Cancer, unfortunately, also occurs in dogs and cats, especially if they are over the age of 10. An easy way to protect your pets is to seek immediate treatment if they are not feeling well. Here are 10 warning signs to watch out for:
1. Unusual nodules: an unexpected bump or swelling under the skin could be a tumor. If it looks unusual, doesn't go away, or if it gets bigger, take your pet to the vet for a check-up.
2. Changes in eating behavior or bad breath: most animals like their meals, so if your pet loses his appetite, or is hungry but has trouble eating, it is a cause for concern. The same goes if you notice a lingering foul odor from their mouth.
3. Weight Loss: Is your cat or dog losing weight but still eating the same amount of food? Something is preventing the digestive system from working properly – and this could be cancer.
4. Listlessness: if your pet doesn't want to exercise and seems to be functioning at a much lower energy level than normal, that's another indication that something isn't right.
5. Breathing difficulties: if your dog or cat's breathing seems labored or painful in any way, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible.
6. Difficulty urinating or defecating: if you notice that your pet tries to pee or defecate repeatedly but can't, that could be a sign of something serious.
7. Chronic vomiting: if your pet vomits repeatedly, consult a veterinarian immediately.
8. Chronic Diarrhea: if your dog starts to show signs of chronic diarrhea, take them to the vet immediately as that could be a sign of cancer or even impending organ failure.
9. Unusual bleeding: if you see blood in your pet's urine or stool, or if they appear to be bleeding from the mouth or have a wound that is not healing, take them to the vet immediately.
10. Persistent lameness: if you notice that your cat or dog is constantly limping or preferring one of their limbs and the lameness doesn't seem to go away, take them to the vet.
