One of the most dreaded illnesses is cancer, and it does not only affect people. Many pet owners are shocked when they discover that their pet suffers from cancer. It has also become prevalent in dogs in recent years. There are a few ways to prevent your dog from getting this condition. What are these items?
How to Effectively Prevent Dog Cancer
The most common form of dog disease is cancer. It is frequent among domestic pets. In fact, one out of every four canines will succumb to cancer. Hereditary risk factors exist in several dog breeds. There are few ways to ensure that your dog is cancer-free regardless of the danger they are facing. You can follow six crucial steps to safeguard your dog from developing cancer. These steps are outlined here.
1. Do dog exercise.
Dogs require frequent exercise to stay healthy. Studies show that exercise increases the immune system against various diseases, including cancer. Overweight pets are twice as likely as healthy counterparts to be diagnosed with cancer. Exercising makes them engaged in their training and ensures that they have a restful night’s sleep. Professional vets such as the Atlantic Coast New York Veterinary Specialists, may recommend some other techniques to prevent your pets from having cancer.
2. Provide them with clean water.
Beware of letting your pet drink stagnant water from puddles found in the street. It could be contaminated with toxic chemicals that can cause cancer. Ensure that your pet’s water bowl is in good condition and clean every day. Clean water also increases their appetite and shields them from parasites and pests caused by dirty water. There are more ideas you can get from the web about dog cancer prevention and treatment.
3. Beware of exposing them to chemicals.
Your dog is exposed to various carcinogens daily. You can stop your pet from exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and tobacco smoke. It is important to buy safe products for your garden and home and stay clear of secondhand smoking. Do not use products for fleas that aren’t natural for your pet. Many fleas spray collars and shampoos contain toxic chemicals.
4. Make sure they are away from direct sunlight.
All dogs can be burnt; however, dogs with short hair or light hair are more vulnerable to skin cancer from frequent sun exposure. Like their owners, dogs require sunblock. Use a tiny amount of sunblock on your dog’s nose and ears to shield them from the sun’s harmful rays.
5. Spay and neuter your pets.
Your dog’s chance of developing breast cancer is lower in females than in males. Spaying or neutering your dog can also decrease the likelihood of developing testicular cancer in males. Spaying dogs lessens the risk of mammary (breast) cancer and prevents conception, uterine infection (pyometra) and ovarian cancer. These things could put their life at risk. It also eliminates the hassle of having a puppy in season every six months and dealing with the constant and unwelcome interest from male dogs.
6. Take them to the vet clinic regularly.
Regular visits to a vet hospital such as the Bohemia Vet Hospital is recommended for cancer screenings and checks. A cancer diagnosis early is more effective. This can greatly improve your dog’s chance of beating the disease. A vet recommends that dogs older than seven years old undergo an exam at least once every six months. For younger dogs having an annual checkup is a great preventive measure.