Stress and Cancer in Dogs: A Scientific Perspective
Friday, February 02, 2024
Stress has long been known to have a negative impact on the health of humans, but recent studies are beginning to show that it can also affect the health of our canine companions. In particular, there is evidence that stress can lead to an increased risk of cancer in dogs.
A 2016 study published in the journal MacVetRev looked at the relationship between stress and tumor development in pet dogs. The researchers found that before the cancer diagnosis, dogs with higher levels of stress had a significantly greater risk of developing tumors than those with lower levels of stress. This suggests that chronic stress may be a contributing factor to cancer development in dogs.
Another study published in 2017 examined oxidative stress levels in cancer-bearing dogs. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, leading to cell damage and inflammation. The researchers found that serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in dogs with cancer compared to healthy controls, indicating that oxidative stress was associated with many types of cancers in dogs.
Finally, a 2018 study looked at how depression and anxiety affected the progression of tumors in pet dogs. The researchers found that depression and anxiety were associated with an increased risk for tumor progression, suggesting that managing these psychological conditions may help reduce the risk of tumor growth or spread.
Overall, these studies suggest that chronic stress may play a role in increasing the risk for cancer development or progression in pet dogs. Therefore, it is important for dog owners to pay attention to their pet’s mental health and provide them with adequate support during times of distress or anxiety. Additionally, regular vet checkups are essential for early detection and treatment of any potential cancers or other diseases.
Sources
https://sciendo.com/pdf/10.1515/macvetrev-2016-0088
https://air.unimi.it/retrieve/handle/2434/449253/717454/2016%20stress%20and%20cancer%20in%20dogs.pdf
Hi, I Am Sasha Riess
Founder Of Pure Love & Harmony
My journey with dogs began at a very young age, seeking comfort and solace from them when I didn't fit in with my peers and, like many of you, may have felt rejected by my family. I channeled those negative emotions into learning about dogs and began showing and grooming professionally at the age of 16.
With countless championship titles under my belt, I retired from the show world as a judge and started teaching students worldwide the art of dog care. Today, my focus is on providing dog parents like you with all the necessary information on how to forge a beautiful, loving bond based on trust and understanding with your companions.
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