Don’t Ignore These 7 Symptoms of Cancer in Senior Dogs

Jun 2, 2023by Suzie Cyrenne

Knowing the symptoms of cancer in senior dogs is crucial if you’ve got an older canine family member. And learning these as early as now could help prolong your pet’s life and provide him with the right support he truly deserves while at it.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 1 in 4 dogs will be afflicted with this serious disease and more than half of those over 10 years old are highly at risk of canine cancer. Does your dog fit this description?

Make sure you read on because I’ll guide you through what the key indicators of canine cancer in older dogs are in a few moments. Let’s start things off by talking about the common types of canine cancer you should take note of…

 

The common types of cancer in dogs

Unlike what a lot of people mistakenly think, dog cancer isn’t an all-embracing disease. There are various types of cancer in dogs that your pet could be prone to and they can be among the following:

  • Fibrosarcoma or the cancer that affects the connective fibrous tissue of the bones
  • Hemangiosarcoma, which develops from the cells that create blood vessels
  • Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma that attacks the lymph nodes
  • Mast cell tumors, which almost always progress into cancer in dogs
  • Melanoma or the cancer that primarily affects the skin
  • Nasal tumors, which can pop up in either nostril or the areas of the sinuses
  • Oral cavity tumors or the usually malignant tumors in the oral region
  • Osteosarcoma, which is the most prevalent type of bone cancer in dogs
  • Soft tissue sarcomas that can be tricky to pinpoint due to their size and texture

Click here if you’d like to read a more comprehensive blog post about these common types of dog cancer. Now we’ve got that covered, let’s go over the symptoms of cancer in senior dogs…

 

The Symptoms of Cancer in Senior Dogs

What’s really alarming about the indicators of dog cancer in older canines is that they tend to get disregarded as ordinary signs of aging. And the cancer ends up becoming well-established already before it gets detected and dealt with.

Given the slower immune response of senior dogs, most cases usually lead to fatal consequences because the afflicted animal wasn’t given the right support when he really needed it.

Without further ado, below are the key indicators that your senior canine family member could be suffering from cancer in dogs:

 

#1. Sudden loss of appetite

Although a decline in your senior dog’s appetite doesn’t automatically mean that he’s got cancer, it is a significant symptom if your pet is normally a healthy eater. If this keeps on despite serving him his favorite foods, it’s a tell-tale sign that he might be afflicted with this serious disease.

(Click here to check out a very in-depth guide on what dogs can and cannot eat.)

 

#2. Significant weight loss

Cancer cells tend to grab the nutrients intended for keeping your senior dog’s body in good shape. The most prominent effect of this is a rather noticeable loss of weight in just a short period of time. This indicator becomes even more noteworthy if your dog has a healthy appetite, but still loses weight briskly.

 

#3. Sudden and prolonged episodes of fatigue

If we’re being honest, a senior dog won’t be as active as he used to. However, this doesn’t also mean that he will spend most of his time catching a breath or getting tired very easily with even the most mundane of activities. Take note of this symptom particularly if it just happens out of the blue.

 

#4. Bad odor and bleeding

While your senior dog can be a bit smelly at times, it is already a different story if he emits a strikingly foul odor all of a sudden. This indicator is typically accompanied by bouts of bleeding in certain parts of your pet’s body like in and around the mouth, the abdomen as well as the facial and nasal region.

 

#5. Difficulty eating or drinking

Another symptom to keep in mind is your senior canine family member suddenly having a tough time eating or drinking. Although this may also be triggered by other health problems like diseased gums or a decayed tooth, it should never be ignored especially when you notice persistent sores and lesions inside his mouth.

 

#6. Drastic loss of interest in play and socialization

Regardless of how old your dog may be, he will still want to engage in some form of bonding with his family members one way or another. However, it’s a cause for concern if your senior pet suddenly chooses to spend most of his time skulking and hiding. This behavior is often linked with his trying to conceal pain and discomfort.

(Moreover, please take note of other signs manifesting such as stiffness and lameness like those observed in arthritis in dogs.)

 

#7. Appearance of strange bumps

While a senior dog can be prone to skin issues, be extra cautious when you notice bumps, lumps and similar issues suddenly appearing on your pet without warning. Besides taking note of their size and color, you should also observe if it bleeds or oozes some type of discharge.

(Click here to check out a more comprehensive article on how to tell if a growth on a dog is cancerous.)

 

The Importance of Early Detection when it comes to Cancer in Dogs

A crucial part of dealing with dog cancer successfully is detecting its symptoms early. Providing your pet with the support he needs when this serious disease still hasn’t become well-established can help keep it from spreading and causing more damage.

This is the biggest reason why having a natural support product in your home pet care kit as early as now can make a very big difference in maintaining your dog’s quality of life during cancer. The quicker you start managing cancer in dogs the right way, the more you can stave off its harmful effects.

 

A Natural Support for Dog Cancer you Should Consider

Zumalka’s PIPTOPET is formulated to support your pet’s immune system, promote vital systems of detoxification, help reduce oxidative stress as well as boost overall antioxidant function. Its main ingredient is a mushroom called Fomitopsis betulina that is known for its immunomodulating and anticancer properties.

PIPTOPET combines a gentle, holistic touch with premium natural ingredients to help make your dog more resilient against diseases, including canine cancer. Moreover, you can also go for this natural product to support your senior dog when dealing with masses or as an addition to more traditional treatments such as chemotherapy.

 

The Importance of Reaching Out to a Professional When Cancer Strikes

The best reason why you should connect with a pet homeopathy professional when dog cancer gets in the picture is that he or she can provide you with expert information to help you make informed decisions.

And given that your senior dog’s overall health and well-being—not to mention his life—may be on the line during cancer, reaching out to a pro is definitely a must. Please feel free to contact us at any time to get in touch with a pet homeopathy professional.

 


About the author

Suzie Cyrenne
Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.


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