One of the hardest things a pet owner can face is knowing their furry friend is sick.  November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect time to learn how to protect your pets. Like in humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to many types of cancer so prevention and early detection are imperative.  In the event of a diagnosis there are many treatment options available so it’s important to not lose hope, and to know ahead of time what you are willing and able to do for your pet.

The absolute best thing you can do to keep your pet healthy is attend routine veterinary appointments.  During these appointments, vets will check your pet for anything out of the ordinary including growths, tumors, or abnormal behavior. But, you don’t have to wait for a routine appointment if you notice something “off.”  Some of the early warning signs are a loss of appetite or rapid weight loss; diarrhea/vomiting; severe lethargy; strange or strong odors; bleeding from the mouth or rectum; and any lumps or masses. If you notice any of these signs, get into your vet as soon as possible.

There are several treatment options available for pets, depending on the type of cancer, the age of the pet, and financial restraints. For many cancers, surgery is the first option. With surgery the hope is complete removal of any cancerous growths. Surgery can be expensive but is usually a one-time cost so this could be the most viable option if finances are tight.  Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation are also available for dogs and cats. These treatments tend to be more long-term and more physically demanding on the patient so may not be the best option for an older pet. Depending on many factors, the best option may be no treatment at all, instead focusing on the pet’s quality of life and pain management. Which treatment option you choose for your pet is a very personal decision. If finances are a constraint, you can find a listing of veterinary assistance programs specializing in pet cancer cases at https://www.harleys-hopefoundation.org/petcareresourcemanual.html. 

Being a responsible pet parent often means making tough decisions. When faced with something like cancer it is easy to be overwhelmed. One way to ease the mental burden is by making a plan before you need it. Budget for your pet’s healthcare so unexpected treatments don’t cause unnecessary debt. Finally, always be open with your veterinarian about your desires for your pet’s quality of life so he or she can present options best for your family. Hopefully, you never have to make the hard decisions regarding your pet’s medical treatment but, if you do, remember they’re depending on you to do what’s best for THEM, and make decisions out of love and respect for their friendship.