Depression, Stress and Dog Cancer: Let’s Think About It
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: December 2nd, 2019
Summary
Are depression stress and dog cancer linked? Let’s take a look.
Okay, this time we are going outside the box (one of my favorite areas!) There is oodles of evidence linking depression and stress to human cancers. This is a mind-body connection that is backed up with real science, folks. However, to my knowledge, the connection between depression stress and dog cancer has not been looked at in any detail.
So, what is the evidence? First, depression and chronic stress lower survival time for cancer patients. Put another way, low stress and no depression can mean a longer life, even in those who have cancer.
Next, stress and chronic depression release hormones and signals (epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol) in the body that DIRECTLY STIMULATE cancer cells. In other words, when you are stressed and/or depressed, any cancer cells that happen to be in the body are encouraged.
Finally, these hormones suppress immune system cells that are involved in cancer cell destruction. Natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells are in charge of destroying cancer cells. But when you’re stressed and depressed, your body stops making as many of those cells … letting cancer cells stay alive to grow and multiply.
So does the same apply to depression, stress and dog cancer? Sure. A dog’s body has the same hormones and the same processes. As a matter of fact, dogs are becoming the preferred model for studying human cancers.
I can hear some readers reacting now … “what does my dog have to be stressed or depressed about?”
Or, “she/he doesn’t look stressed or depressed. My canine companion is fine!”
Hmmmm.
Maybe. But what if, managing stress and depression actively was an area that could be focused on in attacking dog cancer? If we are interested in doing everything possible to fight tumors, why not? This could be one way to boost the immune response without the use of drugs or financial investment.
I’ll let you work on that one and we’ll check it out in the next post.
Best to all,
Dr Dressler
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Do you hear the sound of happy feet? Thank you for this contribution George, and hello to Scooter. One of the things I adore about making the time to give our dogs joy, is that we get an immediate benefit ourselves. And I know our dogs are thinking “OK, you’re getting it!” Keep spreading the word! Hugs to Scooter!
I’m a believer.
When I first learned that the #1 killer of dogs
was cancer I made it my job to do whatever I could to reduce the stress
levels that might affect my dog, Scooter. First, he goes with me to
work. Not everyone can do this, I know, but not being alone has to be a
major stress reliever for a dog and I’m glad I’m able to do it.
Second,
his walks. He lives for his morning and evening walk. Not so easy with
the weather conditions right now but I still try to let him have his
fill each time we go out. He’s a marker so the pace can be agonizingly
slow. So be it. He can sniff
and roll and mark all he wants. It’s obvious he’s enjoying it. The tail is going a mile a minute.
Feeding
is another chance to make things right. Scooter has IBD and getting his
diet under control took a long time. He eats better than I do most
days. Good quality food that he looks forward to eating because he seems
to enjoy it.
Going on 15 this year and still in excellent health
says his board certified internist. No need to go check up on him. He’s
sitting on my lap as I type this.
I’m a believer.
When I first learned that the #1 killer of dogs was cancer I made it my job to do whatever I could to reduce the stress levels that might affect my dog, Scooter. First, he goes with me to work. Not everyone can do this, I know, but not being alone has to be a major stress reliever for a dog and I’m glad I’m able to do it.
Second, his walks. He lives for his morning and evening walk. Not so easy with the weather conditions right now but I still try to let him have his fill each time we go out. He’s a marker so the pace can be agonizingly slow. So be it. He can sniff
and roll and mark all he wants. It’s obvious he’s enjoying it. The tail is going a mile a minute.
Feeding is another chance to make things right. Scooter has IBD and getting his diet under control took a long time. He eats better than I do most days. Good quality food that he looks forward to eating because he seems to enjoy it.
Going on 15 this year and still in excellent health says his board certified internist. No need to go check up on him. He’s sitting on my lap as I type this.