Part of being a responsible caretaker of our companion animals is keeping up with their well-being, nutrition, exercise, environment, and happiness. Following these tips can help decrease the possibility of our pets developing cancer and other serious diseases.
This simple checklist will help you understand some of the risk factors for cancer, and the steps you can take today to help ensure the best future for your pet.
Avoid second-hand tobacco smoke
Does your pet live in a household with smokers? Evidence suggests that cancer risk is increased in pets exposed to environmental tobacco. Keep your home a smoke-free zone!
Monitor your pet’s weight
Research suggests that obesity may be a risk factor for cancer. Feeding a poor quality or imbalanced diet also may be linked to an increase in cancer risk.
Become an expert on your pet’s breed(s)
Did you know that certain breeds of dogs and cats are prone to different diseases, including cancer? And certain breeds should avoid certain foods? Learn everything you can about disease predispositions for your pet’s breed.
Have regular veterinary checkups
Would you see your doctor once every five years for a checkup? Skipping a yearly checkup with your pet would be similar. Regular checkups allow your veterinarian to perform a complete physical examination, which can identify abnormalities as well as establish a “baseline” that can be used for later comparisons.
Avoid long-term exposure to sunlight
As in people, light skin pigmentation combined with lots of time outside can increase the risk for some cancers. Make sure your pet can get out of the sun, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight when it is strongest, around midday.
Avoid exposure to asbestos
Just like people, there are reports of cancer related to asbestos exposure in animals. If removing this product from a home, keep pets away from the area for the duration of the process.
Add vegetables to their diet
At least one provocative study has suggested that adding vegetables may help decrease cancer risk. However, before you add veggies to their diet, check out this list of vegetables that are good for your pup and those that you should avoid.
Examine your pet once a month
Look in your pet’s mouth and ears, run your hands along their body and note any changes once a month; early detection is the best way to treat many diseases, including cancer. If you find a new lump or bump, don’t wait. Visit your veterinarian.
Avoid exposure to lawn chemicals
Keep your pet away from applied lawn products. There is evidence for an increased cancer risk in pets exposed to applied lawn chemicals.
Exercise your pet regularly
Get them moving. Regular exercise will keep your pet mentally stimulated, in shape, and will help lower their risk of health problems. Of course, make the exercise appropriate to the breed and age of the dog.
Avoid exposure to paints, solvents, and household chemicals
One recently published study suggests a possible association between exposure to these chemicals and cancer. Try to keep your pets outside or in another room when using these substances.
Get necessary vaccinations but don’t go overboard, and time vaccinations accordingly
There is a condition called vaccinosis. Major veterinary associations now agree that immunizations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer – but most pet caretakers (and many veterinarians, it seems) haven’t gotten the word. “With vaccines that are repeated year after year, the frequency and severity of these side-effects in our pets has increased dramatically.” Dr. Donna Starita Mehan, DVM. Older and sick animals should not be vaccinated as their systems are already compromised. Practice due diligence and ask your vet questions. Often titering (a simple blood test that measures a dog or cat’s antibodies to vaccine viruses or other infectious agents), can be used. However, even these tests can be misleading. Be sure to consult a qualified veterinarian before relying on titering alone. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you feel you’re getting the runaround, take you animal somewhere else.
Get to know your pet
Behavior changes are often a signal that a pet isn’t feeling well. Watch your pet, learn their likes and dislikes, and their sleeping and eating habits. A change in routine or demeanor could be an early sign of disease.
Sources:
AKC: What fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t eat http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/
Dr. Jean Dodds’: vaccines and titering. https://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/33393350071/vaccines-titer-testing-animals
Shirley’s Wellness Café on Vaccinosis http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/AnimalWellness/Petvacc
Dr. Jean Dodds’ vaccination guidelines https://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/
