When it comes to cancer, it’s not simply a human problem. Pets can develop cancer too, and one in three canines are impacted by cancer at some point in their life. It is the top cause of death in dogs over the age of 10. Cancer in pets is on the rise. But why?
Unfortunately, dog cancer is increasing in prevalence. Why? Most of the time when we hear about cancer, it’s in the context of events like Race for the Cure or news reports on recent developments in the fight against the disease. In what ways might cancer be avoided? Can you imagine the possibilities if we knew exactly what led to canine cancer and could take steps to prevent it?
Holistic veterinary experts speculate that many of the contemporary conveniences and treatments may be to blame for the increasing rates of cancer in domesticated dogs. “It used to be that a lot of dogs passed away from regular ailments or were killed when they were hit by cars. But now, we have immunizations and we keep our pets indoors,” says Elizabeth A. Martinez, DVM.
How can you prevent cancer in your dog?
You can treat your health problems with food first. Feeding your dog premium quality food is essential to his or her wellbeing.
Domestic cats and dogs descended from scavengers and predators in the wild, when they feasted on a wide variety of fish, reptiles, mammals, birds, and eggs. Unlike humans, cats and dogs evolved to eat a diet consisting entirely of animal protein rather than plant-based alternatives. Dogs have a hard time digesting filler grains like corn and wheat, and many commercial pet foods contain inexpensive carbs like potatoes as a filler (to keep dog kibble cheap) and glue (to bind together other ingredients).
These dogs aren’t getting the proper nutrition, which contributes to the already high rate of canine cancer that exists today. Because dogs’ intestines are so much shorter than ours, they do most of their digesting in the stomach. Digestion is required for the absorption of nutrients from meals. Dogs’ short intestines necessitate a high rate of nutritional absorption from their food, yet the poor quality of most current dog kibble makes it difficult for a dog’s stomach to digest.
It’s important to limit your dog’s contact with chemicals after making the move to natural dog food.
Both of these steps are required. In fact, it may be even more detrimental to your dog’s health to feed him a high-quality raw food diet in conjunction with frequent exposure to chemicals than to provide him a low-quality food diet without exposing him to any toxins at all.
Many of the toxins your dog experiences in your home, outside settings, and at the vet can cause cancer in dogs, regardless of what type of food a dog eats. Most conventional insecticides are carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) (cancer-causing agents). If you treat your pet, home or lawn with conventional pesticides, you’re exposing yourself and your pet to toxins (poisons) that have been known to cause skin disorders, convulsions, kidney failure, and even early death, in addition to cancer.
Overall, you’ll benefit from a longer life expectancy for your dog and lower vet expenditures if you make these adjustments. Cancer rates in dogs can be lowered by providing them with a diet richer in healthy nutrients and limiting their contact with harmful chemicals.