Every month check your pups for lumps and bumps. Prevention and quick action on anything suspicious is critical. Check with your veterinarian if you aren’t sure about something.
Here are the 10 Early Warning Signs of Canine Cancer:
- Lumps Not all lumps and bumps are cancerous in dogs. There are sebaceous cysts, lipomas, and warts all of which are benign but if you detect a growth on your dog it’s important to have it checked out by a veterinarian and if warranted, aspirated and biopsied.
- Lesions Scratches and abscesses are not uncommon for the normal, active dog but the sores that don’t heal can be of concern.
- Lameness Bone cancer is typically found in larger breed dogs like Great Danes, Bernese Mountain dogs, Rottweilers, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees and the primary early indication is prolonged limping or favoring a limb or side. Other types of cancers can also cause persistent lameness.
- Appetite Loss If your dog shows no interest in eating or their daily consumption has declined for several days, take them to a vet.
- Lethargy Tiring out easily, unwillingness to exercise and loss of interest in normal daily activities can be an early sign of cancer.
- Weight Loss Not to be confused with loss of appetite. Cachexia, or emaciation, is often associated with cancer and can occur even if your dog is still eating normally. So if your dog is inexplicably losing weight, consult a veterinarian.
- Strong Odor A very strong and offensive smell can sometimes be a byproduct of tumors in the mouth and nasal cavity.
- Loss of Normal Body Functions Dogs having difficulty voiding or defecation or unusual urine or feces should be looked at.
- Bleeding or Bloody Discharge Blood present in vomit, stool, urine and/or nasal discharge are cause for serious concern and although not always telltale signs of cancer, your dog should be examined as soon as possible.
- Labored Breathing Abnormal respiration or respiratory distress can be a symptom of cancers in dogs.
Don’t hesitate. If you suspect a lump or bump is suspicious, or if your pup displays any of the above symptoms, please consult your vet!
Donate to the Puppy Up Foundation today to help us fight canine cancer. www.puppyup.org/donate
