Fortunately, cancer is not one of the Most Common Reasons Pets Visit the Vet. But still, an estimated 12 million US cats and dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year. Recent research on cancer in dogs has dramatically improved our understanding, which will help future prevention and treatment.
Nationwide Insurance conducted this research by analyzing its over 1.35 million pet insurance claims from 2021. In a focus on dogs, we learn:
In seniors, diabetes and pancreatitis affect toy and small dogs at a significantly higher rate
Toy and small dogs have a higher risk of heart disease across age groups
The dogs most at risk of developing cancer are large and extra-large purebred dogs. A large purebred dog has twice as much risk as a large mixed-breed dog.
Cancer in Dogs:
The Risk to Large Mixed-Breed Dogs
Last year, we reported on preliminary research findings: “New Research Sheds Light on Cancer in Pets.” It’s true that overall, cancer treatment claims for mixed breed dogs are 48% less likely. Which is great news for our beloved mutts.
However, larger mixed-breed dogs are at a higher risk compared to toy or small mutts. Regardless of your dog’s genetic makeup, a larger dog is more likely to develop cancer at some point in their life.
Cancer in Dogs:
Types of Cancer
Cancer can affect any body system. Not all cancers are the same. The research tracked these five cancers:
Bone
Liver
Lymphatic
Mammary
Spleen
You can get a sense of which kinds of dogs are affected most by which types of cancer with this chart.
Cancer in Dogs:
What Pet Owners Need to Know
Understanding your dog’s cancer risk in more detail will help you stay alert to possible early symptoms and signs. For instance, medium-sized purebred dogs seem to have the highest risk for liver cancer.
Nationwide lists these possible actions based on the evidence:
“Determining when wait-and-see may not be the best approach – Large and extra-large dogs are at increased risk of bone cancer as early as six years old, and knowing what to look for could drive meaningful differences to pet health outcomes.
“Identifying an evidence-based approach to routine diagnostics – Pet families with medium, large and extra-large dogs may want to consider routine diagnostics from age eight or younger to catch liver cancer early.
“Raising the awareness of middle-aged canine cancers – Nationwide data confirm that lymphatic cancers (e.g., lymphoma) are a significantly higher relative risk than other forms of cancer for dogs in their middle years.”
Visit our list of common warning signs of cancer in dogs to learn what symptoms to look out for. And talk to your vet about this new research to tailor a prevention plan for your dog.
Mixed-Breed Dogs, and Some Breeds, Are Less Likely to Develop Cancer
Over their lifetime, 20% of cats and 25% of dogs will develop cancer. Dogs suffer from cancer at about the same rate at humans, and it’s the #1 cause of disease-related death for them.
In research into their pet insurance claims, Nationwide uncovered some useful information about which dogs are more prone to cancer. They tracked more than a million Nationwide-insured dogs over 6 years.
It turns out, mixed-breed dogs (which we affectionately might call mutts), were 48% less likely to have a cancer-related claim submitted than the average purebred dog.
Nationwide also share some preliminary findings on the likelihood of cancer claims in some breeds:
English Cocker Spaniel: 246% more likely
Boxer: 161% more likely
Chihuahua: 47% less likely
Shiba Ibu: 62% less likely
Average Claimed Cost-to-Treat Across Species
Across every type of insured pet, including cats and dogs, Nationwide has also recorded the average claimed cost of treatment by location in the body.
Courtesy Nationwide
We hope Nationwide releases more information like this, which can help pet owners and veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals.
Pet Cancer Infographic
Good News About Cancer in Pets
Happily, most pets don’t suffer the same side effects of cancer treatment as people do. And Dr. Gerald S. Post, founder of the Animal Cancer Foundation says:
“Many cancers can be put into remission with early and appropriate intervention.”
Early detection and treatment is key for a good outcome with pet cancer. The Animal Cancer Foundation advocates you look for these warning signs in your pet.
Early Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs
Oral odor
Straining to urinate
Lameness
Cough
Unexplained bleeding
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Chronic weight loss
Abdominal distension
An enlarging or changing lump
Swollen lymph nodes
Early Symptoms of Cancer in Cats
Skin lumps or bumps
Swollen lymph nodes
Hiding or behavior change
Oral odor/bleeding
Unexplained bleeding
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Chronic weight loss
If you see any of these symptoms or are concerned about your pet’s health, contact us.
Sadly, dogs get cancer at about the same rate as humans. One in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetimes, along with one in five cats.
November is Also National Pet Diabetes Month
Cancer is the #1 disease-related cause of death for dogs in the U.S. The most prevalent cancers are:
Drastic changes in your pet’s appetite or weight