Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Facing a cancer diagnosis in a beloved dog is a heartbreaking reality for many pet owners. By the time dogs reach 10 years old, nearly half will have battled some form of cancer.1 But thanks to advances in veterinary care, dogs have a better chance of survival. Still, prevention remains one of the most powerful ways to protect your pup. Here are 10 simple steps you can take to lower your dog's risk of developing cancer.
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Balanced nutrition coupled with antioxidant-rich treats can make a big difference in your dog's health.
Balanced nutrition
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is key for preventing cancer in dogs and gives your pup everything he needs to keep his body functioning properly. When choosing a commercial diet food, look for one with whole grains. Grain-free food might increase your dog's risk of heart disease, while whole grains are filling and better for the microbiome.2
Supplement with fruits and vegetables, which have cancer-fighting properties. Consider blueberries, mangoes, peaches, melons and dried cranberries. (But avoid grapes and raisins, which are toxic.) On the veggie side, try carrots, leafy greens like kale, and yams.3 Introduce these gradually and in moderation, with your veterinarian's approval.
Antioxidant-rich, cancer-fighting foods
Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, which damage cells and increase the risk of cancer.2 Some great sources for your pup include blueberries, blackberries, pumpkin and turmeric.4
2. Prioritize Exercise and Weight Management
Obesity increases your pup's risk of cancer, so prioritize exercise and weight control.5
Get regular exercise
Aim for 30 minutes to two hours of exercise and play a day, such as walking, swimming, chasing a Frisbee, agility training, playing fetch or another creative idea.6
Avoid obesity
Ask your veterinarian how many calories your dog needs per day, based on age, breed and lifestyle. You can also ask for a body condition chart, which shows what a healthy dog looks like from above and from the side. Overweight dogs have a less defined waist and fat over the spine and ribs, and they may lack a belly tuck completely.7
3. Schedule Veterinarian Checkups
At your pet's yearly or biannual checkup, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination along with blood work to detect abnormalities.5 This can help catch tumors or warning signs of cancer.1
In addition, your appointment keeps your dog up to date on vaccinations, which are vital for her health.6 Your veterinarian will also recommend a flea and tick preventive to protect your dog from dangerous insect-borne diseases.
4. Maintain Dental Care
Good dental hygiene can reduce your dog's chances of developing oral cancer or dental diseases like gum disease. Your veterinarian will inspect your dog's teeth at your checkups and recommend professional cleaning as needed. Also, ask your veterinarian to show you how to brush your pup's teeth at home.8
5. Check Your Dog for Lumps
Every month, check your dog for lumps and bumps, from nose to tail, including your dog's eyes and inside their mouth. Keep a journal and note your findings. If you find a lesion or lump that's greater than about a centimeter and has either changed shape or been there for more than a month, tell your veterinarian.9
6. Avoid Environmental Toxins
Avoiding environmental toxins both indoors and outside can reduce your dog's cancer risk.
Promote a safe living environment indoors
Avoid exposure to toxins indoors:
- Don't smoke inside. Secondhand tobacco smoke is a cancer risk for dogs, too.5
- Try nontoxic, natural products when cleaning . If cleaning chemicals accidentally enter your dog's bloodstream, they can increase cancer risks.8
Stay safe outdoors
Some lawn chemicals may increase your pet's risk of cancer.5 Not all experts agree there's a risk, but if you're concerned, try to avoid pesticides and herbicides as much as you can.10
7. Be Careful With Sun Exposure
Even dogs with thick fur can get sunburns and skin cancer. They're especially vulnerable where there's less fur, like their bellies and noses. Dogs with white fur or short coats are at an even greater risk. To help protect your dog from the sun, try these tips:11
- Provide shade whether it's hot or cold outside. Sunburns can happen in the winter, too.
- Add UV-protective film to your windows.
- Use pet sunscreen on the nose, ears and other vulnerable areas. (Don't use human sunscreen, as that can be toxic to dogs.)
- Try UV-protective doggie shirts or rash guards.
- Don't go outside when the sun is the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.12
8. Explore Supplements and Alternative Therapies
Supplements and alternative therapies can improve your dog's health and potentially help prevent cancer if approved by your veterinarian.
