What Causes Cancer in Dogs?

2 comments Oct 21, 2020by Denise Lessard

 

When you’re a pet parent, any sickness is bad news, but hearing the word “cancer” can send shivers down your spine as your heart breaks. If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis for your pup, you most likely have many questions. 

 

In this article, we are going to briefly look at the answers to questions like: what causes cancer in dogs, and what are some common signs of cancer in dogs, so you can be well-informed and informed if you’re facing a cancer diagnosis for your pup. 

 

  

 At Zumalka, it is our mission to provide information and guidance to pet parents struggling with sicknesses in their pets. With thousands of satisfied clients around the world, we are eager to put our knowledge and expertise at work for you and your pup!

 

I hope you find all the information you need in this article!

 

Our complete guide to dog cancer contains all the information you need to know about cancers affecting dogs.

 

 

Why Do Dogs Get Cancer?

 

When our pup is sick, we always want to know why. Unfortunately, researchers aren’t able to identify a single cause for tumors in dogs, but they have been able to identify certain risk factors for developing cancer.

 

Some of these risk factors are: hereditary (meaning certain breeds are more commonly affected with certain cancers), environmental (meaning certain environments or exposures increase chances of certain cancers), and age (meaning dogs of a certain age are at a higher risk for developing certain cancers). 

 

Genetic Causes of Cancer in Dogs

 

Many cancers have a number of breeds that are affected more commonly than other breeds. This leads researchers to believe that hereditary or genetic factors can affect a dog’s chances of being diagnosed with a certain cancer.

 

For example, Golden Retrievers and Boxers are at a higher risk for lymphoma than other dogs, and larger dogs such as Great Danes and Rottweilers are more commonly diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) than other breeds. 

 

Environmental Causes of Cancer in Dogs

 

Certain cancers have environmental risks that increase the chances of a dog developing a tumor. For example, squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that commonly affects dogs, and too much exposure to UV light from the sun increases the risk of being diagnosed with this cancer. 

 

Another environmental factor that tends to be linked with higher chances of cancer is cigarette smoke. Dogs with increased exposure to cigarette smoke have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, just as in humans. 

 

How Age Affects Cancer in Dogs

 

Finally, it’s been shown that age has a big affect on a dog’s chance of developing cancer. In fact, up to 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with cancer!

 

Middle-aged and older dogs make up the majority of dogs that develop cancer, with age being a risk factor in nearly all types of cancer. 

 

So, what are some signs you can look out for to know if your dog has cancer? 

 

 

 

Common Signs of Cancer in Dogs

 

While there are sometimes symptoms specific to certain types of cancer, there are also some general signs of cancer in dogs to look out for:

 

  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Wounds that aren’t healing
  • Recurring diarrhea or vomiting

 

 

How to Prevent Cancer in Dogs

 

Some of the causes of cancer can’t be prevented, like genetic factors or age that we have no control over. But many of the environmental causes of cancer can be reduced or avoided to minimize our pup’s risk of developing certain cancers.

 

If you have a dog with light-coloured skin or fur, you might want to consider avoiding too much exposure to the sun to reduce their chances of skin cancer caused by UV rays. Also, quitting smoking or living in a home without second-hand smoke can reduce their chances of developing lung and other cancers too. 

 

Another way to reduce your pup’s chance of cancer is to have them spayed or neutered. In fact, female dogs that have not been spayed are up to 52 times more likely to develop a mammary tumor than those who were spayed before 6 months! Similarly, dogs that have been neutered are much less likely to be diagnosed with testicular cancer, too. 

 

Some natural products, like PIPTOPET, have been specifically designed not only during cancer is present in dogs, but also before having issues with cancer!

 

 

Natural Product For Dog with Cancer

 

Our heart goes out to you if you’re dealing with a difficult diagnosis of cancer for your pup. You have many decisions to make, and you’re most likely doing lots of research to better understand the diagnosis and know your options.

 

You always want the best for your pet, and as pet parents and pet advocates ourselves, we here at Zumalka understand, and we want the same. If you’re interested in a natural treatment for cancer in dogs that is both safe and effective, we have an option for you! 

 

We have put our years of experience in the industry together to develop PIPTOPET, a natural product made with medicinal mushroom, specifically designed to boost your pet’s immune system and support his health during his fight against cancer and when facing chances of a recurrence!

 

You’ll be amazed to see its anti-tumor, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties at work in your pup! You can use this product for long-term use, on its own or in conjunction with traditional treatments

 

I hope this article has helped you better understand the common causes and risk factors of cancers in dogs. If you have any questions about cancer in dogs, or any other health concerns in pets, reach out to us by phone, email, or chat!

 

We’d love to help you with your decisions regarding your pet's health, so contact us to get more information!

 

Let us know what you think in the comments section below, and please share with friends and family so they can be well-informed too!

 

 

 


About the author

Denise Lessard
Denise Lessard

HOMEOPATH, NATUROPATH, REFLEXOLOGIST, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THERAPIST

Denyse Lessard is deemed as the “mother” of Zumalka, which was established more than ten years ago to provide easily accessible natural products for pet wellness worldwide.

Besides being a trained alternative medicine therapist, Denyse also has expertise in homeopathy, naturopathy and iridology, reflexology, as well as Chinese medicine. She is a long-standing member of the Professional Union of Homeopaths of Quebec, as well as the Association of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Quebec.

Denyse’s philosophy as regards pet wellness is not just about only dealing with disease and illness when they get in the picture, but keeping animals in ideal health each and every day.

Find out more about Denyse when you click HERE.


2 comments


  • ZUMALKA September 20, 2022 at 2:49 pm

    Dear Diane,
    We are so very sorry to hear about your beloved dog’s diagnosis!! We can for sure sympathize with how stressful this is on you both.
    We do have good help that can boost Charlie’s fighting power and chances to shrink the tumour.
    You should see our private email to you in your emails inbox (check your spam or junk mail if you don’t see it). We look forward to helping you both in this difficult time!
    Warm regards,
    -Zumalka


  • Diane Podlogar September 20, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    My 8yr old golden retriever was diagnosed with bone cancer after a biopsy in July on his birthday. He is a big boy. Tall, long and 125lbs. The tumor is on his front leg. What would be a wrist on a human. The amputation, radiation and chemo are unattainable by me financially. I’m 69 and I wouldn’t be able to pick him up when he would fall trying to learn to walk on three legs. I measure the tumor weekly. Since July 28th it has grown 1/2 inch. He isn’t allowed to run or jump. He is on two different pain meds. Is there anything I can do to slow down the growth of the tumor? I’m devastated I’m going to lose him. He is my shadow. He’s everything to me. My tears haven’t stopped for even a day. His name is Charlie.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


Seeking a Natural Solution for Your Pet's Health?

We are here to listen and guide you. We're dedicated to supporting your pet's well-being naturally. Contact us to explore how we can help together!