10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

It’s every owner’s worst fear.

Your older pup is getting on in years and slowing down. Of course, with regular check-ups your vet will help identify any concerns he/she might have but in the back of your mind, you’ve heard stories or perhaps had other dogs who seemingly overnight were diagnosed with cancer.

While you can’t prevent your dog from getting cancer, you can educate yourself about early warning signs. As with humans, early detection is key.

Here are the top 10 warning signs of cancer in dogs, courtesy of petMD.

(Keep in mind that no single sign is indicative of cancer alone, but if notice two or more signs, take your pet to the vet for a complete check-up.)

Coughing or Difficulty Breathing

Although symptoms of heart and lung disease, coughing and abnormal breathing can also indicate cancer. This symptom will most likely occur if the cancer in your pet's body has metastasized into his or her lungs.

Lethargy and Depression

If your pet has cancer, there is a chance that he or she will suffer from depression and sleep more, become less playful, and be less willing to go for walks. Although lethargy or depression in dogs and cats can set in with any illness, it is commonly seen in pets that have cancer.

 

Changes in Bathroom Habits

Any changes in your pet's bathroom habits including difficulty using the bathroom, frequent bathroom use, and blood in urine or stools are potential warning signs that cancer has developed in your pet.

 

Abnormal Discharges

Discharges such as blood, pus, vomit, diarrhea, and any other abnormal substance being excreted from your pet's body should be checked out by a veterinarian immediately. A bloated or distended stomach could also be a sign of internal discharge.

 

Evidence of Pain

Limping or other evidence of your dog or cat in pain when he or she is active, or if the pain is too great for them to be active, can be indications of cancer of the bone.

 

Abnormal Odors

Foul odors from any of your cat or dog's orifices and/or body parts may be a cause for concern. Cancers of the mouth, nose, or anal regions can cause your pet to emit offensive odors.

 

Lumps and Bumps

Not every lump or bump is necessarily cancerous, but consulting with your vet is the only way to be sure. If the lump is growing or not resolving itself, contact your vet and he or she will do a biopsy to determine the contents of the bump.

 

Weight Loss

Sudden weight loss in cats and dogs not on a diet can be an indicator of many diseases and illnesses. If coupled with another warning sign of cancer, you should contact your vet right away and inform him or her about your pet's symptoms.

 

Change in Appetite

While a lack of appetite in dogs and cats can be an indicator of many things, they never stop eating without a cause. Not necessarily a sign of cancer, a decrease in appetite can indicate an oral tumor, which would make it painful and difficult for your pet to eat and swallow.

 

Non-Healing Wounds

Lacerations or sores that do not heal within a normal time range on the surface of your cat or dog's body may indicate infection, skin disease, and possibly cancer.

 

Coughing or Difficulty Breathing

Although symptoms of heart and lung disease, coughing and abnormal breathing can also indicate cancer. This symptom will most likely occur if the cancer in your pet's body has metastasized into his or her lungs.

Read More:

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