Signs of Metastatic Cancer in Dogs

Dogs can get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, and the cause is unknown, which makes the prevention for cancer in dogs more difficult. Metastatic cancer spreads from one part of a dog's body to another. The local lymph nodes and lungs are common areas for metastatic cancer cells. There are a couple of warning signs to look for when it comes to metastatic cancer in dogs.

  1. Weakness

    • If the dog has no strength or you notice a change in energy level, this could be a sign of cancer. The dog will not want to play and will show a strong sign of weakness.

    Coughing

    • Another sign of cancer in dogs is coughing. If you notice the dog coughing a lot or more than normal or coughing a lot at once, it could be a sign of metastatic cancer.

    Changes in Water Consumption

    • The dog will not want to drink as much water and could possibly be drinking little to no water daily. This is another symptom of cancer in dogs.

    Difficultly Breathing

    • If you notice the dog struggling for air or acting like they cannot breathe, it could be a sign of cancer in the dog. The dog will gasp for air and act as if they are not getting enough air.

    Abnormal Behavior

    • The dog acting or doing things it normally does do is another possible sign of cancer. If the dog roams or acts funny, this is considered abnormal behavior.

    Lumps Under the Skin

    • Lumps on the dog or under its skin can be a sign of cancerous tumors. These tumors can be located anywhere on the dog's body. The tumors are usually not sensitive to the touch, but are very annoying for the dog.

    Diarrhea

    • A dog that starts vomiting regularly, or has very loose bowel movements, can be showing symptoms of cancer. The dog will vomit or have diarrhea uncontrollably.

    Loss of Appetite

    • If the dog has a loss of appetite, it can be a sign that the dog has cancer. The dog will not want to eat and will start to lose weight.