Holistic Therapies for Pet Cancer
May 09, 2025 11:34AM ● By Jerome Bilaos
By Longevity Veterinary Center
When a beloved pet is diagnosed with cancer, many pet owners explore both traditional and holistic treatment options to support their pet’s health and comfort. Holistic cancer therapies focus on boosting the body’s natural healing processes and enhancing overall quality of life and can work in conjunction with other cancer treatment protocols, often minimizing medication side effects and reducing pain.
Here’s an overview of several holistic therapies offered at Longevity Veterinary Center that we often use with our cancer patients — ozone therapy, IV vitamin C, microbiome replacement therapy, and acupuncture — and how they can help. Treatment options will vary based upon the type of cancer involved and your Longevity veterinarian can help guide you on which could be most beneficial for your pet.
Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy involves introducing medical-grade ozone (a form of oxygen) into the body to promote healing. Ozone boosts the immune system, improves oxygen utilization, and increases the production of antioxidants. For pets, ozone therapy can help by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues which can support the body’s ability to fight cancer cells as well as reduce inflammation.
IV Vitamin C Therapy
High-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C is used for its antioxidant properties and potential to slow cancer growth. While animals naturally produce some vitamin C, high doses administered through an IV can act as an antioxidant to reduce free radicals and oxidative stress, which are often elevated in cancer and may potentially slow the growth of cancer cells.
Microbiome replacement Therapy (MBRT)
Microbiome Replacement Therapy is the practice of restoring your pet’s gut bacteria through a single or multiple fecal transplants from a donor having an ideal microbiome. MBRT works to rebalance the whole-body system and improve health. The treatment reinvigorates and balances the gut bacteria. In addition, it can also transfer other benefits such as improving the health of your pet’s skin, coat, gums, and teeth. Improving the gut microbiome has been shown to improve a pet’s response to immunotherapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing. For pets with cancer, acupuncture offers a non-invasive, drug-free way to relieve pain, a common symptom of cancer and side effect of treatments like surgery or radiation. Acupuncture also stimulates the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms by promoting the release of endorphins and enhancing circulation.
If your pet is battling cancer, be sure to check in with your Longevity veterinarian so that they can best advise you on additional treatments that may be beneficial.
Longevity Veterinary Center is located at 265 Route 10 East in Whippany. For information call 973-606-1101 and visit LVCNJ.com. See ad, page 15.
