Pet Cancer: What Can Dog Owners Do for Prevention?
Your dog’s health should be high priority as a pet owner. This responsibility requires proper nutrition, adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and preventative medical care. Being proactive with these health measures may help to ward off any potential future issues, like the “Big C” (cancer), and it may also save you on unexpected medical expenses. Let’s take a look at pet cancer and what owners can do to help decrease the risk of it showing up.
One of our goals at MYOS Canine is to help you raise healthy and happy pups. We hope this information lends to that goal, helping educate you on this topic so that you can help reduce any risks—the more you know, the more you can do!
May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that dogs get cancer at about the same rate as humans?
“According to The Veterinary Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death found in 47% of dogs, especially dogs over age ten.” This is a staggering number and is sure to raise concerns in any pet parent.
Similar to humans, the causes of cancer in dogs is not fully understood. However, certain factors such as genetics, age, environmental exposures and obesity have been linked to higher rates of cancer in dogs. Although all pets, regardless of size and breed, are at risk for developing cancer, it has also been shown that certain breeds (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers) are more susceptible than others. As it can affect every dog, we recommend to continue reading!
Unfortunately, many diagnoses come as a surprise to pet owners who don’t know the signs of canine cancer.
Pet Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Unfortunately, many diagnoses come as a surprise to pet owners who don’t know the signs of canine cancer. Unless you are a veterinarian or have had a dog with cancer, you may not know what to watch for. In light of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage every pet parent to be aware of pet cancer symptoms and its risks. Different types of cancer can cause different kinds of symptoms, but there often are some ones that can help clue you in that something is wrong. The Veterinary Cancer Society suggests checking your pet regularly for signs such as:
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- An Enlarging or Changing Lump
- Abdominal Distension
- Chronic Weight Loss
- Chronic Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Unexplained Bleeding
- Cough
- Lameness
- Straining to Urinate
- Oral Odor
As pet parents, we are our dogs’ first line of defense when they aren’t acting like themselves. Since many of these warning signs can also be present in other diseases, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to have your pet examined as soon as you can.
What Can Dog Owners Do?
An estimated 80 to 90 percent of all cancers are preventable by lifestyle choices. Just like us, dogs will live longer and healthier lives when they eat clean foods, get the right amount of exercise, stay engaged mentally, and receive regular check-ups.
Here are just a few tips to help you keep your pup healthy and happy.
Exercise.
Exercise is not only a mood booster for pets via the release of endorphins, it also aids in stimulating the immune system. Additionally, exercise can prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer.
Read More: What To Do With Your Dog This Summer Based on Their Energy Level >>
The Right Diet.
In a time where most dog food is full of fillers, GMOs, and by-products, it is more important than ever to make sure our furry friends are getting the important nutrients they need to live healthy and happy.
Read More: The Top 5 Superfoods That Will Keep Your Dog Healthy >>
At MYOS, we believe that if we want to keep our dogs strong and healthy, feeding them right is the place to start. MYOS Canine Muscle Formula contains only one natural ingredient: Fortetropin. Fortetropin is an all-natural bioactive composition made from fertilized egg yolks and is clinically proven to increase muscle mass and size. In addition to supporting muscle health, it acts as “nature’s multivitamin,” making it an awesome supplement to top meals with (or give as a treat!) for overall wellness.
Read More: 5 Reasons MYOS Canine Muscle Formula is Vet Recommended >>
Emotional Well-Being.
Did you know that dogs can experience stress, just like us? Many vets suggest that emotional well-being can be just as important to cancer prevention as diet and exercise is.
Read More: The 10 Signs of Stress in Dogs (And How To Help Your Pet) >>
Pay Attention.
When you’re sitting on the couch with your dog, run your hands all along his body and feel for any differences in skin texture.
Regular Check-Ups.
Learning that your family pet has cancer is never easy, but discovering it early on will ensure a better chance of survival and an improved quality of life. Many veterinarians stress that wellness checks every six months to a year are key for cancer prevention.
Find out more about providing extra support for your dog from MYOS Canine Muscle Formula, powered by Fortetropin®.
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