Even talking about the possibility of cancer in dogs is very hard. Every pet owner fears this diagnosis. It is sad that dogs can get cancer just like humans. This is more common when they get older. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) dogs can get cancer of blood or bone or even tissues but the most common one is Lymphoma. But just like with people, catching it early can make a big difference. Let's chat about the signs to watch for and what we can do to help prevent cancer in our dogs.
Signs of Cancer in Dogs
The most important thing is to learn to identify dog cancer symptoms. This will help you provide your dog with the best possible medical care and will also improve their chances of survival.
Lumps and Bumps
Imagine petting your pet and finding sudden lumps on the dog under the skin. Scary, right? Just a lump is not cancer. If you notice a small and hard bump on your dog's leg, it might be harmless. Regularly checking for new lumps or any knot in dogs can help catch problems early.
However, always consult a vet because a lump can mean something serious like cancer.
Abnormal Odors
Any sudden or new odor coming from your pet is suspicious. There is a chance that the awful bad breath or odor from any part of their body is caused by cancer. Tumors or infections in the body give rise to these bad smells. They need quick and urgent medical attention. Even if you catch a whiff of something off, don’t wait. Make a vet appointment as of now.
Non-Healing Wounds or Sores
Since dogs love to jump around, getting cuts and scrapes is a daily occurrence. They usually heal pretty quickly, but if a wound doesn’t, it can be a serious underlying condition. A sore on the paw or any part of the body that doesn’t heal is also cause for alarm. To rule out cancer, get your dog checked out properly.
Abnormal Discharges
Discharge that is unusual is always a sign of trouble. If it is from the nose, eyes, or any other parts of the body, consider it a big red flag. Bloody or an odd colored nasal discharge in dogs can turn out to be more than simply a cold. If the discharge is suspicious in the slightest way, get medical advice to rule out cancer.
Loss of Appetite or Weight Loss
Signs a dog is dying of cancer often include loss of weight. If it occurs unexpectedly and without explanation, you are right to be worried. If your dog suddenly loses appetite the main cause could be cancer.
If you witness weight loss despite sticking to the same diet and exercise regimen, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.
Coughing or Difficulty Breathing
Not all coughs are due to cold. If a dog experiences prolonged coughing, it may indicate the presence of a lung tumor. If a dog is coughing overly or undergoing breathing difficulty, the issue must be addressed seriously. It is definitely a signal to take them to the vet for examination.
Increased Drinking or Frequency of Urinating
Drinking more water than usual or needing to pee more often could be a sign of something serious like cancer. It can be one of those kinds that affect the endocrine system. Other health issues like diabetes also cause the same symptoms in dogs. So it is important to get a proper diagnosis from the vet.
Evidence of Pain
Tough creatures that they are, dogs might not show pain until it becomes severe. Look for the signs of pain in dogs. These are: limping, yelping when touched or a sudden reluctance to play or move. This is especially more relevant if your dog is normally playful and active. These sudden changes always point to a serious health issue.
Difficulty in Swallowing
A tumor in the throat or the esophagus will lead to your dog facing trouble in swallowing. This can be either food or water or both. If your dog is gagging or coughing after eating, that's also a red flag. A tumor could be making it hard for them to swallow.
Lower Energy Levels
We all have lazy days but not consistently. If your pup is less energetic and seems tired all the time it can be cancer, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Aside from depression, serious illnesses like cancer can make a dog slow and lethargic.
Conclusion
Catching signs of cancer in dogs early on can make a huge difference. This dictates the treatment they get and their quality of life from there on then. Regular medical examinations are vital but monitoring your dog's actions and body changes is equally important.
A healthy way of living means making sure that your dog will lead a wholesome life. Early detection and prevention are the key. Listen to what your gut says and if something doesn't seem right, address it promptly. Staying alert is the best way to ensure our dogs live long and joyful lives.
