Your furry friend is not just your pet but a cherished family member in your house. This makes the whole idea of them being sick more terrifying. Be it cancer or any other serious illness. They can be cured if they are caught at an early stage. Cancer is a leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10. But half of all cancers are curable if caught early.
Like humans, dogs cannot talk and convey their illness and discomfort. But you can recognize it in their behavior or changed appearance. Whether you’re seeing a giant tumor on your dog’s body or you feel your dog is having trouble swallowing the food, pay attention as these may be symptoms of cancer. Here are ten warning signs of cancer in dogs. Keep an eye on them to identify a problem early.
Sudden Collapses
If your dog suddenly collapses, consult a vet immediately. Collapsing, low energy, or lethargy like not interacting with people or not going to the door when someone comes in, could be signs of cancer. Even if your dog falls and seems better the next day, give a visit to a vet as this might be a sign of a tumor of the spleen.
Bumps And Lumps Underneath The Skin
While casually running your hands on your pet, have it tested by a vet if you feel any tiny or big lumps under the skin. You can’t tell if the lump is cancerous or not, and it could also turn out a usual lump, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
That’s why get your dog tested as soon as possible. Lumps can form at any part of the body, including between the toes, so make sure you check carefully. Some lumps might even be painful to touch, so pay attention to your dog while examining.
Weight Loss
Weight loss could be a symptom of many diseases, but cancer is one of them. It could be a sign of a gastrointestinal tumor. Many dogs stop eating due to gastrointestinal tumors, which results in rapid weight loss. Even if your dog is eating the normal appetite but still losing weight, that could also indicate cancer. If you see your dog shedding pounds either slowly or rapidly, it’s best to consult a vet.
