According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the following are the most common signs of cancer in a dog. Although any one of these alone may not mean that cancer is present, taken together, they can indicate a pretty convincing diagnosis.

• First is an abnormal swelling that won’t go away or that continues to grow.
• The second symptom is a sore that won’t heal, which could indicate a skin cancer.
• Third is weight loss for which you have no alternative explanation
• Fourth is loss of appetite.
• The fifth symptom to be on the lookout for is bleeding or discharge from any body opening.
• Sixth is an offensive odor.
• Seventh is difficulty eating or swallowing.
• The eighth symptom to watch for revolves around exercise. A dog who is normally very active but has recently turned into a couch potato may have a problem.
• Ninth, and somewhat related to the eighth, is lameness or stiffness.
• Tenth, and last, is if the dog has trouble with any of his normal biologic functions such as breathing or going to the bathroom.

If you’d like more information on canine cancer, check out the series beginning this week in the dog den article library.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!