Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Pet Cancer
Every November of the year, we dedicate the month to National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. This is to help pet owners like you learn and become more educated about pet cancer.
Contrary to popular belief, cancer does not only harm humans; it may also strike dogs and cats. Thankfully, we are in an advanced modern age where technological improvements have simplified animal care.
Read on to discover, learn, and understand more about pet cancer today.
Explaining Cancer in Simple Terms
Cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of cells or tissues in the body. These abnormal growths are known as neoplasms or tumors. These tumors can be either benign or malignant in nature. If the tumor is benign, it will develop slowly and will not invade or spread to other organs or tissues. A malignant tumor will not resemble other types of tumors and will grow faster than benign ones. They are capable of infecting nearby tissues and spreading to other organs and regions of the body. It is not uncommon for pets to develop either benign or malignant tumors, but only malignant tumors can cause cancer.
The Symptoms and Manifestations of Cancer
Cancer symptoms are notoriously difficult to detect in the early stages. The indicators are determined by the location and extent of the tumor. The majority of these symptoms may actually indicate the severity of the illness.
The most common cancer symptoms are abdominal enlargement, difficulty breathing or eating, tiredness, lumps or bumps, weight changes, non-healing wounds or sores, and abnormal discharge consisting of blood or pus. Non-healing wounds or sores, non-healing wounds, and irregular discharge are also signs.
If you see any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian right once. It will benefit you if your veterinarian can make a diagnosis as soon as possible.
The Varied Cancer Treatments Available Today
Tumors can be treated in most situations; however, it is critical to catch them early. Even if the tumor cannot be healed, treatment can improve your cat's quality of life and even extend its longevity. The therapy and care provided will be dictated by your pet's needs.
Chemotherapy, surgical excision of the afflicted area, or immunotherapy may be alternatives for your pet's treatment. Changes to the patient's diet or the usage of additional treatments may be suggested. If you want the greatest care for your pet, you should follow your veterinarian's advice.
Your veterinarian may discuss the treatment options accessible to you after diagnosing your pet. Consider these options and discuss them with other members of your family to make the best decision for your pet.
Minimizing the Risk of Cancer
Cancer prevention is notoriously difficult due to a lack of understanding about its cause. There are numerous preventative measures you could take. Tobacco use significantly increases the likelihood of an animal developing a variety of cancers. Spaying your female dog reduces her chances of developing breast cancer.
Despite the fact that cancer cannot be prevented, early detection is possible. Visit your veterinarian on a regular basis to detect malignancies as soon as possible. Preventative measures and collaboration with your veterinarian can improve your pet's chances of a quick recovery and a long, healthy life.
Every type of cancer will be treatable and curable in the not-too-distant future. This is why we contribute to cancer research all over the world.
9 Tips to Help Your Pets Fight against Cancer
It is also possible to protect your pet from developing cancer at this time. The following nine tips can assist your pet in living a longer and healthier life:
- Learn Everything about the Breed
- Did you know that some dog and cat breeds are predisposed to certain diseases, such as cancer? Look for diseases that are unique to certain breeds.At the same time, you should inspect your pet's body, ears, and lips once a month for any abnormalities. Early detection of several diseases, including cancer, is critical for effective treatment.
- Get to Know Your Pet’s Behavior
- When an animal becomes ill, its behavior changes. Pay attention to the feeding and resting routines that your pet follows. A deviation from one's usual routine or behavior could be an indication of disease.
- Accomplish Routine Vet Check-Ups
- A full annual checkup is a great way to keep your pet healthy. At each visit, your veterinarian will be able to perform a thorough physical exam on you and your pet, allowing for the early detection of any anomalies and the establishment of a baseline for future comparisons.
- Keep Your Pet’s Weight Consistent
- Obesity may be the root cause of cancer, according to the findings of a study. Inadequate nutrition may also increase the risk of cancer development. One study even found that eating more vegetables may reduce the likelihood of developing cancer. As such, diet and exercise are a must!
- Limit Maximum Heat and Sun Exposure
- As with people, having fair skin and spending a significant amount of time outside may increase the risk of developing cancer. Make sure your pet has a cool place to go and try to avoid exposing them to the sun in the middle of the day.
- Steer Clear of Asbestos
- Animals that have been exposed to asbestos can develop cancer. Remove this product from any home that does not have pets.
- Steer Clear of Lawn Chemicals
- It is critical to keep animals away from lawn care products. It has been discovered that pets who are exposed to lawn chemicals are more likely to develop cancer.
- Steer Clear of Paints and Solvents
- According to recent research, certain chemicals may increase the risk of developing cancer. You should keep your dogs outside or in a separate room while taking these medications.
- Avoid Smoking Around Your Pet
- Are there smokers in the house where your pet lives? Animals exposed to environmental smoke may be more likely to develop cancer. No smoking should be permitted in your home.
Conclusion
Keeping your pet healthy should not be too difficult. You can feed them nutritious food, train them outdoors, exercise with them, and get routine veterinary care. With the right amount of attention, you can keep pet cancer at bay!
If you are in search of quality pet supplies in Marysville, Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Marysville is your go-to shop for all your pet’s needs. Check out our products today!