Canine Cancer – Know the Signs
Whilst most dog owners will keep on top of their dogs’ health with annual check-ups at the vet. This can sometimes mean diseases like cancer can go unnoticed for a long time. With cancer, the quicker it’s diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of a full recovery. The signs below don’t always point to cancer, but it’s well worth taking your dog for a check-up if you notice these signs.
Unusual Odours
We love our four-legged friends dearly, but inevitably they can be a bit smelly at times. You should speak to a vet if you notice any unusually foul smells coming from the mouth, nose or rectal area.
Lumps and Bumps
Make a monthly routine of checking your dog all over for unusual lumps and monitor them. Cancer can grow very quickly, so if they’re rapidly growing, oozing discharge or blood, be sure to take your dog to the vet immediately.
Loss of Appetite &Weight Loss
A dog’s weight should remain fairly consistent, and unless you’ve put your dog on a weight loss diet, any rapid weight loss or loss of appetite could be a sign of something wrong, so keep an eye out for these signs.
Lethargy
You know your dog better than anyone. If he seems out of sorts, lethargic and sleeping more than usual, it’s best to call your vet.
Behavioural Changes
Dogs are naturally sociable animals, so if you notice any unusual changes in their behaviour, such as lethargy, aggression or isolating themselves away from you, it could mean they’re experiencing pain or just trying to let you know they’re not feeling well.
Respiratory Problems
If you notice your dog getting breathless, wheezing or coughing after very little exertion it could be a sign of a bigger respiratory problem, such as lung cancer – take your dog to the vet immediately.
Open Sores
Generally, sores should heal relatively quickly, but if you spot that your dog has open sores that aren’t healing properly, it’s time for a visit to the vet.
Vomiting & Diarrhoea
If your dog regularly has an upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, seek advice from your vet. Also, be sure to check their abdomen for bloating and distension.
Pale Gums
Knowing what healthy dog gums look like and regularly checking them is important. Cancer is one of many illnesses where pale gums signify blood loss, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on them.
Whilst you may not feel qualified to diagnose canine cancer, as a dog owner, you can still be proactive and look for signs that could catch cancer early.