Roundup is an herbicide that is used for weed control. It is a chemical that has applications in agriculture, forestry, and even water treatment facilities. Its active ingredient–glyphosate–kills by stopping a life-critical enzyme in plants, fungi, algae, and various bacteria. It is a known human carcinogen. According to Environmental Research, some studies have linked lawn chemicals such as Roundup to higher risks of canine cancer, so Roundup is harmful to dogs.
How Roundup Works
Roundup is categorized as a non-selective herbicide. This means it does not pick and choose which plants to kill. The glyphosate in Roundup kills plants by preventing them from producing proteins that are critical to life. It also prevents the plant from absorbing important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and potassium. For a long time, glyphosate had been linked to cancers in humans, but it was not until 2017 that it was formally recognized as a human carcinogen.
The Effects of Roundup on Humans
Several long-term studies–some of them as long as 25 years–have established links between poor health outcomes in humans and higher levels of glyphosate in the body, according to the
Archives of Toxicology. It kills friendly bacteria in the gut and can damage our DNA. It has also been linked to serious illnesses and health disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it can also cause defects, and various cancers, including heart, liver, and brain cancer. It can also reduce testosterone levels in men and negatively affect hormonal balances.
These are alarming statistics, but the fact of the matter is that glyphosate levels in animals can be much, much higher than in humans, and they can cause serious health issues for them as well.
The Effects of Roundup on Dogs
According to several studies, glyphosate levels in dogs can be 50 times higher than the levels in the owner. Dogs may be more susceptible to toxins because they are lower to the ground and have unprotected paws. They may also ingest foods that contain glyphosate.
Chemicals sprayed in one yard can easily find their way into the adjacent yard and even into neighboring homes. These chemicals can lead to various cancers as well as drooling, upset stomach, a loss of appetite, and excessive sleepiness.
Finally, the way your dog synthesizes proteins is not the same as how plants do it, so one might argue that the glyphosate in Roundup will not have a substantial impact on your dog’s health; however, it does affect how certain gut bacteria operate.
Canine immune systems are comprised of billions of tiny microorganisms that reside on the skin, inside the digestive tract, and on the body. These communities–called a microbiome–are critical to your animal’s health.
Since glyphosate can harm the bacteria in these microbiomes, your dog may be unable to absorb various vitamins or synthesize fatty acids that are important for health. Your dog’s immune system can also be affected, and the absorption of vitamins, salts, and nutrients can also be inhibited. Once glyphosate is ingested, it can begin to accumulate in the kidneys.
Roundup in the Environment
The truth of the matter is that animals are not only exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals used in lawn treatment. According to Mayo Clinic, grocery store fruits and vegetables can also contain it. As for glyphosate, it can remain in the air, in the water, and dog food. People generally assumed they were safe using gardening pesticides as long as they followed the instructions.
Some may assume that Roundup is safe for pets–and even for children–as soon as it has completely dried; however, toxins can still track into homes and be absorbed into the bloodstream even when dry.
Other Harmful Ingredients
Other toxic chemicals make Roundup harmful to dogs as well. Diquat dibromide is another weed killer found in Roundup. It kills weeds by damaging their cell membranes. It may lead to cataracts in dogs or even cause various developmental issues.
Contact Us Today
If you used Roundup and your dog has shown signs of illness, take them to the vet for an assessment as soon as possible. If they receive a diagnosis of canine cancer, it may stem from their exposure to Roundup. You may qualify for compensation if you choose to take legal action.
At the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we can help you seek awards for the injuries you suffered. Call (800) 794-0444 today for a free case evaluation.