National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

National Pet Cancer Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in November. Cancer is the leading disease-related cause of death for domestic dogs and cats in the U.S., so this month, spread the word to help educate pet owners about how best to protect their furry family members. Cancer in these animals continues to increase over the years, but the good news is, there are advances being made in healthcare when it comes to early detection and treatment. There are several different types of cancers that your cat or dog could be at risk for. These are lymphoma, splenic (spleen) cancer, bone or joint cancer, hepatic (liver) cancer, thoracic (chest) cancer, bladder cancer, anal sac cancer, oral cancer, and brain or spinal cord cancer. We love our pets just like we love our family, so let’s do our best to keep them healthy.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #PetCancerAwarenessMonth, or #PetCancerAwareness to post on social media. If you have a cat or dog at home, consider scheduling them a medical appointment for a checkup, and keep your eyes open for some warning signs that your pet could have cancer. Some of these warning signs are:

1. Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
2. Rapid weight loss
3. Diarrhea and/or vomiting
4. Loss of interest in playing or exercising
5. Difficulty with stool or urination, or changes in stool frequency
6. Abnormal stiffness
7. Severe lethargy
8. Unusually strong/foul odors
9. Blood coming from mouth or rectum
10. Increased thirst and urination
11. Respiratory changes
12. Abnormally firm swelling
13. Masses along jaw or toothline

This month, and in the months to follow, keep your eyes open for any of these signs. If you can catch cancer in your dog or cat early enough, you just might be able to save them.

Click here to make an appointment to screen your pet for cancer.