Pet Cancer Awareness
Pet Cancer Awareness
If you love spending time with your dog at obedience classes, barn hunt, or agility, you know the joy of watching them learn, explore, and excel. These activities are more than just hobbies—they’re a special bond you share, building trust and creating memories together. But while you’re busy mastering new skills and having fun, it’s essential to keep an eye on your dog’s health to make sure they stay in top shape.
We want to support Pet Cancer Awareness and one of the keys to beating cancer is early detection. Early detection allows for a lot more treatment options which could lead to your pup becoming a cancer survivor. To find cancer, or really any illness, in the early stages, I want to introduce to you, The Check Your Dog Program.
The National Canine Cancer Foundation’s Check Your Dog Program is here to help you spot any early warning signs of cancer or really any health issue, so you can be confident that your dog is healthy and ready for every adventure ahead.
Why Check Your Dog Monthly?
We love our pups, their part in our lives makes it so much richer. We are truly observing them every day. However, you need the establish a once a month in depth check where you are 100% focused on them and checking their body from nose to tail so you don’t miss a thing. You also need to take these checks and reflections and put them on paper in your Wellness Journal so if the need arises for you to look back for any patterns, you are not doing it from memory, but have all the details in front of you and you can even share with the vet if necessary.
10 Potential Red Flags Every Dog Owner Should Watch For
1. Lumps or Swellings That Don’t Go Away
A lump doesn’t always mean cancer, but any swelling that stays or grows over time is worth noting. Through the Check Your Dog Program, you’ll learn how to examine your dog for lumps each month, so you’ll catch any changes right away.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
If your dog is shedding pounds without a change in diet or exercise, it could indicate an internal issue.
3. Loss of Appetite
Is your dog suddenly turning up their nose at food? A change in appetite might be a sign of a health issue. Keeping a simple log of your dog’s eating habits in a wellness journal can make spotting patterns easy.
4. Persistent Cough
A cough that doesn’t go away could be more than just a minor irritation. Monitoring your dog’s breathing and cough frequency as part of your monthly check can help you notice anything out of the ordinary early on.
5. Changes in Bathroom Habits
If your dog starts having accidents or if you notice blood in their urine or stool, it’s time to talk to your vet.
6. Sores That Don’t Heal
A sore that isn’t healing after a week or two could be a cause for concern. By inspecting your dog’s skin and noting any persistent sores during monthly checks, you can catch potential skin issues before they escalate.
7. Less Energy for Exercise
If your dog seems hesitant to go on walks or lacks their usual pep, it could be due to an underlying health issue.
8. Unusual Odors
Bad breath might sometimes mean dental issues, but persistent foul odors could be a red flag for other health concerns. By regularly checking for any strange smells, you’re more likely to catch oral or nasal problems early.
9. Limping or Lameness
Limping that lasts more than a few days should be checked by a vet. A monthly assessment of your dog’s mobility helps you notice any physical changes that might otherwise go overlooked.
10. Behavioral Changes
Is your normally social dog suddenly hiding or acting anxious? Behavioral changes can often signal that something is wrong. Tracking any shifts in behavior, so you can respond promptly if needed.
The Check Your Dog Program is designed to make early detection simple and effective. By setting aside just a few minutes each month, you can help your dog live a healthier life by catching any potential issues before they become serious. This easy, routine program is an essential step for any dog owner who wants to stay on top of their pet’s health. It will quickly be an activity that your dog will enjoy with you each month if you remember to bring love and cookies to your session. If you would like to find out more about this program, head over to the NCCF’s prevention page here: