Your dog has trillions of cells, each one containing DNA with about 19,000 genes. Every day, cells die and are replaced by new ones after copying their genetic material… and sometimes those copies include mistakes.

Charlotte Hacker has a deep love of genetics, and explains the basics of how genetics work and how mutations can occur. Not all of these mistakes are harmful, but a mutation in the wrong spot or a buildup of multiple mutations can lead to cancer.

Listen now to learn about proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, why bigger dogs are more likely to get cancer, and how you can help support the health of your dog’s DNA.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Show:

Genetic Mutations and Dog Cancer: An Overview (article) https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stats-and-facts/genetic-mutations-and-dog-cancer/

Related Links:

Genetics in Canine Cancer article

SearchLight DNA Can Find Your Dog’s Cancer Genotype podcast episode

Sunshine for Dogs article

Chapters:

0:00 Start

3:48 Genetics 101

7:14 Mutation is a Change

11:52 Causes of Spontaneous Mutations

16:10 Oncogenes

18:58 Tumor Suppressor Genes

21:40 Preventing Mutations

About Today’s Guest, Dr. Charlotte Hacker:

Dr. Charlotte Hacker graduated with her Masters in 2015 studying animal welfare and behavior, and her Doctorate in 2021 with a focus on the use of molecular genetic approaches to study at-risk wildlife.

A conservation biologist by vocation, Charlotte’s love for all things animals started with a love for dogs. Her research interests are multifaced and include mammalian genetics, international conservation science policy, and human-animal relations.

Dr. Hacker is passionate about writing, science communication, and improving the livelihoods of humans and the animals they share space with. Her hobbies include yoga, hiking, watching documentaries, and traveling. She is based in Washington, D.C., with her rescue miniature dachshund, Nittany.

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