Pet cancer is something that none of us want to think about, but something that needs to be discussed. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. Despite this scary fact, some cancers are curable, especially if caught early enough. November is Pet Cancer Awareness month, so we wanted to put focus on some of the signs of cancer in pets.
Lumps, Bumps and Wounds
Similar to people, any lump or bump should be checked out. Any wound/sore that won’t heal is a red flag as well.
Odors
Foul odors from the mouth, ear or any body part. Tumors can be the cause of unpleasant smells.
Weight Loss and Changes in Appetite
An illness can be the route cause of either of these sudden changes. Or, if your pet is having difficulty eating, this can be a sign as well.
Coughing or difficulty breathing
This is not one to take lightly and should mean an immediate trip to the vet. Tumors in the lungs can cause these symptoms.
Limping and lameness
While sometimes this can be a pet “just getting old”, it can also mean cancer of the nerve, muscle, or bone.
Bathroom troubles
Diarrhea or straining to urinate/blood in the urine can be a cause of concern. These can be signs of cancer in the bladder or gastrointestinal tract.
Any of these symptoms can be caused by something other than cancer, but it’s best to not leave it to chance and get your pet checked out immediately.
