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Pets, Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Pets can be exposed to asbestos too. How it happens, the warning signs and how to keep cats and dogs safe during renovations.

JP Franklin asbestos team 2 min read Updated First published

Asbestos cement fence panels in a back yard

Quick answer

Pets can inhale asbestos fibres from damaged roofing, fences or soil and can develop mesothelioma. Keep animals away from any suspect material or work area, and have damaged asbestos assessed before it breaks down further.

Your pet getting sick is one of the most challenging situations to deal with. And unfortunately, pets can be just as susceptible to asbestos exposure as we are. For this reason, you should take the threat of asbestos in your home seriously. Here’s everything you need to know about pets, asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma In Pets

Mesothelioma is aggressive and fatal lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Humans are the most susceptible, but pets can also develop it, as well as other illnesses related to exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, the treatment options for mesothelioma in pets are minimal, but luckily it’s uncommon for our beloved pets to contract the disease.

People get sick from asbestos exposure because they’ve breathed in the microscopic fibres that become airborne. The fibres are so small that they can lodge deep inside lung tissue, causing the development of scar tissue. With domestic animals, it works in the same way. Animals breathe in the compromised air, and the fibres get inside their lungs. The fibres can also get onto their fur, or be transferred from clothing if their owner has been exposed to asbestos elsewhere.

The evidence of humans contracting mesothelioma is extensive; and even though the evidence of pets getting mesothelioma is limited, it still happens. If you’ve requested domestic removal cases after finding asbestos in your home, remember to keep an eye on the health of your pets as well as your family.

Diagnosing And Treating Mesothelioma

If your pet has been around damaged asbestos, you should take them to the vet for tests. If you get the unfortunate news that your pet has mesothelioma, they can undergo cancer treatments that include chemotherapy and taking medication.

Conclusion

Even though mesothelioma is rare in pets, it can happen if they’re exposed to asbestos. Your pets depend on you to keep them safe all their lives. Therefore, it’s vital to minimise how much exposure they’re subjected to. When you need a domestic asbestos removal solution, JP Franklin Asbestos is whom you can rely on. Contact us today to quickly and efficiently rid your home of asbestos for good.

Official guidance

This guide is general information, not health, legal or engineering advice. For your property, talk to a licensed asbestos professional. Originally published on asbestosremovalservices.co.nz.

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