9 Dog Breeds With The Highest Cancer Rate

While cancer can unfortunately strike any breed of dog at any age, there are certain breeds that have higher instances of the disease.

We’ve asked the experts to share breeds with higher rates of cancer, what types of cancer seem to be the most prevalent among these breeds, and dogs in general, and how to detect any health changes in your pet.

Dog Breeds Most Prone to Cancer

1. Rottweiler

A large, powerful dog known for its strength and skills as a guardian, Rottweilers are descendants from Roman military dogs and were developed in Germany. They are among the breeds of dog with high cancer rates, according to Jennifer Coates, DVM in Fort Collins, Colorado and veterinary advisor to petMD.com. 

The breed requires lots of physical and mental exercise daily, such as a long walk or an energetic game in an enclosed area.

With a lifespan between 8 and 11 years, Rottweilers are prone to major health problems, including canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma (or bone cancer), elbow dysplasia and gastric torsion.

According to Coates, common forms of canine cancer include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, osteosarcoma, transitional cell carcinomas (or bladder cancer) and hemangiosarcomas (or cancer of the blood vessels).

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

With a long, silky coat and calm, confident nature, Bernese Mountain Dogs also have high cancer rates, according to Coates. An easygoing family companion, the breed requires moderate daily exercise.

With an average lifespan between 6 and 9 years, serious health conditions affecting the Bernese Mountain Dog include canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion and mast cell tumors.

Care must also be taken to prevent heat stroke in the breed.

While we don’t know why certain cancers are common among breeds, Coates said some environmental factors may be important. “For example, exposure to chemicals applied to lawns is associated with an increase risk of bladder cancer in Scottish Terriers,” she explained. “An element of bad luck is also involved.”

3. Bouvier des Flandres

An agile, bold breed known for being a fearless and efficient farm dog, Coates lists Bouvier des Flandres among breeds with higher rates of cancer.

Well-behaved and confident, Bouvier des Flandres are generally obedient and get along well with children.

With an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, they are prone to health conditions, including elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis (a heart disease) and glaucoma.

4. German Shepherd

Intelligent and versatile, German Shepherds were originally developed in Germany to guard and herd flocks of sheep but are used today in a variety of capacities, from police dog to companion animal. 

According to Denise Petryk, DVM and director of veterinary services at Trupanion pet insurance, this breed is among those with high rates of cancer.

German Shepherds require frequent training sessions to keep their minds and bodies active and have an average lifespan between 10 and 12 years. Petryk explained that many things may cause canine cancer, including genetics.

“Cancer unfortunately is caused by many factors and many things we do not understand,” she shared. “Genetics are definitely thought to play a role in susceptibility and the incidence of cancers.”

5. Great Dane

Known for its graceful appearance, large size and hunting skills, Great Danes make well-mannered family companions but are also among those breeds with higher rates of cancer, according to Petryk. 

With an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, Great Danes may suffer from health conditions, including osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion.

Some health concerns are more prone in certain Great Dane color varieties and the breed in general has a tendency to drool.

6. Labrador Retriever

A loyal and friendly companion, Labrador Retrievers make excellent family pets, hunting dogs and service animals. They do, however, have higher rates of cancer, according to Petryk. 

The breed also has a tendency to retain weight if it is sedentary too often, so it’s important to keep them fit and active throughout their lives.

With a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, general health conditions that impact the breed include canine elbow, shoulder and hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans.

7. Bichon Frise

A small breed with a playful nature and happy-go-lucky attitude, the Bichon Frise also has a high rate of cancer, according to Petryk. Friendly towards other dogs, pets and strangers, the Bichon Frise is also known for being good with children. 

With a lifespan between 12 and 15 years, this breed is prone to health problems, including allergies, patellar luxation and liver disease.

It is thought that spaying or neutering your dog may also play a role in preventing cancer. “There is new statistical evidence that early spay or neuter before one year of age might influence the incidence of certain cancers,” Petryk said.

8. Boxer

With a curious and outgoing personality, Boxers make excellent companions for an active family. However, both Petryk and Coates list the Boxer among breeds with high cancer rates. 

They require plenty of daily physical and mental exercise and, with a lifespan between 8 and 10 years, are prone to hip dysplasia, Boxer cardiomyopathy and sometimes brain tumors.

