The month of November is designated as National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is the largest disease-related cause of death for domestic dogs and cats in the United States, so spread the word this month to help educate pet owners on how to best safeguard their furry family members.
Cancer can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic variables, and there are numerous forms of cancer that vary in their aggressiveness and frequency.
Cancer can strike any dog at any age, however, some breeds are more genetically prone. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Rottweilers have a 70 to 80 percent probability of contracting cancer over their lifetime.
Most studies report that up to half of all dogs over the age of ten may get cancer. Cancer affects one out of every four dogs in their lifetime, and it is the greatest cause of mortality in dogs.
Cancer is clearly one of the most serious risks to our canine companions’ health and well-being, which is why Pet Cancer Awareness Month is so important. As responsible pet parents, we must be aware of cancer-fighting strategies and teach others how to do the same.
As always, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and guidance to assist you in making wise decisions and keeping your pets safe.
[Also Read] 10 Signs of Canine Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here’s what you should know about Pet Cancer Awareness Month.
Take Care of Diet
Many dog owners feed their dogs the same kibble every day for the rest of their lives. According to new studies and research, this may not be the ideal dietary option for our dogs’ health, and there is also a link between what our dogs consume and cancer.
Traditional dog food contains grains that can be tainted with chemicals that cause cancer, such as aflatoxin B1. Furthermore, carbohydrates from grains and corn are turned in the body into sugar, which fuels cancer cells.
Even healthy meals, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, might contain carcinogenic pesticides or herbicides. It’s essential to consider not only what your dog eats, but also where the food comes from and how it’s prepared.
On the other hand, there are some meals high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve dogs’ immune systems, prevent cancer, and aid in cancer therapy. Many veterinarians recommend special meals for cancer-stricken dogs or Vitamin Supplements Treatments .
Do some study, consult your veterinarian, and think about creating your dog’s food from scratch. Any adjustments to your dog’s diet should be discussed with your veterinarian first.
[Also Read] Human Foods That Affects Dog’s Health Adversely
Discover the Different Types of Cancer
Cancer can refer to a wide range of disorders, making it difficult to define exactly what symptoms and indicators to expect or watch for. These symptoms may sometimes be mistaken for those of other medical problems.
Even lumps are not always malignant tumors to be concerned about, however, they should always be checked out by a veterinarian. Furthermore, some cancers are more frequent than others, and some tumors are particularly aggressive while others can be treated relatively readily. A cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean death.
Learning about the different types of cancer can also assist you in avoiding environmental variables that can contribute to their development.
Unprotected sun exposure, for example, can cause skin cancer, especially in dogs with lighter coats. Chemical exposure, particularly pesticides and herbicides, has been linked to some types of cancer. Cancer risk in dogs can be increased by medical problems such as cryptorchidism.
Consult Your Veterinarian
There are various cancer symptoms, which vary widely depending on the type and stage of the illness. These symptoms may also resemble those of other medical problems.
If you notice any of the following indicators in your dog that could be cancer symptoms, contact your veterinarian straight away:
- Swelling or lumps that are unusual
- Non-healing wounds
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding or discharge from the mouth or other openings
- Unusual odor, particularly from the breath
- Unusual odor, particularly from the breath
- Avoidance of physical activity
- Stiffness or lameness
- Breathing, urinating or defecating difficulties
Even if you don’t see any indications or symptoms of cancer in your dog, you should keep a regular vet appointment scheduled every six months to a year. A simple check-up can occasionally discover cancer before it becomes a serious issue, and early detection is important for successful cancer treatment.
Your veterinarian can also advise you on how to prevent environmental variables that can lead to cancer growth.
Raise Awareness and Knowledge
As you study about cancer and apply your knowledge to your pet parenting routines during Pet Cancer Information Month, you should also convey that awareness to other dog owners. After all, it is why Pet Cancer Awareness Month exists in the first place.
Sharing your sources on Facebook and other social media platforms can be a great way to get other pet parents interested in the topic of canine cancer, which is the biggest cause of death in dogs. Talk to your dog-loving friends and family about canine cancer, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Spreading awareness may end up saving a life, so take part in Pet Cancer Awareness Month during November. When you do this, dogs all throughout the world will benefit. Will you raise awareness during Pet Cancer Awareness Month? What steps are you doing to combat canine cancer? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!