When it comes to cancer, prevention is the most powerful tool you have. It’s not just about fighting cancer once it’s present, but about taking proactive steps to lower the risk of cancer and give your dog the best chance for a long, healthy life.
THE ONLY CURE FOR CANCER IS PREVENTION
The earlier you can identify and address potential risks for cancer, the better chance you have of preventing it in your dog. By addressing factors like nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and a weak immune system, you’re also addressing the root causes of many health issues in your dog, including cancer.
To get ahead of potential cancer risk, there are several preventive tests that can help you monitor your dog’s health and potentially catch problems before they escalate.
These tests are done over time to help establish a baseline of your dog’s overall health:
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Ensuring your dog receives proper nutrition is essential for cancer prevention. Two critical nutrients that should be regularly monitored are:
- [Vitamin D]: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased cancer risk, while optimal levels support immune function and help control inflammation.
- [Omega-3 Fatty Acids]: Many dogs have imbalanced fatty acid profiles, with too many inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and not enough anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Testing reveals whether your dog has the proper balance to help prevent cancer development.
A blood draw is required to evaluate both nutrients. Test kits can be brought to your local veterinarian.
INFLAMMATION
Chronic inflammation is considered one of the primary drivers of cancer development. By monitoring inflammation levels regularly, you can identify problems before they progress to cancer and take steps to address underlying causes.
- Inflammation Markers: Many of the inflammation markers, such as c-reactive protein (CPR) and haptoglobin, are measured in a blood sample drawn by your veterinarian. Innovative Pet Lab offers can [Inflammation & Immunity] at-home test kit that identifies inflammation from your dog’s stool.
IMMUNE HEALTH
When evaluating immune health for cancer prevention, your dog’s gut health is the most logical starting point since over 70% of the immune system is located in their gut.
- Gut Microbiome: Evaluates the balance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract. Since a healthy microbiome is essential for proper immune response, these tests provide valuable insights into whether your dog’s immune system has the support it needs.
- [Leaky Gut]: Specific fecal markers can indicate whether your dog’s intestinal lining is allowing toxins and allergens to sneak into their bloodstream that shouldn’t. When the gut barrier becomes compromised, it signals that the immune system isn’t functioning optimally.
TOXINS
Testing often reveals unexpected levels of toxins that your dog’s body is not efficiently eliminating:
- Mycotoxins: Toxic substances produced by certain types of mold and fungi. These are among the toxins that pet food companies test for, and they’re often responsible for pet food recalls, particularly in kibble-based foods.
- Heavy Metals: Environmental contaminants that can accumulate in food, water, and the environment.
- Glyphosate: Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide in the world. It disrupts the ability for your dog’s body to eliminate toxins.
YOUR DOG’S CANCER PREVENTION PLAN
Each test is a piece of your dog’s puzzle and each result provides valuable insights into their overall health. A comprehensive approach to your dog’s cancer prevention plan involves:
- Working with a knowledgeable veterinarian to interpret your dog’s results properly.
- Recognizing patterns across different test categories.
- Establishing baselines of your dog’s overall health to track changes over time.
- Prioritizing areas that show the greatest need for intervention.
Based on your dog’s test results, you can develop a targeted prevention plan that addresses their specific risk factors. By identifying and addressing risk factors early, you’re giving your dog the best chance at a long, healthy, and cancer-free life.
Cancer Prevention Tests Mentioned
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.
- Vitamin D Growing Body of Evidence. 15th ed., Simi Valley, CA, VDI Laboratory, LLC, 2021
- Biagi, Giacomo & Mordenti, Attilio & Cocchi, Massimo. (2004). The role of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the nutrition of dogs and cats: A review. Progress in Nutrition. 6. 0-0.
- Ganz, PhD, Holly. State of the Gut 2024. Oakland, CA, AnimalBiome, www.animalbiome.com/pages/state-of-the-gut-2024.
- “Leaky Gut – Innovative Pet Lab.” Innovative Pet Lab, 25 Aug. 2023, innovativepetlab.com/results-defined/leaky-gut/?srsltid=AfmBOop7ICU156roHzhuihVWnu7gmahuyLe1-aEzfXqnooLQX1Tm91Uw&v=0b3b97fa6688. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
- Carlson, Diagnostic Toxicologist/Analytical Chemist, Michael P., and Steve M. Ensley, Veterinary Toxicologist. Understanding Fungal (Mold) Toxins (Mycotoxins). Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2003.
- Gunatilake, Sarath et al. “Glyphosate’s Synergistic Toxicity in Combination with Other Factors as a Cause of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,15 2734. 31 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16152734
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