Love Your Pet. Take Them to The Vet.

Just like their human counterparts, dogs can develop cancer at some point. As a pet parent, the idea of your dog getting this terrible disease is scary to think about. However, you can take the necessary steps to reduce your furry family member's risk. 

Here are some tips for preventing cancer in your dog.

Help Your Dog Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity can increase the risk of many health conditions in your dog, including cancer. Overweight female dogs, for example, may have a higher risk of developing mammary tumors.

To keep your dog at a healthy weight, monitor their portion sizes and take them on walks every day. Instead of feeding your pooch unhealthy snacks, give them carrots, green beans, and other vegetables.

Protect Your Dog From the Sun

Dogs have fur, so many people might not realize they are at risk of skin cancer. However, dogs with thin coats have a chance of getting skin cancer when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. If your dog will be outside for a while, apply a pet-approved sunscreen to their skin.

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Getting your dog fixed will not just prevent behavior problems and roaming. It can also reduce the risk of cancer. Spaying reduces the risk of breast cancer in females while neutering reduces the risk of testicular cancer in males.

Stop Smoking

If you currently smoke tobacco, you are not just putting your own health at risk. Smoking can also put your dog's health in jeopardy. Your dog can breathe in the smoke, increasing their risk of nasal cancer.

If you make the effort to quit, you can protect your dog's health and your own.

Schedule Regular Checkups

It is essential to take your dog to see a veterinarian at least once a year. During these checkups, the veterinarian can check your dog for signs of cancer that you may have missed, such as lumps, persistent stiffness, and abnormal swelling. If they detect any signs of cancer, your dog can begin treatment right away. The earlier cancer in dogs is found, the easier it is to treat.

It is terrifying to think about your dog getting diagnosed with cancer. However, if you follow these useful tips, you can significantly reduce your dog's risk of the disease. If it has been more than a year since your dog's last veterinary checkup, you should schedule an appointment soon.