Can asbestos harm dogs?

Dogs can develop many of the health problems caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos poses a danger to animals, including dogs.

It is important to have older buildings and antique products tested for asbestos to protect our best friends. Don’t skimp, and  use a professional and licensed asbestos abatement company.

Asbestos is the name given to a group of six naturally-occurring fibrous minerals that were commonly used in the past in the manufacturing and insulation process of building structures. Though no longer used in new building projects, asbestos can still be found in homes and buildings that have been around since the 1980s.

These fibers are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion which makes them durable enough to withstand the test of time. These days, there is public and governmental awareness of the damage these fibers can do when inhaled into the lungs and chest cavity. They can cause a host of carcinomas, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases are potentially fatal to both humans and animals. 

When Are Dogs At Risk of Contact With Asbestos?

Dogs don’t have to be present at the site where asbestos was found to develop symptoms. If an owner brings home microscopic fibers on their clothing, these can end up airborne within the house. At this point, everyone else in the home, including animals, will be at risk of breathing in the fibers and developing symptoms of mesothelioma years later.

This is known as secondary exposure and it can be just as damaging as inhaling asbestos directly from the original source. While some breeds are more at risk of developing mesotheliomas, such as German shepherds and Irish Setters, all breeds should avoid inhaling the fibrous asbestos. Male dogs have also been shown to have a higher likelihood of contracting cancer. 

Asbestos materials in homes can release asbestos fibers that are harmful to dogs.

For most of the twentieth century, asbestos was used in buildings of all kinds. Asbestos fibers are extremely durable and resistant to heat, corrosion, oxidizing and dissolution, and they were often mixed with building materials like vinyl or cement to strengthen and fireproof them.

Most homes prior to the 1980s had some asbestos product or material in them (often – in attics, ceilings, floor tiles, roofs, ducts and older electrical wiring. Dogs often poke and around and sniff in the hardest to reach places. 

Asbestos materials degrade over time, and they can release harmful asbestos fibers that may be breathed or swallowed by a dog. Dogs in particular touch their noses to walls, floors and virtually anything to examine them, so they are particularly in danger if asbestos fibers are airborne and coat surfaces.

Even if their own home is asbestos-free, dogs can be exposed to asbestos by wandering into a neighboring building.

Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma in Dogs

Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of tumor and its primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos particles. Potential symptoms that can develop in canines are similar to those in humans. If you notice your pet developing any of the symptoms below, contact a vet immediately to start a treatment plan.

Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases in dogs can include:

·  Trouble breathing

·  Fatigue or lethargic behavior

·  Vomiting

·  Swelling of the abdomen

·  Skin lumps, also known as “hotspots”

·  Enlarged testicles

·  Weight loss

·  Abnormal sleeping patterns 

Treatment and Recovery Prospects for Dogs with Asbestos Diseases

There are medications and treatment options that can enable a dog to live a higher quality of life after its diagnosis. Your veterinarian can provide individualized advice that will enable your dog to be as comfortable as possible.

Much of the treatment for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is focused on alleviating the symptoms as they arise. Depending on the spread of cancer, chemotherapy may be an option that’s put on the table. Mesothelioma tumors can rarely be removed due to their size and how apt they are to spread.