Sign 1: Unexplained Weight Loss
Causes of weight loss in dogs
If your dog is losing weight without any obvious reason, it could be a sign of a health issue, including cancer. Weight loss can occur even if your dog is eating normally.
How it can indicate cancer
Metabolic alterations brought on by cancer might result in weight loss. Tumors can also consume a lot of the body’s energy or interfere with the normal function of organs, leading to unexplained weight loss.
Sign 2: Persistent Lumps or Bumps
Identifying abnormal growths
While not every lump is cancerous, persistent or growing lumps should be checked by a vet. Regularly feeling your dog’s body for new or changing lumps can help you catch potential problems early.
When to see the vet
If you find a lump that is hard, irregularly shaped, or seems to be growing quickly, it’s important to have it evaluated by a veterinarian. They can perform a biopsy to determine if it’s cancerous.
Sign 3: Changes in Appetite
Increased or decreased appetite
Cancer can affect your dog’s appetite in different ways. Some dogs may lose interest in food, while others might eat more than usual.
Relation to cancer
A decreased appetite can be a result of nausea caused by cancer or its treatment. Conversely, some cancers can cause an increase in appetite, especially if they affect the endocrine system.