Sadly, cancer can touch us all, and receiving the news that your dog has it is devastating. While a lot more research is needed into understanding the causes of cancer in dogs, there are treatment options for many forms of the disease. Tough though it will be, you'll need to remain positive, follow advice from your vet and do the best you can for your dog. Every year, dogs are successfully treated for many types of cancers thanks to the amazing work of vets across the country.

When your dog is unwell, giving them lots of love and being sensitive to how they're feeling is important. This can include making them feel comfortable with a warm bed in a quiet spot. It can also mean giving them something tempting and nutritious to eat, to help get them on their feet and onto the road to recovery. That's where Butternut Box comes in.

Keeping a journal will help you track your dog's progress and stay on top of important dates and events. This can include scheduling medication and logging any changes in their behaviour or eating pattern. Not only will this be useful for you but it's also a way to show your dog’s vet how they've been getting on.

Depending on the type of cancer your pet may be suffering from and its stage, there could be a variety of treatment options available. Don’t be afraid to shower your vet with questions – they know their stuff and will want to see a successful outcome, too. Your dog may even be referred to an oncology specialist who will be able to offer additional support throughout the treatment plan.
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It'll be important for your dog's comfort that you recognize when they're in pain and take action quickly. As they can't explain how they feel, you'll have to be observant. Keeping an eye out for a sudden lack of mobility or loss of interest in eating, for example, could be a sign to pick up the phone to the vet.
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When we’re not feeling all that great, one of the best things to do is to make ourselves comfortable. The same goes for your dog and the best place to start is their bed. Pile up cosy cushions so it's perfect for snuggling, adding a heated mat if you think they're feeling the cold more than usual. Make sure they have water within easy reach – staying hydrated is vital for your dog's organ function and recovery.
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If your dog has lost their appetite, offering a tasty meal is a great way to encourage them to eat. It's also an effective way to support their wellbeing. Our meals are made with human-quality protein, plenty of fresh veg. They're low in fat and supplemented with vitamins and antioxidants to help support health and vitality. As our food is gently cooked, it's easy to eat and digest. Its tempting smell is an added bonus that might just encourage under-the-weather pooches to take a bite.

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer it can be a very scary time, but transitioning your dog onto Butternut does not have to be scary in the slightest. Your dog may be receiving treatment such as chemotherapy or medications to help them feel more comfortable. Sometimes these treatments may cause your dog to have a sensitive tummy, feel sick, or lose weight - but don’t worry, we can help make the transition onto Butternut simple and easy to follow.

Firstly, due to cancer potentially causing your dog's stomach to be a little bit more sensitive than normal, it's important to take transitioning nice and slow over a period of 10-14 days, just to make sure we don't put too much strain on their stomach.

To do this, you can start with one spoonful of Butternut mixed in with your dog’s current food. If this goes down well, the next day you can add two spoonfuls. Continue gradually increasing the Butternut whilst reducing their old food until your dog is eating a full bowl of Butternut after 10-14 days.

It is always a good idea to start the transition with our leaner meals such as game, chicken or turkey. This should be easy for your pooch to digest and gentle on their gut. Try feeding 4-5 smaller meals during the transition period to help take the strain off their digestive system.

Sometimes cancer and the treatments involved can make pups feel sick, and therefore not up to eating, so popping their meals into the microwave for 20 seconds will release all of those good smells. Yum! If you are finding your dog is feeling sick then contact your vet as they will be able to give your dog some anti-sickness medication to help them feel better.

Weight loss can be a common problem for our dogs who have cancer but don’t worry, once they are transitioned onto their Butternut and are happy, you can move onto our richer meals such as beef, lamb, or pork, as these are slightly higher in calories. We will be able to tailor your plan to make sure your pooch is having those extra calories to help them gain the weight needed.

Please note these are feeding guidelines only. We understand you know your pooch best so it's totally understood that you may need to make some changes to suit them.

At Butternut Box, we know what it's like to be a worried pet parent. While you support your dog, it's easy to forget you might need some help yourself. As a Butternut Box customer, you'll have access to our 24/7 vet-nurse helpline. That means you have somewhere to turn with questions big or small at any time of the day or night.