To help detect signs of cancer or changes in your dog’s health, Petryk recommends looking for a variety of symptoms. Physically, you’ll want to look for any new lumps or bumps on the skin or changes in their hair coat. 

9. Golden Retriever

Affectionate, obedient and loyal, Golden Retrievers make ideal family pets that love human companionship. According to both Coates and Petryk, the breed is among those with high cancer rates. With a lifespan between 10 and 13 years, health concerns that can affect Golden Retrievers include lymphoma, canine hip dysplasia and skin problems.

To identify these conditions, your veterinarian may recommend heart, hip, thyroid or elbow tests during routine checkups. Coates also recommends taking your dog to see a veterinarian for a thorough physical exam at least once, if not twice, a year.

Petryk also suggests looking for changes in your dog’s appetite, water consumption, weight loss or changes in behavioral patterns like spending more time alone or sleeping in odd places or a sudden slowing down.

Coates recommends looking for slight changes in your dogs and, if they notice anything unusual, taking your dog to see a veterinarian right away.

“Owners should be on the lookout for what may at fist appear to be subtle changes in their dogs. An enlarged abdomen, coughing, difficulty breathing, limping, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in urinary habits and skin lesions that don’t health normally can all be signs of cancer,” Coates said.

Thanks to Jessica Remitz at Pet360 for this important article.
Images contributed by Pets-N-More from the World Wide Web

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• Simple Remedy To Help Pets Feel Better

Top 10 Animals That Attack Pets

Part of the responsibility of pet ownership means being aware of the dangers your dog or cat may face from wild animals. These dangers are not limited to wilderness areas, but can be found in your own backyard.

Here is a rundown of 10 common animal attackers, along with advice on what you can do to protect your pet from them.

1. Coyotes

Every summer, many pet cats and dogs go missing because of these fierce creatures. What coyotes do is kill cats and dogs, not injure them.

Contrary to what many suburbanites believe, Coyotes are found all over North America and make their homes in parks, river corridors, and even cemeteries.

So, if you live in coyote country, you should think twice about letting your cat or small dog out overnight.

Wildlife officials say it’s important to:

• Make sure coyotes don’t feel welcome
• Don’t have stuff to attract them, like outside pet food, water or trash
• Protect pets by not letting them outside alone, keep on short leash

If you come across a coyote:

• Make sure they’re not acting strange; they normally shy away
• Be loud. Clash pots and pans, clapping hands, yelling, throwing rocks at them and waving our arms to create fear
• Don’t turn your back on it, face it and back away slowly
• Normally coyotes are timid and shy away from people, but they have been known to attack people.
• Don’t run away

To Know More About Coyotes Click Here

2. Snakes

Snakes pose another lurking danger to your pet. ABC News reports most snakebites in the United States come from the pit vipers, a family of venomous snakes that includes water moccasins and copperheads, found in abundance all over North America.

Attacks by these reptiles most often occur when a dog is moving about through grass and sniffing through burrows.

Though it is difficult to prevent snakebite, they are usually not fatal.

If your pet is bitten by a snake, immobilize it, and bring it to your veterinarian immediately.

3. Cougars

Also known as mountain lions or pumas, cougars are found in the American far west and southwest.

(In the eastern United States, the only confirmed population is in rural Florida, where the cougar is known as the Florida Panther.)

Once hunted almost to extinction, cougars have increased in numbers in recent years and sightings are no longer rare.

These big cats pose a serious danger for outdoor pets if you live in regions where they are found.

Though cougars are more interested in hunting livestock, they will attack a pet if an opportunity arises.

The owner of a would be victim who watched as his dog was attacked by a cougar told ESPN.com, “If I’d gotten out there five or 10 seconds later, there was no way the dog would have survived.”

While rare, attacks on humans have been reported as well, so if you see a cougar on your property, immediately notify animal control or police.

4. Raccoons

Raccoons pose a danger to your pet, even in urban environments. “It’s more likely that the raccoon will be attacked [and retaliate], than the other way around,” Rozanski says.

Their primary danger to your pets is diseases that they carry, specifically rabies.

Raccoons are attracted to open garbage cans or any food that is left out for pets.

You can discourage them from remaining near your property by securing your trash and not feeding your pets outside.

5. Squirrels

Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet.

Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while your pet will likely win the battle, the squirrel does have sharp teeth and claws that can damage soft tissue.

