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How to Your Protect Dogs From Canine Cancer
by Heidi Jeter

Cancer not only affects humans. In fact, it's among the leading causes of death in pets, especially dogs. According to Parade magazine, half of all dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime.
So how can you protect your dog from cancer? Interestingly, in many of the same ways you can protect yourself. Like humans, dogs and other pets can develop cancer from exposure to all of the following:

Smoke Sunlight Radiation Hormones Chemicals Immune System Failure Viruses

Canine cancers are the most common. With over 100 varieties, canine cancer is the most prevalent among all domesticated pet species. In fact, according to the Canine Cancer Campaign, a non-profit organization focused on curing canine cancer, one in four dogs will die from the effects of cancer.

Many dog breeds even carry hereditary risk factors. Golden retrievers are at high risk for Lymphoma and cancers of the blood vessels and spleen. Retrievers are susceptible to Transitional Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma (skin/mouth) cancers. Boxers have been known to inherit Lymphoma and brain cancers. See which dog breeds are at risk for certain cancers.

Despite the many risk factors facing your dog, there's a lot you can do to help make sure they stay cancer free. Below are five critical steps you can take to protect your pets from cancer.

Visit the Vet: Make sure you and your dog visit the veterinarian on a regular basis for cancer screenings and checkups. The sooner cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated. This vastly improves the chances that your dog will beat the disease. Vets recommend a checkup every six months for dogs over 7. For younger dogs, an annual exam is a safe precautionary measure. The Canine Cancer Campaign and the Pet Cancer Foundation are now offering Free Cancer Consultations for pets.

Doggy Exercise: To stay healthy, dogs need regular exercise. Studies have shown that exercise strengthens immunity to a range of diseases, including cancer. In fact, overweight pets are twice as likely to develop cancer than their healthy counterparts.

Avoid Chemical Exposure: There are many known carcinogens that your dog interacts with everyday, but by keeping them away from herbicides, insecticides, and tobacco smoke, you can make sure they won't develop cancer from chemical exposure. Instead of using toxic house and garden products, choose non-toxic products and keep your pets away from secondhand smoke. Most importantly, don't use unnatural flea products on your pet, as many flea collars, sprays, and shampoos are full of poisons. Use natural, less-toxic methods of flea control. These include natural flea shampoos and frequent vacuuming. Pyrethins are a natural means of flea control.

Spay and Neuter Pets: Simply spaying or neutering your dog can decrease the risk of breast cancer in females to almost zero; the risk of testicular cancer is zero for neutered males.

Prevent Sunburn: While all dogs can get sunburned, short-haired and light-haired dogs carry a greater risk for developing skin cancers caused by overexposure to sunlight. Dogs need sunscreen just like their owners. Rub a bit on your dog's nose and ears.

Avoid Contaminated Water: Keep your pet from drinking stagnant water in street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins. Change your pets water daily, and make sure the bowl is clean and fresh.

Remember, even if your dog is diagnosed with cancer, all is not lost. Many cancers can be cured if they're discovered early. There are many other options too, including:

Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Hyperthermia Cyrosurgery

Don't forget that if your pet already has cancer, you should avoid all vaccinations because they can stress your pet's immune system. Still, active prevention is the best defense. Follow the tips above to reduce the risk of your pets developing cancer during their lifetime, and you'll enjoy more time together.

To contribute to veterinary research to protect, treat, and cure canine cancer, visit the Canine Cancer Campaign (CCC) or donate here.

About the Author
The Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) launched the Canine Cancer Campaign as an unprecedented $30 million effort to cure canine cancer within a dog's lifetime - the next 10 to 20 years. World-renowned scientists and cancer specialists agree that this MAF-led effort will not only save countless dogs from suffering and premature death, but should also help produce breakthroughs.

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How important is Pet Grooming for your pets
by Manish Chauhan

Caring for your pet entails more than having food and water. Take grooming; this is an area of pet care that often gets overlooked by many pet owners. Grooming can be easily ignored by many; however, there are really many benefits to it. Grooming can actually be an ounce of prevention for your pet. In the following paragraphs pet grooming tips are described.
Many pet owners have the concept that pets naturally do not like to be groomed. This concept is really not so. It is because of pet owners that lack in taking part with the grooming process. Naturally, when a pet is not use to be groomed, they are going to act as though they do not enjoy it.

Have you ever thought how much you would hate combing your hair if you only did it once or twice a year? Unwashed hair and fur gets snarled and are no fun to comb/brush through. If a pet is treated this way, then no wonder they do not care to be groomed...you wouldn't either.

Pets that are ungroomed or under groomed are much more likely to be plagued with parasites and problems. Grooming actually gives you the opportunity to explore your pet's skin to find irritations, sores, cuts, lumps, or signs of fleas. Catching any kind of a problem with your pet early will alleviate a major catastrophe.

We do often wonder how often enough is when it comes to grooming. This is almost impossible to answer definitely. For obvious reasons a long hair pet would need more grooming than a short hair pet. It is important that you know the grooming needs of your breed. Do some research to find out information what grooming requirements are needed for your breed.

Here are the top four grooming tips for pets.

Keep your pets nails trimmed.
Always brush or comb in the direction of the hair growth. Be sure to explore with all kinds of pet grooming supplies (combs and brushes). This way you can find out what works best with the fur style of your pet.
Check your pet's ears at least twice a month. The skin in the ears should be pink, odor-free, and free of crustiness and unidentifiable matter.
Brush your pet at least once a week and bathe your dog every two months. Cats should not need to be bathed unless they are especially dirty.
You may not think that regular grooming could contribute to the emotional bond between your pet and you. Regular grooming actually creates a bond of closeness and trust between pet and pet owner. Like a family member, make time for the regular grooming of your pet. Keep your pet well fed, properly exercised. Remember you are caring for a member of your family.