What Causes Canine Mouth Cancer?
Although it isn’t yet possible to determine exactly what spurs the growth of cancerous cells in a dog’s mouth, there are a few theories. • Carcinogens may actually be inhaled by dogs as they sniff the ground and, generally, everything else around them. These known cancer-causing agents then have the opportunity to take hold and affect surrounding cells, causing the abnormal cell growth that results in cancer. • Dogs may actually consume carcinogens. A recent study found a possible link between some commercial dog foods and mouth cancer in dogs. Some brands actually include chemical preservatives and pesticides in their formulas that may also be carcinogenic, but further study will be required to confirm these early results.
