Cancer is the major cause of death for 47% of dogs (especially those older than ten years old) and 32% of cats, as the Veterinary Cancer Society reported. Cancer is a devastating diagnosis for you and your pet companion. But the early discovery of the symptoms can make a big difference between life and death for your pet. As a pet owner, what can you do to detect the indication?

Keep reading to learn more.

What should you do to prevent cancer in pets?

Below are some pointers to help maintain your pet healthy and cancer-free:

1. Schedule Regular Wellness Exams

Regular pet wellness examinations are essential to detecting cancer early. At these visits, your veterinarian will examine your pet for any lumps or bumps that may be of concern. They may also utilize blood work to check for organ function and other indicators of health problems. 

Plus, they can advise how to help keep your pet healthy and risk-free from diseases like cancer. To find a vet clinic where you can get your pet examined as part of a preventative cancer screening program, just type “vet checkup near me” in your web browser to get started.

2. Stay Up-To-Date With Vaccinations

Vaccines help protect your pets from dangerous viruses and bacteria that can increase their cancer risk. Keep your pet’s vaccinations updated to decrease their potential exposure to carcinogens. An anti-cancer vaccine for dogs was introduced just recently, so ask your vet about this alternative.

3. Feed Your Pet High-Quality Food

High-quality pet food can provide the necessary nutrients for your pet’s total health and reduce its risk of developing cancer or other diseases. Talk to your vet about what food is best for your pet.

Here‘s a checklist of foods you can include right into your pet’s diet plan to enhance their immune system and help protect against cancer:

  • Broccoli
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Coconut oil
  • Pumpkin
  • Beets
  • Fish and fish oil
  • Pitted fruits, like peaches and plums
  • Dark berries, such as blackberries and blueberries

4. Stay Active

Physical exercise aids in keeping your pet’s body functioning properly and avoiding being overweight, a well-known risk factor for pet cancer. Establish an exercise strategy that works for you and your pet. Opt for walks, play fetch games in the backyard, or take up agility training. Keep them fun for both of you, no matter what activities you pick.

5. Take Precautions at Home

You can create an environment in your house which helps in cancer prevention, including:

  • Minimizing direct exposure to chemicals found in cleaners and other household products
  • Limiting sun exposure by keeping pets out of direct sunlight or applying sunscreen to areas not covered with fur
  • Avoiding smoking around pets
  • Keeping pets far away from second-hand smoke as much as possible
  • Washing hands after playing outdoors with your pet or managing their food or waste
  • Regularly cleaning rugs and furniture where your pet often rests

6. Be Aware of Changes In Behavior

Pets with cancer often show changes in behavior that indicate something is wrong. If your pet appears listless, withdrawn in play, or has stopped eating and drinking, call your vet immediately. These indications can also be signals of other severe illnesses, so it’s always best to take them to a professional.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Pet Cancer

If your pet suddenly starts to show any of the following conditions, contact your vet as soon as possible:

  • Weight reduction
  • Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits
  • Tumors or lumps on the body that expand quickly
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge
  • Difficulty breathing or coughing
  • Lameness, limping, or difficulty walking
  • Sweating when not hot in the environment

In cases where pet owners have noticed telltale signs of cancer, veterinarians may suggest laser therapy for cats and dogs. When used early, this treatment has shown success in helping pets with cancer.

What should you do if cancer is detected in your pet?

If cancer is detected in your pet, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan customized to their certain needs. This may include medications, dietary changes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Depending on the nature and stage of the disease, some pets can recover completely, while others need continuous treatment.

The journey is difficult, but your pet can get through this challenging time with the appropriate assistance and care. Regardless of the outcome, working closely with your vet is crucial so you can provide the ideal possible cancer care for pets. Keep in mind that they will be your partner in the fight, so follow their recommendations and ask questions regarding the treatment procedure here.

Ultimately, choose a veterinarian facility or hospital with knowledgeable specialists to ensure your pet gets the best care. Trusted professionals can give you all the assistance you need to fight cancer.

Final Thoughts

Cancer can be a troublesome diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to mean averting from hope. You can provide your pet the best chance at battling this disease with proper care, support, and understanding.

By staying up to date with their vaccinations, feeding them high-quality food, exercising regularly, and being aware of changes in behavior, you can minimize their risk of developing cancer. If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, get in touch with an experienced vet immediately for a treatment strategy that will work best for your pet.