How to Keep Your Pets Healthy from Disease such as Cancer
Estimated Read Time 4 mins
May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and while it’s not a topic that’s pleasant to talk about, it’s an important reminder that our pets depend on us to be vigilant and do all we can to keep them healthy.
At Blue Valley Animal Hospital, we advocate for routine wellness care coupled with age-appropriate diagnostics to detect problems early on—when they may respond better to treatment. If we do find a concern, our team will be with you and your pet every step of the way to help you manage your pet’s condition.
CAN PETS GET CANCER?
The unfortunate answer is yes, but with continued advancements in veterinary oncology, there are more treatment options than ever for pets diagnosed with cancer.
Generally speaking, pet cancer is typically classified as either a benign growth or a malignant growth. Benign growths don’t invade surrounding tissue and don’t spread throughout the body, while malignant tumors are aggressive and can metastasize (spread).
Pet cancer is more often associated with senior pets, but animals of any age can develop pet cancer.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF PET CANCER
Cancer in pets can occur in virtually any part of the body, so symptoms of pet cancer can vary widely. Possible signs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, include the following:
Obvious mass or tumor
Sudden weight loss
Unexplained bleeding from the mouth or other body opening
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Wounds that won’t heal
Swelling, unexplained pain, or trouble walking
Difficulty eating or breathing
HOW TO KEEP MY PET HEALTHY
In an ideal world, we could vaccinate against pet cancer the same way we protect pets from infectious diseases. While all cancers aren’t preventable, there are steps you can take to offer your pet a level of protection from cancer and other health problems.
Spay or neuter your pets to protect them from developing cancers of the uterus and ovaries (for female pets), or testicles (for male pets).
Maintain routine wellness exams to help us keep an eye on risk factors and alert us early on when something is wrong.
Feed your pet a nutrient-rich, balanced diet.
Help your pet maintain an ideal weight.
Keep your pet’s environment free from carcinogens.
Seek medical help for sudden changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance.
Use sunscreen made just for pets to protect your pet’s exposed skin.
Hearing a diagnosis of cancer is frightening, but treatments have come a long way. Please contact us at (913) 681-2818 if you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or to schedule an appointment.