Light Green August is the month of awareness about cancer in dogs and cats, one of the most challenging diseases in veterinary routine and one that requires special care inside and outside the clinic.
In addition to medical treatment, the adaptation of the home environment plays a fundamental role in the well-being and quality of life of diagnosed pets. Small changes in the space can help reduce stress, provide safety, and ensure more comfort during this delicate period.
Thinking about accessibility, comfort, hygiene, and tranquility are essential to transform the home into a welcoming environment for animals undergoing oncological treatment. From choosing orthopedic beds to reducing noise, through adjustments in feeding and mobility, every detail contributes to the pet facing treatment with more quality of life and less suffering.
To discuss this topic with us, we invited Veterinary Oncologist, Melissa Bolzan Bueno, who also specializes in Preventive and Integrative Veterinary Medicine, homeopathy, phytotherapy, among others.
Follow the interview and share it with your friends and family.
Pet Med - What is the Light Green August campaign and what is its importance in raising awareness about cancer in dogs and cats?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - The Light Green August Campaign is an awareness initiative focused on Veterinary Oncology, created to inform pet owners and animal health professionals about the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats. The objective of this initiative is to give more visibility to the topic.
The month of August was chosen to highlight the importance of oncological care for animals, and the light green color was adopted as a symbol of hope, life, and renewal.
Pet Med - What are the most common types of cancer in dogs and cats?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - The most common types in dogs and cats are:
Mammary neoplasms are responsible for 50% of tumors in unspayed female dogs, and these do not have a breed predisposition.
Cutaneous mast cell tumor is one of the most common skin tumors in dogs, and the most predisposed breeds are: Boxer, Bulldog, Labrador, Golden Retriever, and Sharpei.
Lymphomas represent about 7 to 24% of neoplasms in dogs, and the predisposed breeds are: Golden Retriever, Boxer, Rottweiler, and Basset Hound.
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant bone tumor, typical of large breed dogs. The predisposed breeds are German Shepherd, St. Bernard, and Greyhound.
Hemangiosarcoma primarily affects the spleen, liver, and heart. The predisposed breeds are German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Labrador.
In cats, the most common tumors are lymphomas, which are the main feline neoplasm, and can be intestinal, mediastinal, renal or multicentric, strongly associated with the Feline Leukemia virus.
Pet Med - What should be the first care and adaptations to be made in the home environment after a confirmed diagnosis?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - First, the animal should undergo a detailed consultation with an oncology specialist to understand the type of tumor, what exams and follow-up the animal should have from now on to receive an individualized and complete protocol for the well-being of this patient.
It is important to emphasize that there must be pain control, attention to nutrition, physical comfort, such as soft orthopedic beds, non-slip mats, stairs, ramps for animals to get down from the bed, sofa, in addition to reducing stress, maintaining a predictable routine, avoiding abrupt changes in the environment like excessive noise. Also pay attention to accessibility, fresh water, short and frequent walks, low litter boxes for cats with difficulties, and the animal's hygiene. Emotional support for the animal's family is also very important.
Pet Med - How to adapt the physical space of the house to provide more comfort and autonomy to pets with cancer, especially if they are weaker or in pain?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - The adaptation should be made as follows:
Non-slip floors: It is necessary to support the animal's mobility. For this, use rubber mats, EVA or runners to prevent slips. Also, avoid stairs, prefer ramps if possible, as well as creating a routine for them in a single room, concentrating bed, water, food, and litter box or absorbent pad for dogs, in an accessible area, without the need to go up or down steps.
Access to food and water should be provided in elevated bowls, in wide and shallow dishes. Water bowls should be distributed in different points of the house, food should be fractional and close to where the patient stays most, whether in their bed or another resting place.
Pet Med - Pain, weakness, and urinary incontinence are common during cancer treatment. How can accessories like the Absorbent Protectors and the Male Dog Diaper Protector from Pet Med help with daily hygiene and well-being?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - Pet Med has incredible accessories that greatly assist patients during this phase of big changes and often suffering and adaptations. With the necessary comfort, they go through this phase much better, and also their family members who can easily care for them and are happy to see their pets well and more comfortable.
Pet Med - Oncological post-operative care or wound treatment requires delicate attention, including the use of an Elizabethan collar, but at the same time, this accessory can cause discomfort and even stress to the animal. How can the Pet Med Comfort Collar help in situations like these?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - The Pet Med Comfort Collar helps the animal have wonderful comfort even when going through a difficult time. It's soft, easy to put on and take off, washable, and the animal can lie down without the discomfort that traditional collars cause. I always recommend it.
Pet Med - Animals undergoing cancer treatment often become more emotionally sensitive. How can the Pet Calm Vest act in providing emotional support and reducing anxiety in these patients?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - The Pet Calm Vest is a way to "hug" our little friend after a procedure that is often invasive and painful. In addition to protecting the injury site, its use offers comfort to the pet and peace of mind to the owner who knows that the pet will not interfere during the procedure.
Pet Med - Finally, what should family members keep in mind when caring for a dog or cat with cancer at home? How to balance treatment with quality of life and affection in daily life?
Melissa Bolzan Bueno - In general, the family members of an animal with cancer need to understand that, even if the life span may be limited, every day with them is valuable. At this moment, what matters most is to offer help, affection, and quality of life, always being present and attentive to the pet's needs.
It is important to emphasize that family members play a fundamental role, not only in ensuring adequate medication and treatment but also in cultivating an atmosphere of love, care, and positive thoughts.
More than prolonging life, the goal is to ensure that the animal feels comfortable, loved, and transforming this delicate period into an experience of deep and true care.
Thus, the emotional bond and the sense of security transmitted by the presence of family members make all the difference in coping with the disease.
