A new study due to be published in July in the journal Science of the Total Environment finds that dogs are ingesting, inhaling and otherwise being exposed to garden and lawn
chemicals that have been associated with bladder cancer. Dogs “could directly
ingest the chemicals from the plant, or they could lick their paws or fur and
ingest chemicals that have been picked up on their feet, legs or body,” said
lead author Deborah Knapp of Purdue University’s Department of Veterinary Clinical
Sciences.
The dogs could also transfer the chemicals to their owners,
researchers said. They suggested that Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles and Wire Fox Terriers are at more risk because they already have a high genetic tendency to get bladder cancer.
By Amy Sinatra Ayres
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