor mushroom are being explored in human and veterinary medicine. Of course, some mushroom species are merely tasty, while others are extremely toxic, so don’t go harvesting your own in the hopes of curing cancer.

divider dog faces oct 2024

A Note on Homeopathy

A term often used interchangeably with holistic and natural therapies, homeopathy, is not a practice we recommend. Although some aspects do crossover into some herbal remedies, the practice of homeopathy is usually encouraged to be used as a standalone method of treatment, in an either/or relationship with mainstream/modern medicine.

Homeopathy is based on the idea that the body can heal itself using naturally occurring substances that mimic the disease; “like curing like.” It also follows the belief that the lower the dose of a treatment, the more effective it will be. While many of the ingredients used in homeopathic treatments are completely harmless, others are highly toxic. Due to the lack of regulation of homeopathic treatments and techniques, there is also an inherent lack of safety. Although there are many reputable and safe homeopathic practitioners, there will also be those who take advantage of peoples’ desperation and, at best, provide an ineffective treatment and, at worst, give them something that will make their condition worse.

If you are looking into homeopathy as a treatment option for your dog, we encourage you to do plenty of research and talk to your vet about how they might be able to incorporate some natural treatments into your pet’s plan.

golden retriever dog resting its head on the lap of the owner
Image Credit: Inside Creative House, Shutterstock

divider dog faces oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Not so long ago, natural and holistic treatments were treated with derision and skepticism. Now they are being increasingly researched and implemented in the treatment plans for many human and veterinary conditions. Although some of these natural remedies and practices don’t make the cut in terms of safety and efficacy, and others will not be suitable for pets, there is great potential for these complementary therapies to form an important part of your dog’s cancer treatment. We are still a long way off from curing cancer, but as we broaden our minds and become open to new (or, arguably, old) techniques, we may find ourselves getting a few steps closer.


Featured Image Credit: Nuva Frames, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Acupuncture for Bailey: Hello, Holistic Treatment!

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Bailey feeling her most zen.

Prednisone for Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Uses, Doses & Side Effects

Prednisone is common in both human and veterinary medicine. It’s useful for various ailments, from itchy skin to cancer treatment. While it may...

Prednisone Drug In Prescription Medication Pills Bottle

Mastitis in Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Causes, Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

A dog’s mammary glands function to produce milk to nurture her offspring. Dogs usually have five pairs of mammary glands along their belly...

Pregnant rhodesian ridgeback dog lying on bed with a white blanket

6 Benefits of Eye Supplements for Dogs: Our Vet Explains

Vision is crucial to your dog’s health and quality of life. With advances in both veterinary and owner care, dogs are living longer...

giving shih tzu a dog supplement

More related

concentrated liquid colloidal silver being diluted in glass of water

Colloidal Silver for Dogs: Safety, Uses, & Risks

Colloidal silver is a suspension of tiny particles of silver in a medium such as water, a gel, or a cream. This remedy...

Astragalus membranaceus growing in the wild

Astragalus for Dogs: Usage, Benefits & Verdict (Vet Answer)

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. Common uses in human medicine...

Beagle dog in pain

Beagle Pain Syndrome: Our Vet Explains Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) was initially referred to as Beagle pain syndrome. It was first identified in young laboratory Beagles that demonstrated clinical signs...

mixed breed puppy with parvovirosis at the veterinary clinic

Parvo in Dogs: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs & Treatment 

Canine parvovirus is one of the most devastating viral diseases to affect dogs, second only to rabies. It is also one of the...

Keep reading

9 Best Dog Foods at Tractor Supply in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Tractor Supply is a fantastic resource for pet care supplies, including food. They offer a wide variety of dog foods, making it difficult to pick the perfect food for your dog. We’ve reviewed the foods that Tractor Supply sells and...

Black Dachshund dog guarding and eating food

Is It Alright if My Dog Only Eats Wet Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

We all want to ensure that we are feeding our dogs a well-balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Not only are there an overwhelming number of choices for dog food brands and food varieties, but there is a...

dog eating wet food

10 Best Chicken-Free Dog Foods in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks (Vet-Approved)

Chicken is commonly found in many pet foods. It’s an inexpensive way to add lean protein and healthy nutrients to your dog’s food to keep them at their best. However, sometimes a chicken-free diet is necessary for your pup. If...

dog eating in a food bowl

Organ Meat for Dogs: Vet-Verified Safety & Preparation Tips 

Organ meats from animals that are raised properly and safely, such as farmed chickens, turkeys, ducks, cows, and sheep, can be a healthy and nutrient-rich treat for your dog. However, while dogs can technically eat organ meat, it’s crucial that...

Cooked chicken livers and gizzards in hot cast iron pan

Pet Tutor Mini Feeder Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary Have you been looking for a better way to train your canine companion? If so, you may want to invest in a treat dispenser of some kind, like the Pet Tutor Mini Feeder. This dispenser can help you...

Pet Tutor Mini Feeder Review

Can Dogs Eat Fritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Dogs aren’t well-known for their pickiness, and it’s up to owners to monitor the food they can access. Just as you wouldn’t eat a bowl of Purina, your pup shouldn’t be making a habit of feasting on the foods we...

Can Dogs Eat_fritos

Lamb vs. Chicken vs. Salmon Dog Food: Pros, Cons & Differences

In this article, we’ll look at three of the most common protein sources found in commercial dog food: lamb, chicken, and salmon. Chicken is by far the most widely used protein. In fact, some chicken components may even be found...

Lamb vs chicken vs salmon dog food ft

VeRUS Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary VeRUS (officially stylized as VēRUS) dog food is holistic dog food made from all-natural ingredients. It is formulated for active, high-energy dogs, with grain-free recipes and one made for overweight dogs. Its foods are enriched with omega-3 fatty...

Dogster_VeRUS Dog Food Review