Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for dogs and cats in the United States, affecting millions of pets each year. As pet owners, it’s crucial to understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect our beloved companions. By implementing preventive measures and staying vigilant, we can help reduce the likelihood of cancer in our pets and potentially extend their lives. In honor of National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated annually in November, today I’m sharing 10 pet cancer prevention tips, especially for Atlanta’s pet parents.
10 Pet Cancer Prevention Tips
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in pets. For this reason, keeping your pet at a healthy weight – through diet and exercise – is one of the most effective ways to reduce your pet’s cancer risk.
2. Provide a Nutritious Diet
Feed your pet high-quality, balanced meals. Some studies suggest that adding vegetables to your pet’s diet may help decrease cancer risk. Specialist recommend incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes into your pet’s diet to boost their immune system.
3. Regular Exercise
Physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also promotes overall well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily for dogs and interactive play sessions for cats.
If you have a hard time keeping up with your pets’ exercise – like many other pet parents – we are happy to help. Our dog walking and cat sitting services are an excellent way to delegate your pets’ exercise either as-needed or on a regular basis.
4. Avoid Environmental Toxins
Minimize your pet’s exposure to potential carcinogens such as lawn chemicals, pesticides, and secondhand smoke. Here is an article from Fox5 Atlanta about the dangers of secondhand and thirdhand smoke to our pets. The article reads, “Certain dog breeds are at an increased risk for nose and lung cancer and cats living in the homes of people who smoke more than a pack a day have triple the risk of lymphoma, according to the FDA.”
5. Limit Sun Exposure
Protect your pets from excessive sun exposure, especially those with light-colored fur. It’s best to avoid peak sun, especially during the summer, and consider pet-safe sunscreen for areas of the body with thin fur, like ear tips and noses.
6. Regular Pet Care Check-ups
Early detection is crucial in treating cancer successfully. Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian, at least annually for younger pets and semi-annually for seniors. Grooming appointments are also helpful because your groomer will be touching your pet and may recognize areas of soreness or unusual masses forming.
Discuss common cancers and their signs with your veterinarian. That way, you can be on the lookout for any concerning signs of cancer in cats and dogs.
7. Spaying and Neutering
Consider spaying or neutering your pet, as this can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly mammary and testicular cancers. However, discuss the optimal timing with your veterinarian, as recommendations may vary based on breed and size because recommendations vary.
8. Know Your Pet’s Breed Risks
Some breeds are more prone to certain types of cancer. Educate yourself about your pet’s breed-specific risks and discuss appropriate screening measures with your veterinarian. Consider investing in a cancer testing kit if you are unsure your pets’ breed or want to be more informed about your pets’ genetic predisposition to cancer. Oncotect, for example, is an at-home screening kit for dogs.
Oncotect’s website says that the test in non-invasive because it’s drawn from a urine collection, and detects the 4 most common cancers: melanoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumor, and hemangiosarcoma at 90% accuracy.
9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There is some evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease cancer risk in dogs. Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate supplements for your pet. Check out this article on DogCancer.com to learn more. While commercial dog foods usually have omega fatty acids in them, people often supplement these nutrients with fish oil. Talk to your vet about adding any supplement to your diet because you want to be sure that you’re not overdoing it. If you do, your pet may develop stomach upset and vomiting.
10. Minimize Exposure to Chemicals
Be cautious with household chemicals, paints, and solvents. Keep pets away from areas where these substances are being used. Even your cleaning products and laundry detergents may be increasings your pets’ cancer risk. Avoid synthetic fragrances and abrasives like bleech that are known to irritate and injure the nose and lungs, for example.
And, remember that anything your pet gets on their paws is considered to be “ingested” because they will inevitably lick it off. What you clean your dog beds with therefore matters just as much as what you clean your floors with.
By following these prevention strategies and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help protect your pet from cancer. While it’s impossible to fully prevent cancer, in both pets and humans, every effort we make to keep ourselves safe is worth it. Remember, every pet is unique, so it’s essential to tailor these recommendations to your pet’s specific needs and health status. The best thing we can do is stay informed, be observant of changes in our pets’ behavior or health, and act quickly if we notice anything unusual. Together, we can work towards reducing cancer rates in our beloved companions.
Existing clients, please request dog walking and dog sitting services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com. Buckhead Pet Pals proudly serves Altanta, Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Marietta, and Roswell. Learn more about our service area here. We look forward to caring for your pets!
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