Dog Cancer Facts – 9 Facts You Should Know

1. Dogs get cancer at about the same rate as people.

Dogs are living longer so we are seeing more prevalence of cancer.  Twenty years ago, most dogs died of trauma from being struck by a car. Our dogs are more home bound now, with leash laws and more urban living, we are more likely keep our dogs indoors.

2. 1 in 4 dogs will develop dog cancer in their lifetime.

Bigger dog breeds have a better chance of developing cancer than small dogs.  Dogs that have been inbred will have more cancer than those whose bloodlines are healthier.

3. Over half the dogs that are currently over 10 years of age will die of cancer

As we have eliminated the natural predators for dogs, cancer is now the leading cause of older animals.  Our dogs are exposed to pollutants, chemicals and carcinogens just as people.

4. Cancer treatment is expensive

Consider purchasing a health insurance policy for your dog while it is young and healthy. Cancer treatment can cost from $200 to $5,000 just for the diagnostic testing.  The treatment costs for dog cancer vary from $1,000 on up to $15,000 or $20,000.

5. Cancer treatment for dogs is much like that for humans

Chemotherapy, radiation treatment, surgery or steroids are the most likely treatments. With those treatments come side effects, however, they are not as uncomfortable as they are for their human counterparts as they only treat the affected areas and not the entire body.

6. There are several kinds of cancer for dogs: tumors, lymphoma, glandular are just a few.

Each type of cancer is unique and requires a specialized treatment.  Your veterinarian and you can decide the best treatment for your dog.

7. Nutritional support is very important for dogs with cancer.

Often cancer treatments cause nausea and loss of appetite for the dogs so supplemental nutrition is important.  One of the products recommended is ES Clear because it boosts the immune system and helps with pain relief.

8. The best preventive care for cancer in dogs is to spay or neuter your dog.

Dogs develop breast and testicular cancer at much higher rates when they have not been neutered. 50% of un-neutered female dogs get breast cancer. 60% of intact males develop testicular cancer.

9. Is cancer a death sentence for my dog?

No, cancer is treatable as long as it is found at an early stage.  It is very important to take your dog for their annual physical check-up, so your veterinarian can look for any changes in their bodies and their annual bloodwork.