The worst thing about cancer in dogs as well as in people is that it begins without symptoms – there is no sudden slue of symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, vomiting or diarrhea or even lethargy in the dog that can alert you as the owner that something might be wrong. That’s why it’s so important to learn the common symptoms of cancer in dogs, what you as the owner can check for as well as if your breed of dog is especially susceptible to cancer.

WHAT KIND OF DOGS ARE MORE PRONE TO CANER?

- English Setters
- Chihuahuas
- Miniature Poodles
- Afghan Hounds
- Boxers
- American Staffordshire Terriers (pit bull)
- Chinese Shar-Peis
- Boston Terriers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs

Also, unsprayed female dogs or those that were spayed later on in life are more prone to have mammary gland cancers. Testicular cancer is also a problem for male dogs that have not been neutered.

Senior pets are at the highest risks of malignancies and cancers, so owners need to be look-out when it comes to an older dog. Also, large and giant breeds of dogs can be highly prone to bone cancer such as the Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane and Mastiff breeds.

DOG TUMORS AND DOG CANCERS

Not every single lump you see on your dog will be cancer – it may be a non-cancerous tumor, which is no cause for concern and is common especially in older dogs. The following are several examples of dog tumors:

TUMORS

- Cysts: These are common in dogs and occur all over the body

- Sebaceous Cysts: These are non-malignant lumps that can grow as large as an inch and is usually filled with a cheesy kind of material known as keratin. These need to be drained or reoved in order to avoid infection and is grounds to see your vet.

- Warts: Usually occurs in older dogs and is no cause for concern

- Papillomas: These look like a piece of chewing gum stuck on the skin and are non-malignant. However, they can become irritated and even start to bleed so your veterinarian should remove them.

- Lipomas: These are characterized as fatty tumors surrounded by a fibrous capsule isolating the contents from the surrounding body fat and are usually round and smooth with a fatty consistency. These are not painful to your dog, but if left untreated they can tend to grow quite large and unsightly. These are usually found in overweight female dogs.

- Hematomas: These are pockets of blood that collect beneath the skin usually caused by a blow or contusion – they often heal by themselves.

- Ear Flap Hematomas: These occur due to your dogs irritation with ear mites or an ear infection causing your dog to shake its head vigorously. Larger hematomas should be drained the ears should be treated to prevent any recurrence.

- Histiocytomas: Usually found on the face, feet and ears of younger dogs, these domed-shaped irritations are painful to the touch. Some disappear on their own and others need to be removed by your veterinarian.

- Perianal Gland Tumors: These are commonly confined to the male sex and arise in the anal region of your dog’s body. Most of them are benign, but they can cause your pet pain and may get infected.

CANCERS

- Skin
• Sebaceous Adenomas: These arise from the skin’s oil glands. They are tumors less than an inch long, light in color and often resemble cauliflower. They must be removed. Cocker Spaniels are more prone to this type of dog cancer than other types of breeds. Your veterinarian should be asked to perform a biopsy.

• Mast Cell Tumors: This is most common in older dogs and especially common in Boxers and Boston Terriers. Located on the hind legs, lower abdomen and the foreskin of the penis, these typs of tumors are usually malignant, but should be paid special attention to.

• Epidermoid Carcinoma: This is also a cauliflower-like tomor that is flat, hard and gray in color. It is an ulcer that does not heal on its own and your dog may lick the area compulsively causing hair loss around the area. It usually occurs on the feet and legs and is malignant.

• Melanomas: This is malignant and can develop in an already existing mole on your dog. Dark in color, if the mole spreads out, becomes elevated above the surface of the skin or bleeds then you need to suspect melanoma and take your dog to the vet right away. Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers and Scottish Terriers are more highly affected by this type of dog skin cancer than other breeds.

- Other Dog Cancers

n Breast Tumors: This is the most common type of cancer in dogs and an even share of them are malignant. It is necessary for you to have your veterinarian perform a biopsy to determine the nature of this particular type of tumor, especially since breast cancers can spread to places like the lungs. So, if you see a knot or swelling in the mammary glands of your dog, then you need to check it out immediately.

– Osteogenic Sarcomas: This is bone cancer. It usually strikes middle-aged dogs and affects male dogs more so than female dogs. More prone to occur in larger breeds, the long bones of the legs or the flat bones of the ribs are where tumors  usually begin appearing.

SYMPTOMS

- Abnormal swelling that continues to grow (especially in the nymph nodes)
- Sores don’t heal
- Bleeding or discharges from the nose, urinary tract, mouth, rectum or vagina
- Bad odor (not just because you didn’t wash your dog, more like an infectious odor)
- Difficulty with eating and swallowing
- Difficulty with breathing
- Difficulty with urinating or defecating
- Hesitation to exercise and a loss of energy
- Gradual loss of appetite
- Extreme weight loss
- Continual lameness and stiff movement
- Lumps in the breast area

If you see any of the warning signs listed above and suspect your dog of having cancer, then you need to make an appointment for the vet immediately.

The best thing to do for your dog in treating dog cancer is to take it to annual check ups and know your breed of dog. If your breed is more prone to cancer, then you need to make an extra effort to take advantage of early detection through imaging technology and a range of dog cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical techniques, gene therapy, radioactive beads and special diet. This will help ensure your dog sticks around for a long time even though it may have the big C word.

Of course, correct diet and exercise can greatly reduce your dog’s risk of cancer. Proud Dog Complete Wellness contains 24 vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids critical for dog cancer prevention or, if used with proper treatment, great for helping your dog recover from caner while adding extra support for joint health, boosting immune system, enhancing skin and coat and boosting digestive system. Proud Dog Complete Wellness dog supplement is one of the best dog supplements on the market today and will improve your dog’s overall health. It’s easy to administer and will give your dog a lifetime of healthy results. Prevent cancer in your dog today with Proud Dog Complete Wellness dog supplement.