In recent years, more and more dog parents have faced the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer in their beloved pets. Personally, I know at least two of our neighbors dogs passed away much before their time, both with cancer. This rise in canine cancer is alarming, leaving many pet parents wondering why their dogs are increasingly succumbing to this devastating disease. While cancer in dogs is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, several key elements stand out in understanding the surge of cancer cases among dogs today.
1. Increased Lifespan and Better Diagnostics
One of the primary reasons for the increase in cancer diagnoses is that dogs are living longer than ever before. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, improved nutrition, and better overall care, dogs now enjoy longer lives, allowing them to reach the ages where cancer is more likely to develop. In the past, many dogs might have died from other causes before cancer could develop or be detected.
Additionally, veterinary diagnostics have improved significantly. With more advanced tools and techniques, veterinarians can now detect cancers that might have gone unnoticed in the past. This doesn’t necessarily mean that more dogs are developing cancer; rather, we’re better at identifying it.
2. Environmental Toxins and Pollutants
Dogs, much like humans, are exposed to various environmental toxins that can increase the risk of cancer. These include chemicals in household cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, and pollution. Dogs often come into direct contact with these toxins by walking on treated lawns, inhaling polluted air, or ingesting contaminated water.
Studies have shown a link between exposure to certain chemicals and an increased risk of cancer in dogs. For example, a study published in PubMed found that exposure to lawn chemicals was associated with a higher risk of lymphoma and bladder cancer in dogs.1
“All cancers arise from some combination of genes, behavioral factors and environmental influences, but some are more strongly linked to environmental factors. For example, there are clear links between herbicide exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and bladder cancer in humans“, says Dr. Lauren Trepanier, professor of internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. Both cancers are also common in dogs, and some breeds are diagnosed with environmental cancers at far higher rates than others, such as lymphoma in boxers and bladder cancer in beagles.
Similarly, another study highlighted the potential dangers of air pollution such as environmental dust exposure and lung cancer.3
3. Diet and Nutrition
The diet a dog consumes plays a crucial role in their overall health, and poor nutrition can contribute to the development of cancer. Many commercially available dog foods are highly processed and contain artificial additives, preservatives, and low-quality ingredients that may increase cancer risk. The high levels of carbohydrates in many kibble diets can also lead to obesity, a known risk factor for cancer in dogs.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that obesity in dogs is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as mammary tumors . Moreover, diets lacking in essential nutrients and antioxidants can weaken the immune system, making dogs more prone to cancer.4
4. Genetics and Breeding Practices
Certain dog breeds are more predisposed to developing cancer due to their genetic makeup. For example, breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have higher incidences of cancer compared to other breeds. This predisposition is often due to selective breeding practices that prioritize certain physical traits over genetic diversity.
A comprehensive study published in PLoS ONE revealed that purebred dogs have a higher risk of cancer compared to mixed breeds, likely due to the limited gene pool and the inheritance of genetic mutations that increase cancer susceptibility.6
5. Over-Vaccination and Immune System Stress
Some experts believe that over-vaccination and the stress it places on a dog’s immune system may contribute to the development of cancer. While vaccinations are crucial for preventing serious diseases, unnecessary boosters or the administration of multiple vaccines simultaneously can lead to chronic inflammation and immune system dysregulation, which are potential cancer risk factors.
A study published in PubMed (Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine) documents the clinical and pathological findings in a dog that rapidly developed a high-grade sarcoma at the site of multiple vaccinations.7 It is important to note that this case commonly occur in cats but are rare in other species, such as dogs. Precautionary measures need to be taken, nonetheless.
Personally, I have switched my dog’s vet to someone with a holistic approach. So instead of the yearly routine vaccination that was recommended by our previous vet, Kazumi only does her vaccination once every 3 years. I might even do an antibody titer test prior to her next vaccination to check if she’s still protected against life-threatening viruses, long-term.
6. Chronic Inflammation and Infection
Chronic inflammation, whether due to untreated infections, autoimmune disorders, or other ongoing health issues, can increase the risk of cancer in dogs. Inflammatory processes can lead to cellular damage, which, over time, may result in malignant transformation of cells. Conditions like chronic skin allergies, gastrointestinal diseases, and long-term dental issues can contribute to this risk.
What Can Dog Parents Do?
While some risk factors for cancer in dogs, such as genetics, cannot be changed, there are steps that pet parents can take to reduce other risks:
- Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet: Consider transitioning to a biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet that is rich in natural nutrients and free from harmful additives.
- Minimize exposure to environmental toxins: Use natural cleaning products, avoid pesticides and herbicides, and ensure clean air and water in your dog’s environment. Avoid using products with glyphosate in your garden and lawn.
- Manage your dog’s weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise is crucial.
- Be cautious with vaccinations: Work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination plan that avoids unnecessary boosters while still protecting your dog from infectious diseases. Seek a holistic or integrative vet within your area and interview them about their approach to help inform your decision before switching.
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Early detection of cancer can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Regular check-ups help catch potential issues before they become serious.
By understanding the factors contributing to the rise in canine cancer and taking proactive measures, pet parents can help reduce the risk and ensure their dogs live longer, healthier lives.
References:
- Environmental Toxins: Study linking lawn chemicals to bladder cancer in dogs, PubMed
- Dogs, Lawn Care, and Cancer: Study on lawn chemicals and cancer in dogs
- Air Pollution: Association between environmental dust exposure and lung cancer in dogs, PubMed
- Obesity and Cancer: The connection between obesity and cancer in dogs, The Journal of Nutrition
- Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs, PubMed
- Age at cancer diagnosis by breed, PLOS ONE
- Injection-Site Sarcoma in a Dog: Clinical and Pathological Findings