Canine Cancer Prevention

Did you know canine cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in dogs?

Just doing what dogs do, by playing, relaxing and rolling around in their own backyard could be dangerous or even life threatening? There are invisible dangers inside the safe haven of your dog's fenced in yard, that can make your pet sick, diseased or even kill him. Canine cancer is the number one killer today of our beloved pets.

Your backyard may be a dog's paradise, but the area can be filled with deadly dangers, especially if you have a puppy that is young, adventurous, and going through that oral fixation phase where he must chew on anything he can find.
Cancer in dogs is prevalent today and sometimes this can be due to environmental issues.

The worst age bracket for this problem is between 1 and 6 months, however, other types of dogs, such as Labrador retrievers as a prime example, seem to carry this chewing habit with them for the rest of their lives. My two Labrador Retreivers have always dug, eaten and licked the grass and dirt in their fenced in backyard.

My vet says it is harmless as long as I don't use chemical fertilizers or weed killers and other toxic filled products on my grass or around the garden beds.

Beware Of The Following Backyard Dangers

As a busy dog owner, you may not have the time or the resources to properly research many aspects of raising an adult dog or puppy, therefore, below is a list of the most common dangers may be that lurking in your backyard.

This list is compiled from reports as outlined by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCS).

* Fertilizers and compost piles.
* Ornamental ponds that contain blue-green algae.
* Toxins created by animals such as insects, toads, spiders, scorpions, and snakes.
* Poison from citronella candles which are used to guard against mosquitoes.
* Swimming pool supplies and treatment chemicals.
* Mulch that contains Cocoa, which are typically placed around shrubs and other plants.
* Fly traps which contain methomyl.
* Poisonous plants like grape vines, azalea, castor bean, sago palm, and kalanchoe.
* Snail and slug traps which contain metaldehyde.

Be as proactive as you can by puppy-proofing not only the yard area, but the inside of your home as well. Close garbage cans tightly. Lock up all pool supplies. Put away your lawn and garden materials.

Further protect your animals by following the instructions carefully given on pesticide products, fertilizers, bug sprays, and other hazardous materials. I have actually replaced all my chemical, poisonous toxic filled products with more natural, earth friendly products. This was initially for my dog's health, but I do feel much better also about assisting in environmental care. Ask a specialist in lawn care, or check out all the newer choices at your local store that sells lawn care products for earth friendly products.

And if you ever suspect that your dog or puppy has ingested a dangerous poison, chemical, or is bitten by a venomous predator, contact your veterinarian or get him to your nearest emergency veterinarian hospital immediately.

The increase of canine cancer in the last 20 years can be caused by the increase in use of toxic outdoor dangers.

There are also many other ways to help reduce the chance of your dog getting cancer. Starting with being aware of what is dangerous and could potentially cause dog cancer is the first step in raising healthy happy pets.

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I am an animal lover and advocate of raising healthy, happy pets, as part of the family. I truly believe this starts with proper, adequate nutrition, which in turn extends your pets life. Check out how to prevent canine cancer here:
http://recipes4gourmetdogs.com/2009/07/canine-cancer/