Can You Prevent Cancer in Your Pet? What Marietta Vets Want You to Know

Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs and cats — but the story isn’t all fatalism. While genetics play a role we can’t always control, meaningful lifestyle factors influence cancer risk. Dogwood’s oncology and internal medicine teams take a proactive, whole-body approach to pet health that starts long before any diagnosis.

 

1. Exercise — Movement Matters

Sedentary lifestyles create reduced circulation, chronic inflammation, and increased disease risk. For dogs: daily low-impact exercise like walking or swimming. For cats: 5–15 minutes of interactive play per day. Our Behavior Services team can help design enrichment plans for inactive pets.

 

2. Weight Management — Obesity Is a Cancer Risk Factor

Obesity drives systemic inflammation — a known precursor to cancer and metabolic disease. Feeding for body condition — how your pet looks and feels, not just how much they eat — is the right approach from a young age.

 

3. Nutrition — Individual and Evidence-Based

Cats benefit significantly from moisture-rich diets. Dogs can thrive on varied diets; minimally processed foods and whole-food additions often improve outcomes. Our internal medicine team helps navigate dietary decisions for pets with complex needs.

 

4. Stress Reduction — It’s Real for Pets Too

Chronic stress suppresses the immune system. Environmental enrichment — climbing structures for cats, structured routine and regular exercise for dogs — significantly reduces chronic stress. Dogwood’s Behavior Services team, led by Dr. Bridgette Wilson, addresses behavioral stress in both species.

 

5. Limit Environmental Toxins

Cigarette smoke and certain household pesticides are associated with increased cancer risk in pets. Limiting secondhand smoke and choosing pet-safe pest control are practical, high-impact steps.

 

6. Routine Wellness and Early Detection

The most powerful cancer prevention tool is regular veterinary care. Annual (biannual for seniors) exams, routine bloodwork, and early investigation of new lumps, behavioral changes, or appetite shifts give the best chance of catching cancer when treatment is most effective.

 

Dogwood’s oncology team offers comprehensive services from diagnosis through treatment and palliative care — all in one facility in Marietta, GA.

 

Schedule a wellness consultation or cancer screening: (404) 609-1234 | info@www.dogwood.vet