What causes canine cancer?

Just as it's the case with humans, there are many contributing factors to canine cancer. There's also still quite a bit we don't yet understand.

From what we do know, canine cancer seems to be caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Some breeds may also be more predisposed than others.

According to the Memphis Veterinary Specialists, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Bernese Mountain dogs, poodles, Scottish terriers, rottweilers, and boxers seem to be at higher risk.

Additionally, dogs over the age of 10 are more likely to develop cancer compared to younger dogs.

Expert Verified

Dorothy Jackson Girimonte
DVM, DACVIM, CVA

Board-Certified Veterinarian
@fidocure

Follow us on purrch
Antonio Giuliano
DVM, ECVIM Giuliano, DVM, ECVIM

Topic Expert

Follow me on purrch

askPurrch information is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your veterinarian before making decisions for your pet(s).

Share your personal experiences with this on

purrch

Embed Code

Embed this on your website or blog:

What causes| canine cancer? - 'paw'ered by

<div class="askpurrch-embed-wrapper-iframe" style="position: relative !important;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="150px" width="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://app.purrchpets.com/question/what-causes-canine-cancer/0f48dfcb600647ea/embed" style="width: 100%; height: 150px;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="askpurrch-powered-by-purrch" style="max-width: 100%; color: #444444 !important;margin-top: 0px !important;text-align: left !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; padding-left: 22px; color: #444444 !important; font-size: 14px !important;"><a href="https://app.purrchpets.com/question/what-causes-canine-cancer/0f48dfcb600647ea" style="text-decoration:none; !important; color: #444444 !important; text-align: left !important;"><span style=" vertical-align: middle !important; text-align: left !important;">What causes| canine cancer?</span></a> - <a href="https://ask.purrchpets.com/" style="text-decoration:none; color: #444444 !important; !important;text-align: left !important;"><span style="vertical-align: middle !important; text-align: left !important;">'paw'ered by </span><img src="https://ask.purrchpets.com/img/website/askpurrch-mini-logo.png" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle !important; width: 80px !important; height: 16px !important;" /> <img src="https://ask.purrchpets.com/img/favicon/favicon-16x16.png" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle !important; width: 16px !important; height: 16px !important;" /></a></div>

Width: - Height:

Copy Code

Pet Poison Control Hotline

A consultation fee may apply

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Hotline: (800) 213-6680

Important side note

on pet toxicities

During COVID, as people introduced new substances into their homes, such as baker’s yeast, paint, and vitamin D3, pet poisonings notably increased. Keep your pet safe by avoiding these highly toxic household products.

Over-the-counter drugs of all sorts (painkillers, cold medications, dietary supplements, etc.)
Insecticides
Household plants
Household cleaners (including hand sanitizer)
Heavy metal including lead, zinc and mercury
Fertilizers and other garden-related products
Automotive chemicals including antifreeze which is one of the most highly poisonous substances