There could be hope for dogs with cancer after all

Vical partner gets approval to market dog cancer vaccine, which is for melanoma in dogs, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported this morning. The company said its vaccine Oncept, given after disease onset, significantly extends survival time after tumor removal.


What exactly is melanonma, you ask? Melanoma is a common form of skin cancer, which show up as either dark or unpigmented tumors. Most tumors found on the skin are benign, but the risk that they are malignant is greater when found on the mouth, toes or under the eyes. 


Unlike people, dogs don't get cancer from sun exposure. Instead, experts believe that they could be caused by excessive scratching or licking, which causes skin cells to divide and multiply frequently. Older dogs (9+ years) and males tend to be at higher risk. 


Certain breeds tend to be more susceptible to developing this type of cancer, although any breed can be affected. You can read more about Melanoma in dogs by visiting the Natural Dog Health Remedies website.

Dogs love snow!

Please stop smoking Mommy

At the beginning of every new year, you get to wipe the slate clean and start over. There's no better time than NOW to do something that's good for you,  your loved ones and the environment.

This month marks my 2 year anniversary of being a non-smoker. Yes, I decided to quit when I landed in the hospital. But making myself healthier was not something I did for myself. I mean I really, REALLY enjoyed smoking. I had already stopped smoking at the workplace, had cut it down to an average of 5 a day and there was no smoking allowed in the house. And even though I have a "smell phobia" – I don't want to be the smelly guy and don't like people who are – the stink factor also didn't curb my urge.

Even though I try to eat good, exercise and love my family; the main reason I quit smoking... my dogs. If I die tomorrow, who would take care of my fur-babies? Yes, I have a husband who would probably do just fine. But I just couldn't stand the thought of them being left without me.

Here are some tips to help you put those butts out for good – Dogster's - for the love of the dog blog


Tip 1 - Do it for your dog
Tip 2 - Inhale the facts
Tip 3 - Make your dog your exercise partner
Tip 4 - Take advantage of your dog's job title
Tip 5 - Make your dog an anti-smoking billboard
TIp 6 - Train your dog as a smoke alarm
Tip 7 - Share your financial windfall with Fido
Tip 8 - Get hypnotized by a dog


For a more in depth look at their tips, visit their website at dogblog.dogster.com