Updated October 13, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Dogs with cancer may receive chemotherapy, targeted drugs, steroids, and supportive medications for nausea, pain, and appetite. Doses are calculated precisely for each dog, usually by body surface area or weight, and adjusted based on bloodwork, so they must come from your vet or oncologist. Most dogs tolerate chemotherapy well. Oral chemotherapy at home needs careful handling.
This guide doesn’t give doses.
Types of medications
- Injectable chemotherapy (such as doxorubicin, vincristine, and carboplatin), given at the clinic
- Oral chemotherapy (such as chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, lomustine), given at home. See chlorambucil.
- Targeted therapy: toceranib for some mast cell tumors
- Steroids: prednisone for lymphoma and to reduce swelling
- Anti-nausea medications: maropitant, ondansetron
- Appetite stimulants
- Pain relief: NSAIDs (not with steroids), gabapentin, and others
Common side effects
- Reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea for a few days after treatment
- Low white blood cell counts, which increase infection risk
- Tiredness
- Hair thinning in some breeds (such as Poodles), and whisker loss
Call your vet promptly for
- Fever, lethargy, or not eating
- Repeated vomiting or bloody diarrhea
- Blood in urine
- Unusual bruising
Safe handling at home
- Wear gloves when giving oral chemotherapy, and don’t split or crush tablets.
- Keep medications away from children, pregnant people, and other pets.
- Handle waste with gloves for the time your vet advises.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Antineoplastic agents
- Biller B, et al. 2016 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2016
- US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): List of hazardous drugs
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.