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Cancer is one of the most serious ailments veterinarians have to treat, and such a diagnosis can lead to feelings of guilt in pet owners. Many people feel they might have done something wrong that contributed to the illness. To help you keep your pet healthy, below are some of the most common causes of cancer in pets and how you can help prevent them.

3 Causes of Cancer in Pets

1. Sex Hormones

Researchers have found that canine and feline sex hormones contribute to mutations that can lead to tumor growth. For instance, dogs and cats who have experienced one or more heat cycles are far more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than are pets who have not.

You can minimize your female pet's chances of contracting mammary, uterine, and ovarian cancer by having them spayed before the age of six months. Moreover, neutering male dogs helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

2. Tobacco Smoke

Veterinarians in West End, NCIf you or someone in your household smokes cigarettes or cigars, make sure this consumption occurs outdoors—or at least away from your pets. Most people are aware that second-hand smoke contributes to lung cancer. However, it can also lead to oral cancer in cats.

Veterinarians suspect that carcinogenic particles from the smoke settle on fur, and cats ingest it while grooming themselves. This is also a concern with dog breeds that self-groom, such as the Basenji and Chow Chow. 

3. Ultraviolet Radiation

The sun's UV rays not only contribute to sunburn, but they cause cell mutations that lead to skin cancer. This is particularly true for dogs and cats who have light-colored coats or sparse fur due to aging or illness.

However, even pets with thick, furry coats can suffer from UV damage on less protected areas, such as their foreheads or their stomachs. Be sure to let your pet indoors on clear, sunny days and provide outdoor pets with some sort of shelter from the sun.


If you need a reliable veterinarian to offer premium care for your pet, contact West Pine Animal Hospital in West End, NC. They have been serving Moore county since 1989, and they specialize in cancer care, flea treatment, heartworm prevention, and pet vaccinations. They also offer pet boarding, bathing, and daycare. Learn more about the practice on their website or call (910) 673-3103 to make an appointment.

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