I've recently been diagnosed with cancer and poor dog knows something is wrong

[drivinmecrazy]

Recently been told I have cancer, still awaiting biopsy results to confirm.
But our poor dog is understandably confused with all the emotions being bandied about.

He would score highly in any emotional IQ test (if such a thing were available 😝) so he definitely knows things aren't normal.

I'm really starting to panic about going through surgery/chemo etc and how to handle him.

He's a particularly Velcro breed and weighs in at 32 kg at 18 months.

I'm his 'primary' carer as I'm at home with him all the time.
DH is at work all day, DD1 (23) works strange shifts and DD2 is 19 and about to start second year at uni so will be away from September.

I'm already full of guilt about how this is going to affect him.

Any tips on dealing with an energetic dog who is not going to get the attention he deserves would be welcome.

Could you start to introduce him to day care so you get some respite? Or introduce some scent training to calm him and enable you to use his brain without long walks.

I'm really sorry you're going through this

Yes, your dog might be confused right now, but dogs - especially those closely attuned to their owners - can be very resilient.

I suggest that you find someone who can walk the dog for you, starting now when you can help accustom him to it and continuing until you know you're up to it again. You could try asking friends, a professional dog walker (possibly one that does boarding too, in case you ever need overnights), the Cinnamon Trust or ask your vet for suggestions.

I hope you get your results through soon, and there is a good and effective treatment plan for you soon.

You could get a pet sitter or a doggie daycare so the pup has some time to be with others. He knows something is wrong. They just do know. Spend all the time you can with your pup when you are home. Let the pup know there is something wrong but you still love him/her. Quality time is so important. Quantity is something dogs don't understand. Time is not in their makeup. Just do everything you can. If your sick from treatments he/she will love to cuddle with you in the bathroom when you are sick. Just let them be a part of it. So he/she knows it has nothing to do with them. They want to be there for you. They love you and are the most loyal big hearted babies ever. Good luck and I am praying for you and your fuzzy love bug.

I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I hope that your forthcoming treatment will go well.

You may wish to google it, but when I lived in the USA I’d seen a documentary about dogs who are able to detect cancer in humans (they can smell the change in skin, urine and breath.

I imagine that your dog can smell that something is different in you too.

Wishing you (and your doggo) all the very best x

I'm so sorry to hear this. Your dog sounds amazing. Maybe you could get a dog walker/sitter to get know him and build a bond for if you need help in the future.

So sorry you are going through this. I agree with others who have said to use a dog walker and get him used to it now. Dogs are highly in tune with the emotions of their owners and at 18 months he is just finding his feet as an adult. Try not to worry, he will adapt and settle down again.

So sorry @Roaminginthegloaming I've just realised I've quoted you in my reply!

I am sorry to hear of our diagnosis but please do not add guilt for your dog to things you have to worry about.

I have worked with medical detection dogs and yes they are awesome at sniffing things out but they do not understand the implications. In fact they are trained to like the odours they are sniffing out.

I would get a local dog walker and let your dog have time with them and think of it as giving them some new enrichment. They can go out and meet new people and dogs while you get better. Then come back to you for cuddle.

Also if people offer to help take them up on it. Can some dog keen friends come and either play with your dog at home or take them out if you feel comfortable with this.

Good luck for your treatment

I'm another vote for a dog walker. I'd also maybe look at a pet sitter in case you need him looking after while you're in hospital at any point. I'd also start doing some alone training with him if he's not used to being left, or find someone you can call on to sit with him if need be. I'd also have a look at ways to keep your dog busy if you have to reduce his exercise during your treatment / you're feeling tired/ill - things like snuffle mats, lickimats, kongs, find / scent games, food puzzles, maybe basic tricks if you feel up to it. I use all these things if I'm feeling ill and aren't able to give my dog his usual exercise and he's getting annoying. Even things like throwing a handful of kibble on the floor or lawn is a great way of getting some energy out! I hope your treatment goes well.