Every year, cancer claims the lives life of our mothers, fathers, and friends. And now this ruthless disease is stealing the lives of our beloved animals.
Sadly, cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of two and is diagnosed in half of dogs older than 10. The rate of cancer is slightly higher in golden retrievers, which most often succumb to mast cell tumors, bone cancer, lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma (a cancer originating in the lining of blood vessels).
Despite the fact that more than 12 million dogs and cats will receive a cancer diagnosis this year, there is hope! Positive and immediate changes in your pet’s lives can heal and even PREVENT cancer in your pet.
The first step is to get a clearer picture of your pet’s cancer risk. Take this FREE 13 question QUIZ now to see what your animal’s risk of developing cancer is. (Click here to take the quiz, it will take less than 60 seconds to evaluate your pet’s risk.)
15 Signs Your Dog or Cat May be Sick or in Pain
As most pet owners understand, normal dog behavior varies with the breed…same goes for cat behavior. However, there are some general behaviors that will indicate all is well with your furry friend.
First, they should be eating and drinking normally as well as urinating and having bowel moments on a regular schedule, but not in excess. In addition, when your dog or cat is healthy, they will have a normal amount of energy and maintain consistent behavior tendencies for them.
Remember that most dogs and cats spend about 14 hours a day sleeping. When they aren’t, they should be active, playful, and alert. But sometimes things just seem to “feel off” with our furry friends. Don’t discount your “gut feeling” about your pet. YOU are the best person to judge your dog or cat’s behavior. In addition, consider these 15 signs of potential sickness or discomfort:
1. Panting: Dogs especially will pant in hot weather or when they are tired out from playing. If neither of these conditions are present, however, panting may be a sign of discomfort. Take notice of how long the panting continues and if it is accompanied by other behaviors such as audible noises. Excessive coughing or sneezing are other behaviors to watch out for as well.
2. Increased heart rate: Along with panting, increased heart rate could be a sign of a heart condition or other serious issue. Consult your vet if your pet’s heart rate remains elevated.
3. Falling over: Lack of balance could be a sign of a severe condition in your dog or cat, such as injury, stroke, poisoning, or ear infections.
4. Not eating or drinking: Refusing to eat or drink for long periods of time, or vomiting when they do eat, is a tell-tale sign of a serious condition. If your pet is very old, it may be the first signs of death. See your vet if your dog or cat refuses to eat or drink for more than a day or two, especially if this behavior is accompanied by other symptoms.
5. Pacing: Is your dog or cat pacing the floor or displaying other nervous behaviors? This could be a sign of physical pain or an anxiety disorder.
6. Change in temperature: Is there an area on your pet’s body that is excessively hot or excessively cold? Changes in temperature are red flags that injury or infection may be present.
7. Tension to the touch: Many pets do not like certain areas of their body touched in general, such as the belly or the feet. However, if your dog or cat noticeably tenses up or is “on guard” when you touch other spots, that could be an indication of pain.
8. Reduced range of motion: Stiffness when walking or climbing stairs could be a sign of several things including arthritis, injury, diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, or degenerative myelopathy, which is common in older dogs and certain breeds.
9. Licking or chewing: Licking or chewing a particular area of the body is a clear sign of discomfort, either in that area or in general. Be sure to check for rashes, sores, and lumps.
10. Drinking a lot of water: Excessive drinking and urination could be a sign of bladder, kidney or liver infection, or diabetes.
11. Lack of interest: If your dog or cat has lost interest in their favorite toy or treat, this could be a sign they are under the weather. This is especially true if this lack of interest is accompanied by general malaise.
12. Change in behavior: Sleeping more than normal is an indication that something may not be right with your pet. Outright changes in personality, such as a normally mild-mannered dog turning aggressive, could be a sign of neurological or other issues.
13. Odor coming from ears or mouth: Strong odor can be a sign of digestive disorders, dental issues, and other challenges in the internal organs. Excessive drooling in dogs may also be an indication.
14. Red, cloudy, or dry eyes: Changes in the eyes could be a sign of cataracts, glaucoma, and eye tumors.
15. Going into hiding: Cats especially may “go into hiding” when they aren’t feeling well. Cats are “crepuscular,” meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk. If you notice your cat is nowhere to be found or is lethargic during these times, it may be time to investigate if a problem exists.
Just like humans, pet behaviors will change over time and with age. Any changes in this regard will more than likely be gradual, however. Most dogs and cats thrive with a well-established routine, access to healthy food and clean water, lots of exercise, and plenty of love. When they do not, it’s time to take action.
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-What your veterinarian won’t tell you about cancer. These little-known causes are the real reason for the alarming rates of pet cancer.
-A proven natural therapy that can slash your pet’s genetic predisposition to cancer.
-The hidden dangers lurking in your home that are slowly destroying your pet’s health.
-Eliminating certain elements are the first step on your pet’s cancer prevention quest.
-How to heal your pet from cancer if they are diagnosed. Find out why our pets are at greater risk than humans – and the safe, natural therapies you can use to heal them.
And so much more!
The pet cancer epidemic is real. Our pets can’t protect themselves – so it’s up to us to help them. It’s up to us to make sure we give them the best life possible.