Cancer and Our Pets

Cancer is a dreaded word at the best of times. We try to avoid known cancer causing agents when it comes to our own lives or to our human loved ones. Do we try to avoid exposing our pets to cancer causing agents? Sure we do, at least we think we do. Are you aware that some products that are made for use on our pets are known carcinogens? These products are not the types you would normally think of a as a carcinogen. I bet you would be thinking of flea sprays or spot on types of products. The ones I am referring to are first aid topicals made just for pets.

Have you read the labels on some of the first aid pastes and lotions made for pets? There are 2 products that come to mind when I think of harmful first aid products that are known carcinogens. The first one is Swat, a paste that comes in a plastic jar that is used on horses and dogs to repel flies from wounds. It contains Dipropyl isocinchomeronate which is a known carcinogen. About 20 years ago the label on the Swat containers use to read "warning, this product contains a known carcinogen, use protective gloves while applying product." I have noticed that the warning has been removed from the label in the last few years but the product contains the same ingredients.

The next product which contains a known carcinogen is Fura-zone a first aid ointment for dogs and horses. This yellow ointment has on the label the following warning: "HUMAN WARNINGS; Carcinogenesis: Nitrofurazone has been shown to produce mammary tumors in rats and mice. Some people may be hypersensitive to this product. Either wear gloves when applying, or wash hands afterwards."

Now tell me why would anyone want to use those products on their pets knowing full well that they contain KNOWN carcinogens? In reality I don't think that the general pet owning public is even aware what most of the pet products contain. If you are interested is what you are using on your pet, here is a list of the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for the more common products at Animal Safety .

Do yourself and your pet a favor and educate yourself on the potential carcinogens you expose your pet and yourself to.