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