The Tribune

By DR BASIL SANDS

Cancer is common in older pets, but there are several steps you can take while your pet is young to help prevent it. Here is your step by step guide to cancer prevention in your dogs or cats. Some of the points apply to rabbits, Guinea pigs and other small animals. If you have any questions about any of those guidelines, please ask your veterinarian for further information.

Have your pet spayed or neutered. The majority of unspayed female dogs and cats may develop mammary tumors (breast cancer) as they get older. Spaying a female pet before her first heat almost completely eliminates this risk. Spaying and neutering are recommended for rabbits and guinea pigs as well as dogs, cats. About 60 percent of unspayed female rabbits die of uterine cancer by age six. Male dogs that are not neutered are prone to testicular, perianal and prostate tumours. Neutering a male dog while he is young, or soon as he is retired from breeding, prevents many problems.

feed your pet a high-quality diet: it should be rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. These chemicals help protect cells from age-related deterioration, thus reducing the risk of cancer arising from damage cells. Pets fed premium diets tend to be healthier and live longer.

Don’t smoke. Cancer is more likely to occur in cats in a household with a person who smokes. Smoke is heavier than air, so pets who spend most of the time lower to the ground, are more at risk and end up taking a lot of second hand smoke into their lungs. Also, cats not only inhale the smoke, but when they are grooming themselves they lick and swallow ash and particles that settle into their fur. Most respiratory diseases occur in pets with household smokers. Smoking is not only dangerous to you, but to your pets as well.

Keep your pet at a healthy weight. Those pets who are kept at a healthy weight tend to live longer. Overweight pets like overweight people suffer from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and increase risk for various cancers.

Check for lumps and bumps and other symptoms. Report any lump you find beneath the skin to your veterinarian. If you notice blood in the stool or urine, a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or chewing, remember your pet should be examined at least once a year.

Limit sun exposure. Pink skinned dogs and cats should have limited sun exposure. White cats are especially prone to getting skin cancer on their ears or nose because of over exposure to sun.

Test cats for feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. These viruses can cause cancer. Fortunately, vaccinations are now available for both of them. If a cat goes outdoors frequently, it should be vaccinated. Some cats can develop cancer at the site of a vaccine injection.

Decrease your pet’s exposure to toxins. Many older insecticides are not very safe. Some over the counter flea collars can increase risk. It is recommended that you use newer and safer flea and tick products. That is prescribed by your veterinarian and not the grocery or convenience store.