Most pet owners consider their furry friends to be part of the family. This often means that dogs, cats, and other pets receive the same treatment as any other member of the household, including regular medical checkups. However, with these checkups happening only annually most of the time, it is important to be aware of some of the symptoms of pet cancer. With November being National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to observe your pet to see if any of these warning signs are present.

1. Abnormal Swelling

If you notice a newly swollen area on your pet's body, it may be best to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. Common areas that can swell due to cancer or tumours include the lymph nodes, located behind the jaw or the knee, or the abdomen. Swollen lymph nodes may point to a type of cancer called lymphoma, while a distended abdomen can signal a mass or bleeding in the area.

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

Some pets go through periods of not wanting to eat and losing weight. If this continues for a long time, it may be cause for concern. When you do not feel well, you may not feel like eating. This is the same for animals who are ill. While weight loss does not automatically mean your pet has cancer, it is worth checking in with a vet.

3. Foul Odors

Most pets are stinky at times, but very foul odors coming from certain areas can be a sign of cancer. Oral and nasal tumors can cause a pet to have abnormally foul-smelling breath. Tumors in or around the anus can also lead to unpleasant smells. A veterinarian can perform an X-ray or CT scan to see if there is a tumor present that is creating the problem.

4. Coughing

Chronic, dry coughing in pets can be a symptom of several conditions, but it is best to have lung cancer ruled out. It is important to not ignore minor signs such as this one, even if they seem harmless. Since your pet cannot tell you how it feels, you have to be an advocate on its behalf.

5. Lameness

Once spunky, active pets who suddenly stop running or begin limping should also be observed by a vet. Bone cancer is a concern that should not be ignored, especially for large breeds of dogs. A simple radiograph of the affected area is enough to confirm or rule out this type of pet cancer.

6. New or Persistent Bleeding

You probably worry any time your pet is bleeding, and rightfully so. However, if the bleeding is unexplained and persistent, it may not be a good sign. Bleeding from the nose, mouth, anus, genitals, or gums, especially if it is not caused by trauma, should be looked at. This is increasingly important in older animals, since any bleeding condition would likely have been diagnosed when your pet was young.

During National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, the disease may be at the forefront of your mind. It is a great time to closely monitor your beloved animals for any signals that a trip to the vet is necessary. However, it is equally important to be aware of these signs and symptoms throughout the year so that you can keep your pets in tip-top shape throughout their whole lives.