The best way to prevent injury from a squirrel is to be mindful of your animal at all times when outdoors.

6. Scorpions

Indigenous to the southwestern United States, scorpions pose a threat to pets — and pet owners — who live there.

Dogs and cats should be watched closely and if your pet appears to be tracking something to catch, investigate and make sure he isn’t chasing a scorpion.

Scorpion venom can be deadly, so if you live in scorpion country and your pet is limping or appears sick after spending time outdoors, it should be brought to the vet for immediate medical attention.

Do not leave footwear or clothing out during the daytime, as scorpions like to take shelter in and under these items.

7. Porcupines

The porcupine is found all over the United States, and these quill-bearing rodents are often in search of a source of salt such as certain plywood or sweaty clothing.

“If you’re going to let your dog run free in the woods, that’s fine — it’s fun; just be aware they can get injured,” Rozanski says.

The porcupine’s barbed, loose quills can easily embed themselves into your pet — especially curious dogs — requiring unpleasant hours at the vet to be removed.

8. Skunks 

If your pet encounters a skunk in the wild and gets “skunked,” it will be treated to a smell as unpleasant as a punch in the stomach.

Skunks also have very powerful front claws that they use to burrow, which can very quickly be turned against your pet if the skunk feels threatened.

Skunks can also be carriers of rabies, so if you smell something painfully pungent while out with your pet, be aware that a skunk might be lurking.

9. Groundhogs

These large rodents generally attack only if they perceive a threat from your pet, but will do so with powerful claws and front teeth.

According to National Geographic, groundhogs are native to all of North America and are most frequently encountered where a field meets a forest, so they can commonly be seen in newer housing developments.

In most cases, an injury to your pet is the result of it getting too close for comfort to the groundhog, so this is another case in which keeping watch over your pet is important.

10. Rats 

Wild rats are everywhere. They’re hardy, intelligent, aggressive, and comfortably at home in rural and urban environments.

Similar to raccoons, their biggest threat from rats is the diseases they might carry. Keeping your garbage contained is the best way to prevent encounters with rats.

Though your cat or dog will probably be the winner in any encounter with a rat, check and make sure that they weren’t injured during the scuffle.

An ounce of prevention 

The best policy when it comes to protecting your pet from the dangers of wildlife is to be mindful of your pet at all times. Attacks from wild animals, large and small, can occur anywhere from inside your house to a state park.

If you’re in a high-risk or questionable area, don’t let your pet off leash and always be sure to have an emergency vet’s number handy in case of an attack.

This article originally appeared on WebVet.com

For pet owners living in rural areas, the following animals are also very dangerous to pets:

• Birds of prey regularly hunt small animals, and they won’t distinguish between a wild creature and a beloved pet.
• Foxes
• Muskarats
• Badgers
• Wolves

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Comments

Eileen Peters I’m posting this article to warn people of the dangers of these animals. I was approached by a Coyote (twice in the last 2 weeks) face to face & was stunned by seeing this animal so close to me… Had I not known what to do, I really don’t know what would have happened…thank goodness for this article!

“}” data-testid=”ufi_comment_like_link” href=”https://www.facebook.com/groups/tailsofjoy/#” role=”button” style=”color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;” title=”Like this comment”>Like · Reply · 1 · 11 hrs

Melly Garcia So true, and thanks, Eileen! Sharing!

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 11 hrs

Lynn Di Mauro Carry an air horn when walking your dog. The sound will send the predator running.
Thanks for posting this article!

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 10 hrs

Diane Falk Another excellent reason to keep you cats INDOORS! No fights, no diseases, no being eaten by the local wildlife, no getting hit by cars, no being kidnapped and tortured by sick people. Keep them IN!

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 9 hrs

Melinda Naughton shared..thank you.

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 8 hrs

10 Top Dangers That Can Be Avoided When Walking A Dog

Retractable leashes are popular primarily because they aren’t as confining as regular leashes, allowing dogs more freedom to sniff and poke around on walks. But unfortunately, there are many downsides to this type of leash.

This type of leash is not so much a leash as it is a length of thin cord wound around a spring-loaded device housed inside a plastic handle.

The handles of most retractable leashes are designed to fit comfortably in a human hand. A button on the handle controls how much of the cord is extended.

