Cancer: Common Signs & Prevention Tips You Must Know
Cancer is a leading health concern for all types of pets. If you want to prevent this problem, you should improve your pet’s lifestyle, and you should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer. With this knowledge, you can detect early and address the problems immediately.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Pets?
There are a few key signs and symptoms to watch for so that you can take action before your pet develops cancer. Here are some of them:
1. Lumps and Bumps
Experts say that the most common signs and symptoms of cancer in pets are lumps and bumps. The lumps and bumps can happen to your pet’s skin. If a tumor grows deep in your pet’s skin, you may not be able to feel it.
The second most common types of lumps and bumps appear on the surface of your pet’s skin. Your pet may have a lump that is either hard or soft.
2. Discomfort
If your pet is experiencing discomfort, you should talk to a vet. The discomfort can indicate certain types of problems like cancer. If your pet is unhappy or uncomfortable, they will let you know by showing signs of irritability.
3. Lameness
If your pet cannot walk normally, it might be an indicator of cancer. Lameness is a red flag for cancer because it can hamper your pet’s ability to move around, sleep, and play. The lameness can be due to tumors in the spine or the hip, so you should visit your vet and get it checked out.
4. Loss of Weight
If you notice that your pet has lost some weight, it could indicate something is going on. It could be cancer, or it could be a less severe issue like a pinched nerve. Either way, you should mention it to your vet.
5. Loss of Appetite
Another sign of cancer is a loss of appetite. Your pet may not want to eat as much as it usually does. This can be due to tumors in the esophagus that are causing pain when your pet swallows.
How to Prevent Cancer in Pets?
There are a few things you can do to prevent cancer in pets.
1. Healthy Diet
You want to make sure that your pet is getting a balanced diet. You don’t want it to fill up on junk food and treats. You want to ensure that it gets plenty of nutrients, but you should not overfeed your pet. Obesity is bad for your pet’s health, so you should watch the dog food you give your pet.
2. Spay or Neuter
The biggest thing you can do is to spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering prevent cancer in pets because it eliminates the hormones that can cause cancer. Spaying or neutering your pet also eliminates your pet's risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease.
3. Regular Physical Examinations
The best thing you can do is get your pet to see a specialist every six months. If your pet starts to develop any of the signs and symptoms of cancer, the vet can address it immediately.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is a problem that seems to be growing within the pet population. The earlier you get it addressed, the better the chances of your pet living a long and healthy life. Your vet can help you detect cancer early and treat it effectively.
Give your pet the only the best when you shop at Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming. We provide the best pet supplies in Bentonville, AR to help them stay healthy and happy. Check out the products available online or visit our physical store to shop for your furry friend!