According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately half of all dogs over ten years old will develop some form of cancer. Also, some breeds are more prone to the condition, such as beagles, Doberman pinchers, cocker spaniels, and German shepherds.
The thought of your canine developing cancer likely fills you with fear. Yet, you can take some steps to protect their health and help your pooch live to a grand age. Find out how to reduce your dog’s risk of cancer.
Create a Smoke-Free Home
Second-hand smoke doesn’t only pose a danger to human health, as it can increase a dog’s risk of cancer. Studies have found that pets regularly exposed to environmental tobacco are more likely to develop cancer. Help your canine live a long, healthy, and happy life by creating a smoke-free home and minimizing their exposure to second-hand smoke.
Attend Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Many dog owners skip routine veterinary check-ups due to the cost connected to exams, vaccines, and treatments. Yet, you can choose affordable services and wellness plans from this convenient vet clinic Katy. You can routinely book an appointment or walk in with your pet to identify cancer or another health issue during its early stages. It will improve your pet’s likelihood of survival and may increase its longevity.
Create a Healthier Lifestyle
Like humans, a healthy diet and regular exercise will reduce your dog’s risk of cancer. Obesity is a proven cause of cancer in dogs, which is why you must provide a pooch with a high-quality, balanced diet and ensure they enjoy regular exercise.
As cancer is prevalent in senior dogs, you may need to adjust their diet to include more antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides to prevent damage to cells across the body.
Keep Your Dog Out of the Sun
The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause cancer in humans and animals. Also, if your canine has light pigmentation, it will have an increased risk of skin cancer caused by excess sun exposure.
Protect your pet by keeping them out of direct sunlight, especially from 11 am to 3 pm, which are the hottest hours of the day. Try to provide your pooch with a shaded area to sit outdoors and apply sunblock for dogs when spending time in the sun is unavoidable, such as during a daily walk.
Spay or Neuter Your Pooch
Extensive research has found that neutering or spaying a dog will lower their risk of certain cancers. For example, spaying a female dog before her first heat cycle will lower her chance of developing mammary cancer.
Also, neutering will eliminate a male dog’s risk of testicular cancer, as his testes are removed. What’s more, it will make a canine less aggressive, creating a more enjoyable home life.
There is no guarantee your much-loved dog will not develop cancer during its lifetime. However, the above advice could lower its risk and help it enjoy many happy, healthy years by your side.
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