Cancer is not uncommon in animals, and certain breeds of dog are prone to developing it because of improper breeding. If you own a labrador, golden retriever, boxer or rottweiler, be aware that these breeds are more likely to develop cancer. Cocker spaniels and some breeds of terrier are also prone to melanomas. As with humans, early detection is the key to successfully treating a dog for cancer. Be on the alert for signs and symptoms of cancer to help your pet stay healthy.
Things You'll Need
- Biannual vet visits
- Spaying
- Weighing scales
- Dog toothbrush
- Dog toothpaste
- Dog shampoo
- Diary
Instructions
Bring your dog to the vet twice a year to have it regularly checked for cancer symptoms. As a dog ages, this is particularly important as risk of cancer can increase. To protect against breast cancer in a female dog, have it spayed as soon as it enters heat for the first time. Fifty percent of all tumors found in dogs are in the breast (mammary) glands, and half of these tumors are malignant (or cancerous).
Weigh your dog at least once every season. Weight loss is often a symptom of canine cancer. If the weight loss seems to derive from the dog not eating, do not ignore this. Loss of appetite or trouble swallowing can both signal the presence of a tumor. Any unusual behavior such as listlessness, walking in circles or forgetting training can all signal cancer. Lethargy and bouts of tiredness can also be warning signs.
Keep your dog's teeth clean and regularly brush them with a specially formulated brush and toothpaste. When you brush, watch out for gum bleeding, discoloration of the gums, sores in the mouth or bad breath. When washing your pet, feel for lumps as you shampoo. Also look for any persistent sores on its body. Take note of any unusual odors the dog has developed. If one or more of these symptoms are present, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Keep a diary of your dog's habits. Note how many cans of food it is consuming to effectively monitor its appetite. Keep note of how often it urinates or if it has any persistent problems with diarrhea or vomiting. Any unexplained discharge or bleeding is potentially a red flag for cancer. Write down any changes you notice in the dog's behavior, in its alertness or senses. By making a note of these changes, you can help the vet to make a quicker and more thorough diagnosis.
The veterinarian diagnoses cancer in a number of ways. X-rays are the simplest and cheapest method a vet has to identify tumors, as most veterinary clinics cannot afford MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machines or CT scanning (a machine to view both soft tissue and bones). A vet may also use ultrasound imaging to view tumors. He may also take blood to check for cancerous cells, which differ in appearance from normal blood cells.