Beneficial supplements
Some experts suggest the following supplements:13
- Turmeric for immune support against cancers
- Probiotics for gastrointestinal health
- Cannabinoid products for chronic pain
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation (though some experts think a nutritious commercial diet already has this covered)14
Talk with your veterinarian first about potential negative side effects or drug interactions.14
Alternative therapies
Your veterinarian might also recommend holistic, alternative therapies, like:15
- Acupuncture and massage: Reduce anxiety and pain and stimulate the nervous system.
- Medicinal mushrooms: Stimulate the immune system to prevent tumors.
9. Consider Spaying and Neutering
Getting your dog spayed or neutered can reduce the risk of some dog cancers. Breast tumors, for example, are found to be malignant in nearly half the dogs who have them. Spaying helps reduce this chance.1
Neutering eliminates your dog's risk of testicular cancer completely. However, it's worth noting that some experts think spaying and neutering may somewhat increase the risk of other cancers, especially in certain breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's specific situation.1
10. Know the Symptoms of Cancer
Although not all cancers can be prevented, early diagnosis can give your pet a better chance at recovery. Some telltale cancer symptoms include ongoing stomach upset, coughing or trouble breathing, limping, wounds that heal slowly, and swollen lymph nodes.6
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
While cancer risks grow as your pet ages, you can reduce your furry best friend's risk by taking precautions. Your veterinarian can advise you on approaches that will work best for your pet in particular.
Purchasing pet insurance may help you get your dog treatment if they develop cancer. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs, including cancer coverage so you can take good care of your pup. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/ Citations
1."Cancer in pets," (n.d.), American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
2. "How to reduce cancer risk using food," Tracy Berg and Amanda Hensley (1/2024), DogCancer.com, https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/causes-and-prevention/how-to-reduce-cancer-risk-using-food/
3. "An oncologist's thoughts on diet," Sue Ettinger (1/2024), DogCancer.com, https://www.dogcancer.com/perspectives/diet-and-lifestyle/oncologist-diet-for-dog-cancer/
4. "What can you feed your dog to prevent cancer and limit the effects of cancer," (4/2023), ImpriMed, https://www.imprimedicine.com/blog/anti-cancer-foods
5. "Tips to keep your pet healthy and actions you can take to stop cancer furever," (6/2024), Morris Animal Foundation, https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/pet-cancer-prevention-tips
6. "Dog cancer prevention tips," (7/2023), Papaya Veterinary Care, https://www.papayapet.com/resources/dog-cancer-prevention-tips/
7. "How to find your dog's body condition score," Jennifer Coates (7/2023), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/how-find-your-dogs-body-condition-score
8. "Ways to reduce your dog's cancer risk," (n.d.), Bridge Park Animal Hospital, https://www.bpanimalhospital.com/post/ways-to-reduce-your-dog-s-cancer-risk/
9. "Dog cancer prevention," (n.d.), The National Canine Cancer Foundation, https://wearethecure.org/dog-cancer-prevention/?gad_source=1
10. "Dogs, lawn care and cancer," Bethany W. Adams (3/2023), The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/news/dogs-lawn-care-and-cancer
11. "Protect your pets from skin cancer!" Julie Bain (4/2024), Skin Cancer Foundation, https://www.skincancer.org/blog/protect-your-pets-from-skin-cancer-2/
12. "Dog skin cancer: Protecting your dog from the sun," (7/2024), Advanced Pet Care of Clear Lake, https://advancedpetcareofclearlake.com/2024/07/30/dog-skin-cancer/
13. "Supplements for small animal cancer patients," Donna Raditic and Laura Gaylord (3/2021), Nutrition Notes, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/02/TVP-2021-0304_Cancer_Patient_Supplements.pdf
14. "Omega 3 and 6 for Dogs," Susan Recker and Alexandra Ubell (11/2023), DogCancer.com, https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diet-and-lifestyle/omega-3-and-6-for-dogs/
15. "Holistic cancer treatment for dogs," Charlotte Hacker (9/2023), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/holistic-cancer-treatment-for-dogs