Dogs are a better indicator of human health risks, say UQ researchers

Dogs are a better indicator of human health risks, say UQ researchers

Researchers at the University of Queensland are looking to dog owners for data on how to protect pets - and human health - from environmental threats.

Veterinary pathologistProfessor Chiara Palmieri from UQ’sThe School of Veterinary Science studies risk factors for canine health in Australia, with a focus on chemical exposure, indoor air quality and outdoor air pollution.

Pets can be the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” when it comes to human health risks.

We love our dogs, but unfortunately they are often the first to suffer from environmental health hazards in our homes.

A classic example is a dog that develops mesothelioma after asbestos was uncovered during renovation of its owner's home, or through overuse of certain flea preventatives that may contain asbestos-like fibers.

Chemicals such as those found in tobacco smoke or garden products also put dogs at risk for common cancers such as lymphoma or bladder cancer.”

Professor Chiara Palmieri, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, UQ

Professor Palmieri said collecting data on dogs' exposure to environmental hazards is crucial to understanding the origins of spontaneous cancers.

“We work on the principle that if it's toxic to our pets, it's toxic to humans,” she said.

Professor Palmieri said dogs are a better indicator of human health than many people realize.

eBook Cancer Research

Compilation of the top interviews, articles and news from the last year. Download a free copy

“Dogs get cancer at about the same rate as humans or even more,” she said.

“We estimate that a quarter of dogs will develop cancer at some point, rising to nearly 50 percent of dogs over 10 years.”

Professor Palmieri said cancer rates in dogs are rising for some of the same reasons as in humans.

“Things like longer lifespans, more focus on health indicators, increased use of diagnostic testing and isolating specific exposure risks,” she said.

“If we better understand the chronic exposures that are risky for dogs, we can better prevent them and reduce the occurrence of certain tumors.”

Professor Palmieri's research team developed a short survey for dog owners.

“We compile basic information about a dog’s age, gender, breed, weight and vaccination status, grooming routine and flea/tick control products used,” she said.

“But we also note the location of the house, whether anyone smokes in the house and whether the dog is exposed to herbicides and pesticides.

“It is important to collect this data so we can better protect our four-legged companions while protecting ourselves.”

Source:

The University of Queensland

.