Reducing Your Dog’s Cancer Risk

Health

Your dog’s “exposome”, the total environmental factors he is exposed to throughout his lifetime, plays a critical role in cancer development.

Understanding the Exposome Concept

The exposome includes everything your dog encounters from what they eat and drink to what they breathe and come in contact with. Unlike genetic factors, many environmental exposures can be modified or eliminated, giving you significant control over your dog’s cancer risk.

HOME ENVIRONMENT

Your home may contain numerous cancer-causing agents that affect both you and your dog:

  • Water Quality: Tap water often contains carcinogens and environmental contaminants. Consider water filtration systems that remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other toxins.
  • Food Storage: Containers and bowls made of plastic can leach harmful chemicals. Choose stainless steel, ceramic, or glass alternatives to minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that can interfere with endocrine (hormonal) systems.
  • Cleaning Products: Conventional cleaners contain chemicals that disrupt hormone function. Look for pet-safe alternatives without artificial fragrances, phthalates, and harsh solvents.
  • Air Quality: Indoor air pollution from fragrances, plugins, and aerosols significantly impacts health. Ensure proper ventilation, use air purifiers, and avoid synthetic air fresheners.

CHEMICAL EXPOSURES

Specific chemical exposures deserve special attention:

  • Flea & Tick Treatments: Many conventional treatments contain pesticides that may contribute to cancer risk.
  • Grooming Products: Many shampoos and conditioners contain harmful ingredients. Choose products specifically formulated to be non-toxic and natural.

OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT

The outdoor world presents its own set of challenges for cancer prevention in dogs:

  • Pesticides: Pesticides and herbicides, particularly glyphosate, have been linked to cancer. These chemicals persist in the environment and can be tracked into your home. Consider natural lawn care alternatives.
  • Urban Pollutants: Car exhaust, industrial emissions, and other urban pollutants contribute to cancer risk. When possible, walk your dog in parks or less polluted areas.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Beyond environmental toxins, lifestyle factors play a significant role in cancer prevention:

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy weight and supports detoxification pathways, processes which help remove toxic substances from your dog’s body.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress impacts immune function and can contribute to disease development. Create a predictable routine and peaceful environment.
  • Sleep Quality: Ensure your dog has a quiet, comfortable place to sleep.
  • Body Condition: Maintaining healthy weight is crucial, as obesity is a known cancer risk factor. You can learn how to measure your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) at home.

Practical Steps to Reduce Cancer Risks

Think of your dog’s body as a garden. Cancer (the weed) cannot grow in healthy soil. By addressing environmental factors slowly over time, you can create “soil” conditions where cancer is less likely to develop.

Watch our Pet Cancer Prevention Live Q&A

Dr. Kendra Pope is one of only four board-certified integrative veterinary oncologists in the U.S. She is extensively trained in herbal medicine, intravenous nutrient therapy, mistletoe therapy, and more. She is active in clinical research through her nonprofit organization, Prism Veterinary Research Institute, whose mission is to validate and legitimize integrative modalities in the treatment of cancer and chronic disease.

For more information, check out Dr. Kendra Pope’s Pet Cancer Prevention Course.

For More Information:

  • 2025 Prism Pets Academy. Pet Cancer Prevention Course.
  • American Cancer Society. “Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures.” Cancer.org, American Cancer Society , 2019, www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-prevention-early-detection.html.
  • Vermeulen, Roel et al. “The exposome and health: Where chemistry meets biology.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 367,6476 (2020): 392-396. doi:10.1126/science.aay3164

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