Early Warning Signs of Canine Cancer
As with people, dogs can get various kinds of cancer. 50% of dogs over the age of 10 years will have cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10. But half of all cancers are curable if caught early. Early warning signs can help you in early detection!
Here are 10 warning signs that dog owners should know and watch for:
Lumps and Bumps on or under the skin: you have to be sure if it’s cancerous or not, veterinarian should be involved, don’t forget to check behind ears and around the face. Cancer grows up quickly, any new lumps or bumps should not be ignored.
Abnormal Odors: Offensive odors from your dog or cat’s mouth, ears, or any other part of your pet’s body, should be checked out.
Abnormal Discharges: Blood, pus, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other abnormal substance being discharged from any part of your pet’s body should be checked out by your veterinarian.
Weight Loss: Cancer is on the top list of diseases that cause weight loss, so if you noticed your dog losing weight, you should tell your veterinarian.
Change in Appetite: Dogs love food, they won’t stop eating for no reason, Cancer is not the only disease that cause change in appetite but it’s a serious one.
Difficulty Breathing: it can be caused by heart disease, lung disease, and also cancer.
Lethargy or Depression: Dogs are naturally playful, if you noticed that your dog is less playful, or sleep more; you should visit your veterinarian. It can be a sign of cancer.
Changes in Bathroom Habits:Changes in your pet’s urinary or bowel habits, difficulty in using bathroom, or blood in urine, these are potential signs of cancer.
Non-Healing Sores: if you notice sores and wounds are not healing in your dog, it may indicate to skin disease or cancer, so take care!
While these symptoms are not purely indicative of cancer, if a pet begins to exhibit them you should visit your veterinarian immediately. Just like with people, the earlier cancer is caught the better. Call us at Phoenix Veterinary Center at (602) 559-5500 if you have any questions or to bring your dog in for a check up.
