Are Chlorine Products in Pools an Increased Risk for Bladder Cancer in Dogs?
Chemicals in our dogs’ environment can not only lead to poisoning but may also pose long-term risks.
Veterinarians at the University of Madison (Wisconsin, USA) investigated the effects of various carcinogenic chemicals on dogs, including chlorine products.
They found that dogs with bladder cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. swam in a chlorinated pool more often than healthy dogs.
They also found that the concentration of chlorine by-products in tap water was four times higher in dogs with bladder cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. than in the regions (postal code areas) where healthy dogs lived.
One conclusion would be to restrict dogs’ access to chlorinated pools and, in the case of heavily chlorinated tap water, possibly use a water filter to remove chlorine by-products from the drinking water.
Source:
Braman SL, Peterson H, Elbe A, et al. Urinary and household chemical exposures in pet dogs with urothelial cell carcinomaA carcinoma is a type of cancer that originates in the epithelial cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body. Carcinomas are the most common form of cancer.. Vet Comp Oncol. 2024; 1‐13.
Veterinary and Comparative OncologyOncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancer. In veterinary medicine, this includes the treatment of cancers in animals. is an American veterinary medical journal that deals with the development, diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., treatment, and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of cancerCancer refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells that can lead to tumors or spread throughout the body. Various types of cancer occur in dogs and cats, ranging from skin cancer to lymphomas. in pets.