Understanding How Social Factors Impact Lifestyle Choices and Canine Cancer Risk

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. However, little is known about specific nutritional, environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors leading to the development of cancer in dogs. To help fill this knowledge gap, researchers will analyze data from Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study on diet types, feeding habits, food supplements, environmental conditions and cancer diagnoses. The team will also analyze social determinant data, including geographic location, income level, exercise time and activity levels both on an individual and regional level. Together, these cumulative data, collected annually throughout the lifetime of the Study dogs, may help identify influencing, and possibly modifiable, factors that contribute to cancer risk in dogs.