Pet Health Care

According to Parade magazine, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in pets and accounts for nearly half of all deaths in cats and dogs over the age of 10. Dogs suffer from more kinds of cancer (at least 100) than any other domestic animal, and one in four will develop cancer in its lifetime. Just like us, pets can develop cancer from exposure to sunlight, smoke, asbestos, chemicals, hormones, radiation and viruses, and from immune-system failures. Also some canine breeds have hereditary risk factors.

Certain cancers in pets can be cured if caught early, and most can least be treated. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery, hyperthermia, immunotherapy or a combination of treatments. Prevention though is better than any treatment. Here are five tips that were listed in a Parade Magazine article to reduce risks of your pet developing cancer:

Make regular vet visits - For both people and animals, the sooner a cancer is detected and treated, the better the chance of y a cure. That’s one of the reasons why a checkup every six months is recommended for animals over the age of 7.  All others should have annual exams.

Exercise your pets - Regular exercise helps keep pets lean and is essential for optimal health. It also may strengthen their immunity to chronic diseases such as cancer. The incidence of cancer is 50% higher in overweight pets than it is in those that are at a healthy weight. I think pets are just generally happier too when they get regular exercise.

Prevent sunburn - White-haired cats and dogs and those with short hair are at risk for sun induced skin cancer. Protect them by using an SPF 30 sunblock on sensitive areas like the nose and tips of the ears. Just like for people, you also should avoid outside exposure during the hours of strongest sunlight, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Limit exposure to chemicals - Known carcinorgens include herbicides, insecticides and tobacco smoke. Avoid house and garden pesticides or use the least toxic products, and remove pets from passive smoke enviornments.

Spay and neuter pets - Spaying a female dog before her first heat cycle decreases her risk of breast cancer to almost zero, and neutering completely eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in males.

Because treatment can be expensive, if own a breed with hereditary risk factors you might want to check out pet care insurance. You can get a free quote from Embrace Pet Insurance

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