Canine cancers are the
most common. With over 100 varieties, canine cancer is
the most prevalent among all domesticated pet species.
In fact, according to the Canine Cancer Campaign, a non-profit
organization focused on curing canine cancer, one in four
dogs will die from the effects of cancer.
Many dog breeds even carry
hereditary risk factors. Golden retrievers are at high
risk for Lymphoma and cancers of the blood vessels and
spleen. Retrievers are susceptible to Transitional Cell
Carcinoma and Melanoma (skin/mouth) cancers. Boxers have
been known to inherit Lymphoma and brain cancers. See
which dog breeds are at risk for certain cancers.
Despite the many risk factors
facing your dog, there's a lot you can do to help make
sure they stay cancer free. Below are five critical steps
you can take to protect your pets from cancer.
Visit the Vet:
Make sure you and your dog visit the veterinarian on a
regular basis for cancer screenings and checkups. The
sooner cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated.
This vastly improves the chances that your dog will beat
the disease. Vets recommend a checkup every six months
for dogs over 7. For younger dogs, an annual exam is a
safe precautionary measure. The Canine Cancer Campaign
and the Pet Cancer Foundation are now offering Free Cancer
Consultations for pets.
Doggy Exercise:
To stay healthy, dogs need regular exercise. Studies have
shown that exercise strengthens immunity to a range of
diseases, including cancer. In fact, overweight pets are
twice as likely to develop cancer than their healthy counterparts.
Avoid Chemical
Exposure: There are many known carcinogens that
your dog interacts with everyday, but by keeping them
away from herbicides, insecticides, and tobacco smoke,
you can make sure they won't develop cancer from chemical
exposure. Instead of using toxic house and garden products,
choose non-toxic products and keep your pets away from
secondhand smoke. Most importantly, don't use unnatural
flea products on your pet, as many flea collars, sprays,
and shampoos are full of poisons. Use natural, less-toxic
methods of flea control. These include natural flea shampoos
and frequent vacuuming. Pyrethins are a natural means
of flea control.
Spay and Neuter
Pets: Simply spaying or neutering your dog can
decrease the risk of breast cancer in females to almost
zero; the risk of testicular cancer is zero for neutered
males.
Prevent Sunburn:
While all dogs can get sunburned, short-haired and light-haired
dogs carry a greater risk for developing skin cancers
caused by overexposure to sunlight. Dogs need sunscreen
just like their owners. Rub a bit on your dog's nose and
ears.
Avoid Contaminated
Water: Keep your pet from drinking stagnant water
in street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins.
Change your pets water daily, and make sure the bowl is
clean and fresh.
Remember, even if your
dog is diagnosed with cancer, all is not lost. Many cancers
can be cured if they're discovered early. There are many
other options too, including:
Don't forget that if your
pet already has cancer, you should avoid all vaccinations
because they can stress your pet's immune system. Still,
active prevention is the best defense. Follow the tips
above to reduce the risk of your pets developing cancer
during their lifetime, and you'll enjoy more time together.
To contribute to veterinary
research to protect, treat, and cure canine cancer, visit
the Canine
Cancer Campaign (CCC).
The Morris Animal Foundation
(MAF) launched the Canine Cancer Campaign as an unprecedented
$30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog's
lifetime - the next 10 to 20 years. World-renowned scientists
and cancer specialists agree that this MAF-led effort
will not only save countless dogs from suffering and premature
death, but should also help produce breakthroughs in the
prevention, treatment, and cures of human cancers - in
particular childhood cancers.
