5 Hidden Carcinogens that Harm Dogs

50% of all disease that afflicts our pets is cancerous. Half of the pet appointments your veterinarian sees today will be to treat cancer or diagnose cancer.

1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime and the statistics are climbing.

​While we don’t know for certain exactly what’s causing this rise in cancer in dogs, we do know that the best chance in beating or preventing it is to arm the body’s natural defenses with the building blocks of proper nutrition. Removing all possible sources of carcinogens from your dog’s diet and environment is crucial as well. But carcinogens are hiding everywhere: in his food, his water, outside on the lawn…

Hidden Carcinogens that Harm Dogs

1. Plastic water bottles. If you’re like me, every time you head out you bring along a bottle of water. And if my pup is riding along, I bring one for him, too. But giving your dog water from a plastic water bottle that’s sat in the high heat environment of the inside of your car is toxic. Look closely and the label will tell you to store the bottles at a certain temperature range. That’s because high heat warms the plastic to the point it begins to break down, releasing chemicals into the water you’re giving your dog to drink. It’s also not safe for YOU to drink water that’s sat in the hot car in a plastic bottle either.  Purchase a BPA free metal or glass bottle to store your water on the go or just plan to stop and purchase fresh cool water when you’re out.
   

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2. Lawn Chemicals. Those sidewalk weeds may be pesky, but treating them with pesticides isn’t the best choice for those who share their homes and yards with dogs. Lawn care chemicals can be toxic to dogs. They walk through dewy grass in the mornings and then clean their paws once they return inside, ingesting the chemicals meant to kill weeds in your grass. These chemicals can also be absorbed through your dog’s skin when they lie in the grass or roll around. Look for organic methods to control weeds instead of resorting to chemicals.​
3. Pressed wood furniture. Many pressed wood items come with a warning label many of us overlook. That warning states the materials may be hazardous to your health. Pressed wood is processed using Formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer. In fact, you’ll find that Formaldehyde is hidden in many items in your home, like drapes, clothing, and paint. Read the labels before you bring something new into your home.
4. Household items. Teflon coated non-stick pans contain Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs), as do microwave popcorn bags, some pizza boxes, some dental floss, Gore-Tex clothing, and even some shampoos. This known carcinogen is hidden in plain sight, as it is listed in the ingredients label of these items. PFCs are known to cause cancer, yet they are still widely used in many household products. Always check labels before exposing your dog to a product or food.
5. Building materials. Your walls, floors, carpets and paint may contain Phthalates, a known carcinogen. If your dog is chewer, he can ingest these harmful substances when he gnaws on your table legs, carpet, or woodwork. Installing new carpet can be harmful for dogs as well, as the padding and carpet fibers can give off toxic fumes. Open doors and windows after installing new carpet and keep your dog away from those areas of your home for a few days to give the fumes time to subside.

Some other lesser known carcinogens have been outlawed in certain states, but knowledge of their dangers is not widely known. Preservatives known as BHA and BHT are suspected be carcinogens. Many experts warn against artificial preservatives

Your dog’s absolute best defense against carcinogens is his own immune system. Strengthening the immune system through proper nutrition is the first step in protecting your dog against cancer. We may not be able to find and eliminate every carcinogen in our dogs’ environments, but we can help dogs live a long and healthy life by supporting their natural defenses with good nutrition.

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Resources:

The Animal Rescue Site: Pet Cancer Awareness: http://greatergood.com/petcancerawareness/

National Center for Healthy Housing: Potential Chemicals Found in Building Materials: http://www.nchh.org/Resources/Building-Materials-and-Products/Potential-Chemicals-Found-in-Building-Materials.aspx

Dog Food Advisor: these Dog Food Preservatives Could Be Toxic to Your Pet: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/dog-food-preservatives/

TruDog: 5 Hidden Carcinogens That Harm Dogs: https://trudog.com/5-hidden-carcinogens-harm-dogs