The top five dog breeds most at risk of cancer

‌Cancer is a formidable disease that can affect any living being, sadly our beloved pet dogs are no exception. The prevalence of cancer in dogs is an upsetting reality some owners will have to confront.

With one in four dogs developing cancer during their lives, this Cancer Awareness Month, PetSure is aiming to drive awareness to the importance of early detection and preventative care.

According to Dr Betty Chan, a PetSure vet advisor, understanding the unique genetic predispositions and risk factors associated with different dog breeds is crucial to early detection and proactive health management.

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"Signs of cancer can vary significantly depending on the body system affected and the advancement of the disease, which can make it difficult to identify cancer during the early stages" she told 9Honey Pets.

However, there are signs pet owners can look out for.

"The common signs to look out for are any lumps or bumps on the body, unexplained weight loss or gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea or blood in the stool or urine. If you notice any of these signs or any other abnormalities, take your pet to your local vet to be examined right away," she said.

Treatment of cancer in dogs is dependent on the type, grade, stage and location and is also impacted by concurrent health concerns in individual patients.

Dr Chan adds, "Depending on these factors, a combination of therapies might be used which could include surgical removal of a tumour, chemotherapy or other anti-cancer drugs during or before treatments like radiation."

Ultimately early detection of cancer gives pets the best chance of survival as Dr Chan says, "The earlier the cancer is detected in an animal, the sooner treatment can commence. This is why regular health check-ups at your vet are so important.

Despite cancer not always being preventable, there are things pet owners can do to minimise the risk.

Maintaining a healthy weight for your pet through a nutritional and balanced diet in combination with daily exercises "helps maintain a healthy immune system and weight which can reduce the risk of some cancers".

"Ensure your dog has a safe environment so that they are not exposed to any harmful toxins like pesticides and herbicides, household cleaners, certain plants, and human medications as these can increase the risk of some cancers.

Based on PetSure claims data from 2022, here are the top five dog breeds most at risk of cancer:

Bull Mastiff

The most common cancer types seen in bull mastiffs are lymphoma and mast cell tumor.

Pet parents should look out for new or fast-growing lumps and bumps around the body or around the lymph nodes (including behind the jaws, under the front legs and between the hind legs).

Boxer

The most common cancer types are mast cell tumor and lymphoma.

Look out for any new and fast-growing lumps and bumps around the body or around the lymph nodes (see above).

Bernese Mountain Dog

Sarcoma and mast cell tumor are common cancers for this breed.

For mast cell tumor, look out for new and fast-growing lumps and bumps around the body. For sarcoma, it may present anywhere on the body, so again, look out for new lumps and bumps and regularly monitor your pet for any unexplained weight loss.

Greyhound

Osteosarcoma and mast cell tumor are common cancer types.

For osteosarcoma, look for unexplained lameness or any signs of swelling or pain along the bones and joints. For mast cell tumor, look for new and fast-growing lumps and bumps around the body.

Bull Terrier

Lymphoma and mast cell tumor are common cancer types for this breed.

Look out for new and fast-growing lumps and bumps around the body as well as around the lymph nodes.