What many people do not realize is that cancer is the leading cause of disease-related deaths in our beloved household pets. Cancer is a disease that not only humans suffer with but also our dogs, cats and other animals. Particularly in cats and dogs, this disease is the number one killer that claims their lives. While it is safe to say the majority of us pet owners are not doctors, there are ten suggested signs that we can be aware of for our animals in hopes of catching it sooner than later. Listed in no specific order are ten common signs to be aware of in your dogs and cats, and other animals, around the home.
#1 Signs of Pain. If you notice that your pet is continually walking around with a limp of some sort or you can see evidence of straining in their eyes when they movie around, this may be a sign of bone cancer. Many times they will begin to experience varying amount s of pain in their bones, muscles or joints, and it may or may not be a sign of cancer, or simply old age.
#2 Different Bathroom Habits. As silly as this may sound, if you notice new habits in your animal's bowel movements or urinary habits, this may be a sign of cancer. For example, if they start using the bathroom a lot more frequently, or hardly at all, you may want to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
#3 Pet Depression or Lethargy. If you notice that your animal, while usually an upbeat animal, this too may be a sign of cancer in your pet. If you pet is in any way not acting normal, such as over excessive sleeping, less excited for walks and the outdoors, you may want to contact your local vet. These symptoms are not necessarily saying that your animal is suffering from cancer, though it is worth looking into.
#4 Difficulty Breathing or Coughing. If you notice that your pet is wheezing, or having a hard time breathing, this may be a sign of a health problem. Coughing or the above mentioned are not only signs of cancer, but they may also be symptoms of heart or lung diseases as well.
#5 Appetite Changes. Do you notice that your pet is eating a lot less frequently than they used to? Are they skipping food over the course of an entire day when they usually ate at least two meals? It is safe to say that there is some medical explanation for this, because animals do not generally stop eating for no reason. Cancer, again is not the only cause for this symptom, however it may reveal other medical concerns such as oral tumors which create difficulty in swallowing.
#6 Weight Loss. Has your pet been recently shrinking? If you aren't purposefully trying to help your pet lose weight for health purposes, there is a likely chance that it is a symptom of some condition, perhaps cancer. Usually when weight loss is paired with other symptoms listed, then there should be a concern for your animal.
#7 Wounds that Won't Heal. Have you recently found little smudges of blood on the kitchen floors where your dog usually lays? Has there been wounds on your animal that have not healed or have just continued to grow more severe over a period of time? This symptom tends to be a more serious sign of a health problem with your pet such as an infection of some sort or possible a disease like cancer. If you notice this, be sure to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
#8 Discharges. If you notice some form of abnormal discharges for your animal such as vomiting, diarrhea, blood, pus or another abnormal type of substance than you will definitely want to see your vet as soon as possible. Even if there is no discharge, but you notice your pet's abdomen becoming distended or otherwise bloated, this actually may be a sign of health issues as their body is trying to retain the discharge rather than expelling it.
#9 Unusual Odors. If you begin to notice something foul smelling around your animal, and even after a bath it does not go away, be sure to check with your vet as this too may be a sign of a serious condition such as cancer.
#10 Bumps and Lumps. If you notice that your pet is growing lumps on t heir body, this may or may not be a sign of cancer, however it is worth your pet's life to have it checked out.
Contact a trusted veterinarian in your area, today!