The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimated that 1 in 4 dogs and more than 50% of dogs over 10 are likely to develop cancer. We understand that our pets do not live as long as we do. However, we want them to be with us as long as possible with an excellent quality of life.

Can We Prevent Our Pets from Getting Cancer?

Pet cancer research is a high priority in the scientific community. There is so much that we do not know about cancer. Here is what we do know.

Genetics

Sadly, there are dog breeds that are predisposed to cancer.

• Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers are predisposed to certain types of cancers.
• When looking for a purebred dog ask the breeder if there is cancer in their blood lines.

Pet Nutrition

• It is common for our pets to eat the same food everyday to every year. Rotating the animal proteins and adding variety can help support your pet’s health.
• If your pet’s food is made from low quality ingredients like by-products, artificial colourings, or chemicals, it can negatively affect their immune system. This, in turn, makes them susceptible to disease.
• Healthy pet food sold at Pet Planet, your natural grocer, has passed Pet Planet’s Certificate of Trust which ensures that human grade muscle meat and all natural ingredients and preservatives are present in pet food recipes by the manufacturer instead of harmful, known cancer-causing preservatives like BHT, BHA, and ethoxyquin.

Environment

• Environmental factors can play an incredibly significant role in pet cancer.
• Exposure to toxins and carcinogens in the air, water, and land cannot realistically be avoided by our pets as it can affect your pet’s health.
• Ensuring clean air in the home and providing water that is free of toxins like spring water may help to support your pet’s health goes a long way toward a healthy pet.

Lifestyle

• Exposure to second-hand smoke, household cleaners that contain chemicals, and a stressful household can all increase the risk of cancer.
• It is important to choose the best foods that you can afford that are natural without harmful preservatives and that contain human-grade animal proteins.
• Regular daily exercise is so important.
• Providing a loving home with loving attention to your pet is part of a healthy lifestyle that can help to ensure a long life.

Preventing Pet Cancer

Cancer prevention is extraordinarily complex. It really requires a commitment to do everything in your power to reduce the risk of cancer in your pets as cancer is sadly, quite common.