10 Reasons Not to Use a Retractable Leash

1. The length of retractable leashes, some of which can extend up to 26 feet, allows dogs to get far enough away from their humans that a situation can quickly turn dangerous. A dog on a retractable leash is often able to run into the middle of the street, for example, or make uninvited contact with other dogs or people.

2. In the above scenario, or one in which your pet is being approached by an aggressive dog, it is nearly impossible to get control of the situation if the need arises. It’s much easier to regain control of – or protect — a dog at the end of a six-foot standard flat leash than it is if he’s 20 or so feet away at the end of what amounts to a thin string., but also the cord can snap back and injure the human at the other end.

3. If a dog walker gets tangled up in the cord of a retractable leash, or grabs it in an attempt to reel in their dog, it can result in burns, cuts, and even amputation. In addition, many people have been pulled right off their feet by a dog that reaches the end of the leash and keeps going. This can result in bruises, “road rash,” broken bones, and worse.

4. Dogs have also received terrible injuries as a result of the sudden jerk on their neck that occurs when they run out the leash, including neck wounds, lacerated tracheas, and injuries to the spine.

“About Dog Collars” See Bottom of Page

5. Retractable leashes allow dogs more freedom to pull at the end of them, which can look like aggression to another dog who may decide to “fight back.”

6. The handles of retractable leashes are bulky and can be easily pulled out of human hands, resulting in a runaway dog.

7. Along those same lines, many dogs – especially fearful ones – are terrorized by the sound of a dropped retractable leash handle and may take off running, which is dangerous enough. To make matters worse, the object of the poor dog’s fear is then “chasing” her, and if the leash is retracting as she runs, the handle is gaining ground on her – she can’t escape it. Even if this scenario ultimately ends without physical harm to the dog (or anyone else), it can create lingering fear in the dog not only of leashes, but also of being walked.

8. Retractable leashes, like most retractable devices, have a tendency to malfunction over time, either refusing to extend, refusing to retract, or un-spooling at will.

9. Retractable leashes are an especially bad idea for dogs that haven’t been trained to walk politely on a regular leash. By their very nature, retractables train dogs to pull while on leash, because they learn that pulling extends the lead.

10. The thin cord of a retractable leash can break especially when a powerful dog is on the other end of it. If a strong, good-sized dog takes off at full speed, the cord can snap. Not only can that put the dog and whatever he may be chasing in danger.

If your dog is well trained, gentle mannered and smart enough to master a regular leash and a retractable leash without being confused, you could be one of the rare guardians that can walk your pooch on any kind of leash without increasing risks to either one of you.

Article by Dr. Karen Becker
Images submitted by PNM

“Choke chains, prong collars and shock collars utilize mild to severe punishment, called ‘corrections’ by trainers who use them, to let the dog know when she has done something wrong. I don`t recommend their use. Their’s enough animal abuse in the world!

Also, do NOT use a pinch collar or any other pain-to-neck device (including especially a bark-corrector or remote shock collar) on any dog with an aggression problem. Pain tends to increase aggression.

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Simple Strategies to Optimize Your Pets Health

We love our pets and want to do the best we can for them. So here are some simple and easy strategies to optimize your pets health!

If there’s one thing pet guardians have learned about feeding their pets in recent years, it’s that no manufacturer is immune from potentially deadly contamination in their products.

Bottom shelf generic foods and high end products alike have been pulled from the shelves after thousands of pets have become severely ill, many of them dying, from a simple bowl of kibble.

Visually Inspect Your Pet’s Food

Although some forms of pet food contamination such as salmonella are invisible, some health hazards such as black mold can be seen with the naked eye.

“I always inspect the dog biscuits or kibble before I begin feeding from a new package,” Linda Salter of Connecticut explains.

“On two separate occasions I have found mold on the food despite the fact that it was well in advance of its expiration date. We feed our dog high quality food but I’ve learned that does not protect against contamination.”

Check the FDA List of Recalled Pet Foods and Treats to be certain that you’re not feeding your pet anything that’s on this list. (See below for link)

Lawsuit Claims Purina’s Beneful is Poisoning and Killing Dogs!

The FDA had NOT RECALLED this product and it’s STILL on the shelves in pet stores along with chain stores around the country.

A mans beloved Yorkie dies from eating WAGGIN’ TRAIN DOG TREATS made in CHINA.This story is heartbreaking.

Don’t buy any treats or pet food made in China! 

