Your pet is your family, and you want them to live a healthy, happy life. But just like any family member, pets can fall ill and develop problems if they’re not taken care of. Cancer can affect cats and dogs, and it’s not always preventable. There are certainly ways to reduce the risk, however, and even eliminate the threat of certain cancers. The staff at Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital has plenty of information on how to keep your pet in good health. The Southgate, KY, vet hospital shares some of their advice to help animals stay cancer-free. 

5 Ways to Prevent Cancer in Your Pet

1. Spay & Neuter

Spaying or neutering is beneficial beyond preventing breeding. If you spay a female cat or dog before her first heat, it reduces her risk of breast cancer and completely rids the possibility developing uterine or ovarian cancer. A male pet can avoid testicular cancer and decrease the chance of perianal tumors, which may develop at an older age, when he is neutered.

2. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Household cleaning products contain a lot of toxins animals can’t handle. Read labels when choosing your cleaners, and pick those that don’t have carcinogens. Make sure your pets aren’t around pesticides while they’re roaming outside, and if you smoke, consider quitting or avoid doing so around your furry friends. Pets exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke have an increased risk of developing cancer.

3. Tend to Their Health & Happiness

Like in humans, obesity in pets leads to a higher risk of cancer. Keep your animal at a healthy weight and feed them a vet hospital-recommended diet. Take your dog for a walk and play with your cat daily, if possible. When your pet is feeling down, unhappiness can also take a toll on their health. Watch their emotional well-being, and keep them lively with toys and lots of attention. It lets them know they’re loved!

4. Limit Time in the Sun

Fur certainly keeps skin cancer at bay, but it doesn’t cover every inch of your pet. Cats and dogs, especially those with lighter hair, are still at risk when overexposed to sunlight. If they like to stay outside, make sure there are shady patches and trees for them to relax under. Do not leave them outside for too long while the sun is at its highest point of the day.

5. Get Checkups Regularly

These methods don’t amount to much if you’re not positive they’re working. Take your pet to a vet hospital at least once a year for wellness testing. Physical examinations help veterinarians detect problems early and allow them to give your animal the best care possible. 

If you need a trusted vet hospital to keep your pets feeling their finest, Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital offers the professional care you’re seeking. These vets provide a full range of services, from routine checkups and vaccines to spaying and neutering. Call them today at (859) 781-1800 for more information, or visit their website for a comprehensive look at what they’ll do for your pet.