Question: My 4-year-old Maltese has cancer. I am devastated. It is a skin cancer that was removed, along with all of surrounding tissue. Is it possible for lawn chemicals to cause this cancer? A neighbor lost her last two dogs at age 4. They have the greenest grass on the street., My dog was best friends with her silky terrier, who died three months ago. Yuppi Do, my Maltese, spent a lot of time on this grass. It just seems to be too much of a coincidence. — Maureen
Answer: You are asking a question that has received lots of attention lately. What causes cancer, and how do we prevent it? Many of the same wellness principles that apply to people also apply to our pets. I?ll list some things you can do at home to help guard your pet against cancer. Remember, though, some breeds of dog are more at risk of getting cancer than other breeds. The development of cancer has multiple risk factors: genetic, environmental, infectious and immunologic. This makes it nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of cancer in any one pet.
1. Spay/neuter pets. The risk of mammary cancer (breast cancer) in female dogs and cats is significantly reduced in pets that are spayed before six months of age. Neutering in male dogs eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
2. Eliminate exposure to cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke is carcinogenic to pets, just as it is to people. Not only do our pets inhale cigarette smoke, but they also ingest it. Cats groom themselves and dogs lick themselves. There is a strong correlation between secondhand smoke and oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) and lymphosarcoma in cats. In dogs, there is a correlation between cigarette smoke and lung cancer, nasal cancer, and lymphosarcoma.
3. Maintain a healthy weight for your pet. Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of cancer for pets. Exercise is important to maintain a healthy immune system. Research shows that fitness reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and leads to overall well-being in pets. Diet is also very important in maintaining a healthy weight. Feeding a healthy, well-balanced diet in the proper amount is essential. Overfeeding dogs and cats in combination with a sedentary lifestyle, leads to obesity, which increases the risk of the development of cancer.
4. Provide fresh water. Change your pet’s water daily. Keep the water bowl clean and in a place protected from dust and debris. Make sure the water bowl is easily available. Consider using a stainless steel water bowl rather than a plastic water bowl with colored artwork or designs. Toxins will not leach out of the stainless steel as they can from plastics.
5. Avoid the overuse of chemicals. Use natural cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda, especially on the floor where pets have contact. Minimize the use of indoor spray air fresheners. Ventilate the house often to reduce indoor air pollution. For cats, use natural cat litter made from non-toxic natural material. Chemicals that pets are exposed to on the floor, in the litter box or on the lawn are ingested by our pets. Minimize or eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides on the lawn or spot treat as needed. Flea control in South Florida is essential. There are many safe and natural products available through your primary care veterinarian to combat fleas that are still safe for our pets.
6. Reduce stress and anxiety. Maintaining a regular routine for your pet minimizes anxiety and adds a calming sense of order for a pet. When pets know that they are fed at a certain time, walked at a certain time, and exercised at a certain time, the world becomes predictable. Besides helping to maintain a normal weight, exercise and play increase enjoyment and pleasure for pets and stimulates the immune system.
Dr. Correa
Stephanie Correa, DVM
Board Certified in Oncology
Animal Cancer Care Clinic
www.AnimalCancerCareClinic.com
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