While these signs are not exclusively due to cancer, please watch for them and notify your vet if your pet has any of these health issues. Often they can be subtle like skipping breakfast or becoming more picky with food. Early detection can save lives and give you a chance to help your pet.
* Unusual lumps or bumps: Palpable lumps or bumps on or beneath the skin are common signs of cancer. They may be firm, swollen, or grow rapidly in size.
* Abnormal swelling: Unexplained swelling in any part of the body, such as the face, limbs, or abdomen, can be indicative of cancer.
* Persistent sores or wounds: Wounds or sores that don't heal or that keep recurring might be a sign of cancer, particularly in areas prone to trauma or irritation.
* Weight loss: Sudden or unexplained weight loss, even if your pet's appetite remains normal or increases, can be a sign of various health issues, including cancer.
* Loss of appetite: A significant decrease in your pet's appetite, leading to reduced food intake, can be a sign of cancer or other illnesses.
* Difficulty eating or swallowing: Cancer in the mouth, throat, or esophagus can cause difficulty in eating, swallowing, or excessive drooling.
* Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing: Continuous coughing, shortness of breath, labored breathing, or other respiratory problems may be indicative of cancer affecting the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system.
* Lethargy or decreased activity: If your pet is unusually tired, lacks energy, or seems less interested in activities they previously enjoyed, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as cancer.
* Changes in bathroom habits: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine or stool may indicate cancer in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract.
* Behavioral changes: Noticeable changes in your pet's behavior, such as increased irritability, aggression, or withdrawal, can sometimes be associated with underlying health problems like cancer.
Has your pet been diagnosed with cancer? Our step by step guide can help.
