How to Tell If Your Dog Has Cancer or Diabetes

Symptoms of Cancer or Diabetes in Dogs

I know, it’s never fun to think about our dogs having cancer or diabetes.   Did you even know they could get them? May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month (Sponsored by Pet Cancer Awareness and the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research); and November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month (Sponsored by Veterinary Pet Insurance and the Animal Cancer Foundation) AND Pet Diabetes Month, so it’s a good time to bring it to dog owners’ attention.

Just like humans, pets can be affected by these illnesses.  Knowing what to look for can help you get early treatment, and help keep the disease from getting worse. Below are some common symptoms of cancer or diabetes in dogs that you can use to decide if you need your vet to step in.

Warning Signs of Cancer:

Warning signs of cancer in dogs can be similar to humans, but early on there could be little to no signs at all.  Here are some things to look for that may indicate your dog isn’t feeling well and needs to get checked out by your vet:

1. A lump or bump – these can be on or under the skin
2. A wound that doesn’t heal
3. Any kind of swelling
4. Enlarged lymph nodes
5. Lameness or swelling in the bone
6. Abnormal bleeding
7. Unusually foul odors from their mouth, nose, or rectal areas
8. Sudden weight loss when you haven’t been trying to give them a diet
9. Appetite loss – if your dog was a chow hound and now he suddenly isn’t, there is probably a reason
10. Lethargy – know your dog’s personality.  If they are spending an unusual amount of time sleeping, you might want to bring it up with your vet
11. Respiratory problems (think lung cancer – so coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath during minimal exercise might be cause for concern)
12. Behavior Changes – when dogs are in pain, they act differently.  So if your dog suddenly starts snapping at you when they didn’t used to, they might be in pain.
13. Vomiting or diarrhea – yes, while unpleasant to think about, you should always talk to your vet if your dog is exhibiting these symptoms…but especially if he has this on top of any of the other symptoms mentioned.
14. Pale gums – pale gums mean blood loss, and cancer is related to this symptom.  

Related: Medical Financial Aid for Your Pet

Warning Signs of Diabetes:

The most common type of diabetes in dogs is Type I Diabetes.  Here are some symptoms to look out for:

1. Change in appetite (it can actually increase in the early stages)
2. Increased thirst/drinking more
3. Weight loss
4. Increased urination (well, if you’re drinking more water….)
5. Unusually sweet-smelling or fruity breath
6. Lethargy
7. Dehydration
8. UTI’s
9. Vomiting
10. Cataract formation/blindness
11. Chronic skin infections

The good news is, both of these can be treatable (depending on the type of cancer).  So please, if you have any concerns with your dog’s health, talk with your vet.  They want the best for your dog, too!

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