Petplan pet insurance offers tips for dealing with a cancer diagnosis

Via PR Web - When it comes to cancer, the statistics are sobering: One in three dogs and one in four cats will develop some form in their lives, and cancer is responsible for half of all disease-related pet deaths every year.

But this May, in honor of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, Petplan pet insurance reminds pet parents that while cancer affects a vast number of four-legged family members, there is hope on the horizon.

“The growth in the field of veterinary oncology that has occurred over the last 10-20 years means that not only do we now have board-certified specialists who can help advise pet parents on the most up-to-date treatment options for their pets, but the treatment options themselves are more numerous and more widely available than ever,” says Dr. Jules Benson, VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan. “Four-legged family members can now benefit from many of the same cancer treatments as people, from sophisticated surgeries to chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant.”

In fact, veterinary oncology is in some ways paving the way for human medicine. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture fully licensed a vaccine to treat canine oral melanoma—the first approved therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of cancer in either animals or humans.

While the options for treatment abound, pet parents may still find themselves overwhelmed at the prospect of coping with a cancer diagnosis. But there are ways pet parents can work with their vets to give their pets the best possible care.

Learning by Heart: One of the best things a pet parent can do to help their pets through treatment is to become an educated advocate for their health. Petplan blogger and fetch! magazine contributor Dr. Nancy Kay advises pet parents to memorize common cancer terms and learn as much as possible about their pet’s prognosis. The more informed pet parents feel at oncology appointments, the more confidently they will be able to listen to both their heads and their hearts in deciding on the right course for their pet – including when it’s time to let go.

Seek Out Support: For many pet parents, deciding how to treat a pet’s cancer often means listening to what both the head and the heart are saying. Supportive friends and family can help pet parents stay true to their own values and feelings, but some also choose to join pet cancer support groups. Ask your veterinarian to connect you with families of pets in similar situations, or search for an online support group for furry friends with cancer.

Spring into Action: At a time when many pet parents may feel helpless to help their pets, some choose to turn negative to a positive by lending a helping hand. There are many pet cancer nonprofit organizations that tirelessly work to help pets with cancer, often by funding research to find new treatments. Many welcome volunteers, donations and participation in fundraisers like pet cancer walks. Ask your vet about events in your area or look online to find a group that you would like to support.

To learn more about how to become an educated advocate for your pets – regardless of their diagnosis – visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.