Feed your pet natural and nutritional treats. I’ve found that my dog loves carrots which is nutritious and cleans their teeth.

• Do not let your pet drink from puddles or birdbaths that can be contaminated and cause a wide range of serious illnesses. Bring water with you for your dog when taking a walk. 
• Offer your pet probiotic supplements to maintain a healthy digestive system 
• Remember that the mouth is the gateway to whole-body health. Have your pet’s teeth cleaned regularly by a veterinarian to suppress other serious diseases that can manifest from mouth inflammation.
• Always read the label on your pets food package for harmful ingredients
• Don’t give your dog rawhide bones or plastic toys as they can become lodged in their throat and cause suffocation. If swallowed rawhide and plastic toys can cause gastric problems since they can’t be digested.

Find out the Shocking Ingredients that are put into pet food by clicking here.

Ways To Help Cure Your Pets and Keep Them Healthy

Homeopathy For Pets – Safer and More Effective Than Toxic Drugs

Gumz-n-Teeth work from the  inside out. To find out more Click here

Natural News… “Through homeopathy, which most conventional physicians or veterinarians are not trained in, a real cure to most chronic diseases can be achieved in many cases where allopathic medicine offers only a quick (and often temporary) fix — if it has anything to offer at all.”

Homeopathy works particularly well for feline health problems, because cats are subtle creatures and highly sensitive to energy. 

However, all animals respond well (yes, even people) and there are many practitioners that specialize in horses and dogs, also. 

Homeopathic practitioners all over the world work with all aspects of  human health care, homeopathically.”

To read more about what  homeopathic remedies are, and find out how they cure animals and people and keep them healthy…click here.

“I personally recommend Native Remedies PetAlive for your pets…see why!”

Supplements For Your Pets

Dogs

NUPRO All Natural Dog Supplement was researched and developed by a nutrition doctor.

It is a totally holistic product that replaces the vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes that a dog does not get from his processed food.

In other words, Nupro is replacing with natural ingredients what a dog would normally have gotten in the wild. It is excellent for all breeds and all ages from puppies to geriatric.

NUPRO is made using fresh premium quality health food ingredients and contains a full range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino-acids, and essential omega fatty acids – All in their natural raw forms.

Whether you use commercial diets or cook for your animals, NUPRO should be a fundamental part of your pet’s daily nutritional program.

Cats

NUPRO Health Nuggets for Cats is a superior supplement that provides the raw vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino and fatty acids that are lacking in commercially processed foods.

Nupro was designed to boost your cat’s typical diet with whole, fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients.

Health Benefits

• Gives cats shiny coats 
• Eliminates dry, itchy skin 
• Reduces amount of hairballs 
• Can be used for kittens and older cats 
• Relieves joint stiffness 
• Aids in digestion 
• Recommended by veterinarians 
• Boosts the immune system 
• Fights against allergies

I’ve been giving my pets Nupro for over a decade, and recommend it highly. I’m proud to say that they have never been to a vet for an illness…it is a miracle worker for pets.

Vaccination Dangers

After your pet has received all his puppy and kitten shots, the antibodies he develops to the viruses he’s been immunized against will actually protect him from the same viruses introduced in future vaccinations. I

Once your puppy or kitten is fully immunized against viruses, he is immune for years, and often for a lifetime. 

In other words, if his puppy vaccinations are successful, his immune system response to subsequent vaccinations will fight off their effect, rendering them useless.

Vaccines, like any Vaccine is a pharmaceutical drug, and are not without side effects. So re-vaccinating for the same pathogens year after year is more than just a waste of your money – it also poses ever increasing risks to your pet’s health.

Many in the holistic veterinary community believe what vaccines do inside your pet’s body is change the form of diseases from acute to chronic.

To read more about the dangers of over vaccinating your pet, click here.

Spread the Word to Family and Friends

by Sharing this Important Information

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Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, Ferrets and Birds can be adopted from the Humane Society, SPCA, adopted from a Rescue Group or rescued off the street, their contribution to the household they are in, is invaluable.

Recommended Reading:

• Keeping Pets Healthy 
• FDA Pet Food Recalls
• Dr. Mercola’s Information About Probiotics For Your Pet
• Natural News
• Recalled pet foods still making pets sick Updated article
• Medication Errors Happen to Pets, too from the FDA