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Studies Link Canine Cancer to Lawn Chemicals

Did you know you can put your dog in danger by just allowing them to play outside on the lawn? Lawn chemicals containing 2, 4-D has been linked to a few types of canine cancers.

Sometimes you might be using a pet-friendly lawn chemical but your neighbors do not. Studies have revealed that lawn chemicals can travel to neighboring yards due to rainfall or direct contact with the neighbor's yard.

 

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Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine conducted a six-year study linking lawn pesticides to canine malignant lymphoma. The study found the use of pesticides that were professionally applied to lawns was associated with a significant 70% higher risk of canine malignant lymphoma (CML). Pet owners that self-applied insect and weed repellent to their lawn also revealed a higher risk of dogs developing cancer.

A study conducted in 2013 concluded that 2, 4-D herbicides and other lawn chemicals significantly increase the risk of canine bladder cancer. While any dog can become negatively affected by lawn chemicals and develop cancer certain breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs, Scottish Terriers, Beagles, Wire Hair Fox Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers, are more susceptible due to their genetic predisposition.

The 2013 study revealed chemicals were detected in dogs urine from 19 to 25 households after lawns were treated with pesticides. Some untreated lawns tested positive for chemical residue that spread from neighboring areas.

Another study found the dangerous herbicide 2, 4-D was located inside homes of pet owners. This study proves that when pets are outdoors they absorb the chemicals through their paws and hair that comes into contact with the treated lawn. The dogs then track the pesticides indoors and spread them throughout the house and everything they come in contact with including floors, furniture, and bedding.

This same study concluded that harmful lawn chemicals are also tracked indoors under the shoes of the dog owner and family members living in the house. Removing shoes at the front door is highly recommended to help prevent the spread of pesticides.

The studies all state the importance of human and pet health when it comes to exposure to lawn chemicals and pesticides. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has similar epidemiology and histology as CML which makes contact with pesticides dangerous to humans as well.

Recently it has been revealed that agriculture use of 2, 4 -D has increased due to weed resistance to the popular Roundup brand lawn care product.

Chances are you have seen local television commercials alerting the public about the dangers and health risks to humans and pets regarding specific lawn care products. Medical reports have revealed that chemicals used in specific lawn care products have caused types of cancer in pets as well as humans. All of the studies conducted successfully linked canine cancer to lawn chemicals. Using pet-friendly, organic, lawn care treatments is essential to preventing canine cancer and maintaining the health of your pet as well as your own.

If you’re interested in learning what we use on our grounds here at the Farm/Kennel, please feel free to reach out to me.

Our number is 407-245-7350.

 

Image credit pexels

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