Introduction
Cancer is a multi-factorial disease influenced by genetic and environmental elements. With funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Lauren Trepanier and her team at the University of Wisconsin, Madison are examining how these factors affect the development of various cancers in dogs. So far, their research has demonstrated that canine bladder cancer (specifically, urothelial carcinoma) is associated with household use of insecticides and herbicides as well as living in areas of higher industrial activity. Similarly, canine lymphoma is associated with household pesticide and herbicide use and proximity to industrial areas. Since these cancers are known to result from environmental influences in humans, the research team analyzed data to see if dogs affected by these cancers would be found living in areas with higher levels of air and water pollution.
Key Points
- Dogs exposed to household insecticides and herbicides are more likely to develop bladder cancer and lymphoma.
- Living near industrial areas increases cancer risk in dogs.
- Water disinfection by-products were three times higher in counties where dogs with bladder cancer lived.
- Dogs with cancer were more likely to live in areas exceeding EPA ozone limits.
- Research aims to guide prevention strategies like better water filtration and reduced air pollution.
Challenge Background
Cancer is a complex disease influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. While human studies have long shown links between pollution and cancer, similar research in dogs has been limited. Dr. Lauren Trepanier’s team set out to explore whether dogs with bladder cancer and lymphoma were more likely to live in areas with higher pollution levels.
The challenge was to connect environmental data, like air and water pollution, with canine cancer cases, helping to uncover hidden risks in everyday environments.
The Breakthrough
Researchers analyzed pollution data from the home addresses of dogs with bladder cancer and lymphoma, comparing it to data from healthy older dogs. They found:
- Water disinfection by-products were significantly higher in counties where dogs with bladder cancer lived.
- Dogs with bladder cancer and Boxers with lymphoma were more likely to live in areas exceeding EPA ozone limits.
These findings strongly support the role of environmental exposures—especially air and water pollution—in the development of these cancers in dogs.
Impact & Next Steps
This research opens the door to new prevention strategies for canine cancer. By identifying environmental risk factors, veterinarians and pet owners can work toward reducing exposure, such as using safer lawn treatments and improving water filtration.
Future research will focus on pinpointing the combinations of genetic and environmental triggers for cancer, with the goal of developing targeted prevention and care strategies. These insights could lead to changes in how we manage our dogs’ environments to protect their health.
1. Smith, N., Luethcke, K. R., Craun, K., & Trepanier, L. (2021). Risk of bladder cancer and lymphoma in dogs is associated with pollution indices by county of residence. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12771
