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Pet Cancer Awareness Month is a time to spread knowledge. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to spread the word about pets and cancer, as well as a time to educate ourselves about the things we can do to prevent or treat cancer in our own pets.
Cancer can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors, and there are many different types of cancer that vary in how aggressive and common they can be.
Any dog can develop cancer at any time in their lives, although some breeds are more genetically predisposed. The Veterinary Cancer Society reports that Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers can have a 70 to 80 percent chance of developing cancer over the course of their lives.
Older dogs are also more at risk, and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation reports that up to half of all dogs older than ten years will develop cancer. General, one in four dogs is likely to develop cancer during their lifetime, and it is the leading cause of death in dogs.
It’s clear that cancer is one of the biggest threats to the health and well-being of our dogs, which is why Pet Cancer Awareness Month is so important. As responsible pet parents, we need to be aware of the ways we can fight cancer and teach others to do the same.
And as always, talk to your vet. They can give you lots of information and advice to help you make good decisions and keep your pets safe.
Here’s what you need to know during Pet Cancer Awareness Month.
Pay attention to diet
Many dog parents buy the same old kibble every day for their dog’s entire life. New studies and research seem to indicate that this may not be the best food option when it comes to our dogs’ health, and there’s also a link between what our dogs eat and cancer.
Traditional dog food is sometimes full of grains that can be contaminated with toxins such as aflatoxin B1 that cause cancer. In addition, carbohydrates from grains and corn are converted to sugar in the body, which: fuel for cancer cells.
Even good foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can contain traces of pesticides or herbicides that are carcinogenic. It is important to be aware not only of what your dog is eating, but also where the food comes from and how it is prepared.
On the other hand, there are several foods that are full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that can give a big boost to dogs’ immune systems, prevent cancer and help treat cancer. Many vets prescribe specific diets for dogs that have cancer.
Do some research, talk to your vet, and consider making your dog’s food from scratch. DO NOT make any changes to your dog’s diet without first consulting your vet.
Here are a few resources on food and canine cancer that can help you start your research:
Learn the different types of cancer
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Cancer can refer to such a wide variety of conditions that it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what symptoms and signs to expect or what to look out for. These symptoms can mimic those of other medical conditions as well.
Even nodules are not necessarily malignant tumors to worry about although they should always be vet checked. In addition, some cancers are more common than others, and some cancers are extremely aggressive, while others are somewhat easily treated. A cancer diagnosis is not always a death sentence.
Learning about the types of cancer can also help you avoid environmental factors that can contribute to their development.
For example, unprotected exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer, especially in dogs with lighter coats. Exposure to chemicals, especially pesticides or herbicides, can contribute to certain cancers. Medical conditions such as cryptorchidism can increase the risk of cancer in dogs.
Here are a few resources about common cancers in dogs that you may find helpful:
Talk to your vet
There are several symptoms of cancer, although they can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the cancer. These symptoms can also be similar to those of other medical conditions.
If you are one of the following signs that may be symptoms of cancer in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Unusual swelling or lumps
- Ulcers That Don’t Heal
- weight loss
- Appetite Loss
- Bleeding or discharge from the mouth or other openings
- Unusual odor, especially from the breath
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Exercise aversion
- Lameness or stiffness
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
Even if you don’t notice any signs or symptoms of cancer in your dog, you should still maintain a schedule of regular vet visits every six months to a year. Routine checkups can sometimes detect cancer before it becomes a major problem, and early detection is very beneficial for successful cancer treatment.
Your vet can also advise you on environmental factors to avoid that may contribute to the development of cancer.
Spread knowledge and awareness
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
As you learn about cancer and apply your knowledge to your pet’s parenting h
ab
its during Pet Cancer Awareness Month, you should also spread that awareness to other dog parents. After all, that’s the reason Pet Cancer Awareness Month exists in the first place.
Sharing your resources on Facebook and social media can be a helpful way to encourage other pet parents to take an interest in the topic of canine cancer, which leading cause of death in dogs. Talk to your dog-loving friends and family and discuss the topic of canine cancer with them, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Spreading awareness can ultimately save a life, so spend some time in November taking part in Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Dogs everywhere will benefit if you do.
Will you be spreading knowledge during Pet Cancer Awareness Month? What steps are you taking to fight cancer in dogs? Let us know in the comments below!
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