Are Labradoodles Prone to Cancer? [A Vet Explains]

Many people assume that designer crossbreeds, such as the Labradoodle, would be healthier than their purebred parents. 

However, these dogs are still prone to developing certain health issues that they inherited from one of their parent breeds, such as cancer.

So, are Labradoodles prone to cancer? Labradoodles are prone to cancer. Since they’re part Labrador Retrievers, they’re prone to get genetic cancers that are prevalent in that breed. They’re also prone to get spontaneous cancers or environmentally caused cancers. It’s important to detect cancer early on to treat it properly.

Continue reading to learn more about how to tell if your Labradoodle has cancer and what you can do to treat it.

Are Labradoodles Prone to Cancer?

Labradoodles are a crossbreed which means they’re prone to developing health issues from either their Labrador Retriever parent or Poodle parent.

One of the health issues that are highly prevalent in Labrador Retrievers is cancer which they could possibly pass on to their Labradoodle offspring.

Labradoodles are not only prone to get genetic cancers inherited from Labrador Retrievers; they’re also prone to get spontaneous cancers or environmentally caused cancers.

Are Bernedoodles Also Prone to Cancer?

Bernedoodles are also prone to cancer as they are a crossbreed and part Bernese Mountain Dogs. 

Since genetic cancers are highly prevalent among Bernese mountain dogs, they’re likely to pass it on to their Bernedoodle offspring.

Bernedoodles are also prone to get spontaneous cancers or environmentally-caused cancers.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Cancer?

Cancer is basically an uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. There are different types of cancer as these cells can grow in any of the body’s tissues.

To tell if your dog has cancer, you need to be on the lookout for certain symptoms. If the tumor is not detected at an early stage, it’ll spread more in the dog’s body and eventually cause death.

Symptoms of cancer will vary depending on several factors, including the dog’s age, the type of cancer, and the stage the cancer is at. Some symptoms might also be harder to detect than others.

So, here’s a list of the common symptoms that you need to be on the lookout for to tell if your dog has cancer:

• The dog will have abnormal lumps and bumps underneath its skin.
• The dog will start releasing strong and unpleasant odors from its mouth, ears, and other parts of its body.
• The dog will release abnormal discharge from its eyes, mouth, ears, or rectum.
• The dog’s wounds or sores will heal very slowly or will not heal at all.
• The dog will often suffer from abnormal swelling in the abdomen area.
• The dog will start suddenly losing weight and have trouble gaining that weight back.
• The dog will have problems with its appetite, either eating a lot more than it normally does or stopping eating completely.
• The dog will often suffer from coughing fits or have difficulties with breathing.
• The dog will have a severe lack of energy without exerting any effort.
• The dog will often appear to be in pain or in a general state of discomfort.

Can Cancer Be Treated in Dogs?

Cancer can be treated in dogs. However, the effectiveness of the treatment will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The dog’s age
• The dog’s overall health
• The type of cancer and its biological behavior
• The stage of the cancer

How to Treat Cancer in Dogs?

Treatment methods available for cancer in dogs are similar to those of humans, and they include:

• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Holistic or herbal therapy

The treatment methods you choose for your dog will depend mainly on the type and stage of cancer. Sometimes, one method would be effective in treating cancer, while other times, combining two or more strategies would be more effective.

How Much Does It Cost to Treat Cancer in Labradoodles?

The costs of treating cancer in dogs range from $1,000 all the way up to $15,000, depending on the treatment method, as simple methods like surgery or herbal therapies are a lot less expensive than complicated methods such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

There are also the costs of the diagnostic testing that’s done before the treatment, which can range from $200 to $1,000.

In order to cut down on the costs of treatment, it’s generally advised to invest in a good health insurance plan for your dog.

How to Reduce the Risk of Your Dog Getting Cancer?

Preventing your dog from getting cancer might be impossible; however, there are some measures you can take to help reduce the risk.

So, let’s take a closer look at some of the measures you can take to reduce the risk of your dog getting cancer:

• If you’re about to get a Labradoodle, make sure to get it from a reputable breeder as they tend to conduct health screenings to detect any hereditary problems in the dogs as well as determine which health problems the dog will be more at risk of.
• Sterilize your dog as early as possible to reduce the risk of any cancers related to the dog’s reproductive organs.
• Take care of your dog’s oral hygiene by brushing its teeth regularly and providing it with good chew tots to reduce the risk of any oral cancers.
• Improve your dog’s diet and make sure it contains enough calories and nutrients for the dog’s body to develop properly. Also, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise for its age and energy levels.

For more tips to help your dog live their healthiest, best life, make sure to check out this guide on how to help your dog live longer here.

Related Questions

Which Other Dog Breeds Are Prone to Cancer?

Other breeds that are prone to cancer include Basset Hounds, Collies, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Pugs, and Rottweilers. The genetic makeup of these dogs makes them susceptible to developing different types of cancer as well as passing it on to their offspring.

Are Female Labradoodles More Prone to Cancer Than Male Labradoodles?

Female Labradoodles might be more prone to certain types of cancer than male Labradoodles, such as ovarian cancers and other types related to their reproductive organs. To reduce the risk of female Labradoodles getting cancer, it’s recommended to spay them as early as possible.

You can learn more about the benefits of spaying your labradoodle here. 

What Are the Common Health Problems in Labradoodle?

Common health problems in Labradoodles include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart diseases, Von Willebrand’s disease, different types of cancers, eye diseases, allergies, and several skin conditions. These health problems cause them to have relatively short lifespans ranging from 8 to 12 years.

Helpful Resources 

Which Dog Breeds are Prone to Cancer? Why?

How to help your dog avoid cancer

9 Dog Breeds with the Highest Cancer Rate

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