Keeping a Dog Cancer Journal

One of the main activities I always encourage is…keep a journal. Writing in a journal is a great way to get organized, but it can be hard to know how to start. To help you out, here are some tips for making the most of your writing time:

Make sure you have enough space in the journal—you’ll want at least two pages per day so that you can write everything down without worrying about running out of room.

Keep it somewhere where you know it won’t get lost or damaged. A safe spot like your nightstand or desk will work well!

Set aside some time each day to write.

Record Details in Your Journal

You should record as many details as possible about your dog. Begin with what she’s like when she is healthy.

• Her routine
• Favorite foods and toys
• Favorite things to do
• His personality
• The way she interacts with other dogs
• The way she interacts with you
• The way she interacts with people/strangers and family members

By writing down everything you can possibly remember about her as a healthy dog, you will be able to see how the condition is affecting her and address issues more effectively.

Create a separate section toward the middle of the journal for your own thoughts, concerns, and feelings. Writing these on paper may help you find ways to best address your deep thoughts.

Jot Down the Details

In regard to your dog’s cancer, there are so many details to remember, it can be difficult to keep them all in line. A journal will help keep track of medications, medication dosages, any side effects you notice from medications (or supplements), improvements, and/or setbacks.

You’ll be surprised how much keeping a journal will help you, your veterinarian, and/or your veterinary oncologist.

Track the amount of food she’s eating. Track the amount of water she’s drinking. How much time is she spending being active each day?

The following items should also be included in your journal:

• All nutraceuticals, medications, and remedies (with dosages)
• Any and all side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, appetite changes, panting, sneezing, coughing (with dates and times for all)
• The name and contact information for your veterinarian, oncologist, and support group
• The dates of all treatments
• The dates of all results with a clear explanation of them
• Any changes in behavior (even if they’re small) including changes in energy, changes in endurance or stamina, changes in likes/dislikes, changes in sleep patterns

Even if you think something may not be that important, it’s critical to include it in your journal. Even the smallest detail may help you later on in your cancer journey.