National Pet Cancer Awareness Month: What You Should Know Pets Families.com

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, which is a subject near and dear to my heart because Budly had cancer.

In his case, we detected it far too late to even attempt treatments. (By the time we did find it he was suffering pretty badly and the most humane thing to do was immediately put him to sleep.)

But if I could prevent Murphy, Kitty, or Tabby –or any of your pets– from experiencing the abrupt and heart wrenching goodbye we were forced to endure with Budly, I’m all for it. So I did a little research to find out about pet cancer.

Below are some things I learned from an organization with a site designated solely for this cause and information posted on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website.

Just like cancer in humans, being aware of symptoms and catching them early can make all the difference in guiding our pets back to healthy living.

General Facts About Pet Cancer

• According to the AVMA, cancer is common in pets. In pets over 10 years old it’s responsible for almost half of all pet deaths.

• Dogs get cancer more than cats.

• Spaying, especially early in life, helps prevent breast cancer.

• Preventing cancer is difficult because the cause of most cancers is unknown. (But there are some suspected contributors, see the list below.)

• Success rates with treatments vary. Some cancers can be cured with early detection and prompt treatment. In other cases treatment will only manage the symptoms.

Things Suspected of Causing Cancer

• Genes/improper breeding

• Over/Unnecessary vaccinations

• Toxins in the environment

• Chemical additives and preservatives in food

Signs and Symptoms

• An area of swelling that persists or grows

• Lack of appetite

• Weight loss

• Sores that won’t heal

• Bleeding or discharge in urine, stool, mouth, eyes, ears, etc.

• Emitting bad smell