Landmark Study Finds Household Chemicals Linked to Lymphoma in Boxer Dogs

Australia, September 2025 — Benzene—a common chemical found in vehicle emissions, cigarette smoke, paints, solvents, certain cleaning products, and even some air fresheners has been directly linked to lymphoma in Boxer dogs, according to a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine*

The prospective case–control research used direct biomonitoring of canine urine samples to identify significantly higher levels of benzene metabolites in Boxers diagnosed with multicentric lymphoma (ML) compared to healthy controls. The study also found that affected dogs were more likely to live in urban or suburban environments, where indoor air pollution is typically higher.

“This can come as quite a shock to many pet owners,” says Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. “While genetics play a role, we now know environmental factors, like household air quality, can be modified to help protect at-risk breeds.”

“Understanding what chemicals can be adversely affecting pets allows pet owners to control possible environmental conditions and choose common household products wisely,” Crighton says.

The Key Findings Of The Study

• Elevated Benzene Marker: Boxers with ML showed nearly double the concentration of the benzene metabolite S-phenylmercapturic acid (PHMA) compared to controls.
• Urban Link: Dogs living in more urban neighbourhoods faced a significantly higher risk of lymphoma.
• Herbicides Not the Driver: Although common herbicides were detected in all dogs tested, they were not significantly associated with ML.

“Boxers rank as the top most-claimed breed for lymphoma,” says Nadia Crighton of Pet Insurance Australia. “This new research offers hope not only for Boxers but for other breeds commonly affected by the disease. It also highlights the importance to all pet owners to be mindful of the chemicals we use around the home that can affect our pets’ health now and in the future.”

Precautionary Steps for Pet Owners

Crighton advises owners of high-risk breeds such as Boxers, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors to take immediate action.

“Improve ventilation, use activated-carbon air filters, and avoid smoking indoors or running cars in attached garages,” she says. “Reducing indoor benzene levels benefits both pets and their people.”

Additional practical tips include choosing low-VOC paints and cleaning products, limiting the use of heavily scented air fresheners or candles, and incorporating air-purifying plants such as peace lilies or snake plants.

Broader Implications

The research highlights a modifiable risk factor for a devastating canine cancer, offering veterinarians and pet owners a new pathway for prevention.

“Early detection is critical, but prevention is even better,” adds Crighton. “Pairing regular veterinary check-ups with a cleaner home environment can make all the difference when it comes to health outcomes for our pets.”

Pet Insurance Australia’s policyholders have claimed up to $6,000-$9,000+ for a single vet bill for lymphoma across the last 12 months**. That said, lymphoma treatment for pets typically extends over an extended period, with multiple vet visits and multiple vet bills to be expected.

“This isn’t solely an older-dog issue,” says Nadia Crighton of Pet Insurance Australia. “While cases in younger dogs aged one to four are relatively rare, our data shows a sharp rise in lymphoma diagnoses between five and eight years of age.”

Top 10 Dog Breeds Affected by Lymphoma

1. Boxer
2. French Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Labrador
5. Miniature Schnauzer
6. Golden Doodle
7. Siberian Husky
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
9. Bullmastiff
10. German Shepherd

**Pet Insurance Australia portfolio data (12 months to Aug-25)

Featured By

• Australian Dog Lover

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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