Dogs also fight cancer. Although cancer in dogs is considered rare, it is as fatal as those in humans. Canine cancers, like their human counterparts, have no single proven cause. A variety of factors could be the possible causes of this cancer, such as diet and genetics. Unlike humans, dogs cannot go to the doctor for a checkup. As a responsible owner, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of cancer in dogs:
- Abnormal swelling that does not go away and continues to grow. This could be a sign of a tumor. Your dog must undergo a biopsy to confirm whether or not it is cancer.
- Cancer affects dogs’ appetite and thus can reduce their weight.
- Aside from the appetite, energy levels in dogs can drop dramatically. Loss of stamina is an important sign of cancer.
- The dog will have difficulty excreting waste (urine and feces). An abnormal breathing pattern is also an indicator of cancer.
- Bleeding, secretions, wounds that heal poorly and those that do not heal at all are signs of cancer (cancer weakens the body’s immune system, whether it is a dog or a human body).
There are no surefire ways to prevent cancer, but a healthy dog lifestyle definitely helps. A healthy and natural diet will not expose your dog to carcinogenic preservatives. Homemade dog food can take a long time, but it is definitely worth it. Of course, vaccines will support a dog’s immune system, but remember to be careful about overdosing. Keep your dog’s environment clean and keep him away from harmful pesticides. Like humans, these guidelines will not guarantee a dog that is cancer-free. After all, cancer can be hereditary. But a dog’s unhealthy lifestyle can make or break him sooner. There are many treatment options for cancer in dogs that are similar to human cancer treatments: radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hyperthermia, and cryosurgery. The first and second may be familiar to most readers. Hyperthermia is usually used as an aid to radiation therapy. This is done by heating an applicator and applying it toward the tumor. The tumor is heated with a microwave. Cryosurgery is the use of cold chemicals to kill tumors, usually on the skin and mouth. Cancers in Golden Retrievers is very painful, but treatments can also be painful, perhaps more so than the actual disease. Dogs can suffer for the duration of the treatment. Give pain relievers if the vet allows. Be careful if dogs are vomiting, thirsty and starving. Fix your body fluids as much as possible. Cut back on simple carbohydrates and feed them easy-to-digest protein. Of course, avoid highly industrialized foods. Cancer in dogs is devastating news, but knowledge will definitely control the damage greatly and prevent it from happening quickly.