When a dog is diagnosed with cancer, it’s a huge shock. However, the earlier the condition is detected, the greater the chance of saving your furry friend’s life. We’ll share important warning signs and describe what to do in case of a serious situation.

Withdrawal and Change in Behavior

Your dog suddenly behaves strangely. The usually lively, active companion shows no interest in leaving the house, even though it’s usually up for any walk. In fact, it has been noticeably calm, almost apathetic, for days. Its favorite food, usually devoured in less than five minutes, remains untouched today. Even its rubber toy, often carried in its mouth, tossed into the air, and caught, is ignored.

With big eyes, it looks at you questioningly and then wearily rolls into its dog bed. What’s wrong? Many dog owners feel the same way when their pet behaves differently than usual. Fortunately, in many cases, the cause of its lethargy and loss of appetite turns out to be a harmless infection. However, such changes can also be a sign of a severe illness, such as a malignant tumor. We’ve compiled ten interesting facts, background information, and useful tips on the crucial topic of cancer in dogs.

Cancer, a Modern Ailment for Dogs Too

Cancer is now considered a modern ailment for dogs as well. Estimates suggest that one in four furry friends will suffer from it at some point in their lives, and studies indicate that about 50% of dogs over 10 years old succumb to cancer. The reasons are diverse, ranging from genetic predisposition and harmful environmental influences to lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet. Additionally, the risk of cancer in dogs increases with age, posing another threat to our pets, who, due to excellent care, are living longer.

How Does Cancer Develop in Dogs?

The cause lies in the genes. Up to 4,000 of them mutate daily in a dog’s body. Normally, the immune system detects these altered cells and destroys them. However, sometimes they outsmart the body’s defense and embed themselves in the organism. The result: benign or malignant clusters of cells, small tumors, emerge. Malignant tumors grow uncontrollably, infiltrate neighboring tissues, destroy healthy cells, and form daughter tumors, known as metastases.

Most Common Types of Cancer in Dogs

When dogs get cancer, their largest organ, the skin, is most commonly affected. Learn more about it here: Skin Cancer in Dogs. Other areas of their bodies are also particularly vulnerable. These include the digestive tract, urinary and reproductive systems, and specifically in females, the mammary glands. Tumors of the lymph and immune systems, hormonal glands, as well as mouth and nose cancers are also prevalent.

The 10 Most Common Signs of Cancer in Dogs

The American cancer specialist, Dr. Michael Lucroy, has compiled this 10-point list of warning signs:

Diagnosis

If you observe one or more of these signs in your furry friend, do not hesitate to seek confirmation from the veterinarian quickly. After the clinical examination, various imaging techniques, such as X-rays in different planes, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging, are available for diagnosis.

A cytological examination can also determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. The veterinarian takes samples through fine-needle aspiration or biopsy. Note that anesthesia is usually unnecessary for this procedure.

The Best Individual Treatment for a Dog with Cancer

Upon confirming suspicion of cancer in your dog, it’s initially a devastating piece of news. However, cancer therapy has made remarkable strides in veterinary medicine in recent decades.

A dog health insurance covers a significant portion of the resulting treatment costs. From special medications to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical removal of the tumor, numerous different therapies are available today. The top priority is the well-being of the animal patient and its quality of life!

It is essential to address both the medical prognosis and the personal needs of your pet. Always consider beforehand: What are the chances of recovery? Is my dog possibly too old or too weak for surgery under anesthesia? The primary goal should always be to spare the animal from suffering.

Perhaps physiotherapy is an option for your companion? Gentle massages can alleviate stress and pain. It’s best to have a physiotherapist show you some suitable simple kneading techniques so that you can provide your pet with relaxation and well-being at home.

End-Stage Cancer – When the Beloved Dog Must Soon Depart

Sometimes it’s a sad certainty: No therapy is working anymore. The four-legged friend becomes weaker, struggles with severe pain, and life is only agony. Then the time has come to consider whether it would be best to relieve your beloved animal from its suffering.

The decision for euthanasia in pets, gently “putting to sleep” an animal at the vet, is incredibly challenging, but it’s also a decision of love.

The terminally ill dog receives an injection from the veterinarian with an overdose of anesthetic, gently allowing it to drift into sleep and leading to a painless death. You can hold your beloved pet in your arms and accompany and support it until the end. Although euthanasia is undoubtedly emotionally stirring, the procedure itself is a very peaceful one.

How wonderful it would be if such a situation could be avoided, and cancer in your dog could be entirely averted.

Note: With our article, we aim to provide general information and initial pointers about cancer in dogs. It is not intended for the independent diagnosis, treatment, and medication of your dog and by no means should replace the expert examination and therapy by your veterinarian.