There’s no doubt about it, canine cancer is on the rise and, chances are, at some point you will watch a loved one go through this awful disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 6 MILLION new cancer diagnoses are made in dogs each year. If you’ve been following along, you know that Fur The Brand is dedicated to changing this narrative on the canine cancer crisis and helping equip owners with information that aids in prevention and care.
In recent years, canine cancer has become the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs (National Cancer Institute). The Veterinary Cancer Society estimates 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer at some point, and almost 50% of dogs over age 10 will develop cancer.
So WHY is canine cancer on the rise? It's important to note that cancer is a really, complex disease and it’s impossible to pinpoint a definitive, single factor. Extensive research in humans shows that a large majority of human cancers are related to risk factors present in the diet or environment, over an extended period of time. It is likely that these same risk factors play a major role in the development of cancers in pets. (Merck Veterinary Manual) As dog owners, it's SO important to keep their immune system's top of mind so that your dog is able to live a healthy life and fight off potential diseases.
There has been a significant amount of research citing poor nutrition and the consumption of poor quality, commercial dog foods, or kibble, as a key factor in the canine cancer crisis. Check out this article, ‘One Unexpected Cause of Cancer in Dogs’ written by Julia Henriques for a deeper look into the link between a dog’s diet and the risk of canine cancer.
As the article notes, Holistic veterinarian Jodie Gruenstein, DVM tells us that “It has become common knowledge that cancer feeds on carbs. Humans and pets do best on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets.” In addition, keeping your dog's diet as natural as possible by switching from generic kibble to brands with minimally processed ingredients can help to ensure your dog is getting a nutrient-dense diet.
And while some breeds have a higher incidence for developing cancer at an earlier age, in most cases it’s a disease found in aging animals as their immune system weakens.
Fortunately, if detected early enough, most canine cancers are treatable. Fur The Brand cannot stress enough the importance of PREVENTION and EARLY DETECTION to help your dog live longer. We remain dedicated to saving lives through awareness, prevention, and our financial assistance program for those unable to afford the cost of treatment.
