Signs Of Cancer With Your Guard Dog

Cancer, which is uncontrolled growth of cells on or within the body not only is harmful to humans, but it can also develop in dogs as well. As a guard dog owner, the last thing you want to hear is that your dog has cancer. Cancer can often be fatal, if not treated properly and in time. Commonly found in pet animals, the risk for developing cancer will increase with age. Almost half of the deaths of pets over ten years is a result of cancer. Unfortunately, the cause of most cancers is still unknown, making prevention near impossible. Cancer can occur in any location or body system of your guard dog, for example, the skin, stomach, kidney, bladder, brain and bones.

Advance in cancer research have helped to give us the knowledge of knowing different signs to detect cancer before it's too late for treatment. Each type of cancer has its own symptoms and own signs to look for. Skin tumors in dogs are quite common, the most diagnosed are melanomas, lipomas, basal cell tumors and mast cell tumors. If you ever see a lump or mass of any sort on your German Shepherd protection dog, take them to the vet to be examined. Lymphoma is another common cancer in dogs, that affects the digestive system, which will lead to lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. This cancer can also affect the liver, resulting in lethargy, vomiting and a yellow shade to the gums and skin. If you notice your protection dog is constantly coughing and having a difficulty breathing, take them to the vet to have a check up. A sign to look for if you are for example the owner of an older female Belgian Malinois is a lump in the breast tissue. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis for abdominal tumors, which include hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and prostate cancer.

Signs too look for in your guard dog are weight loss, weakness, pale gums, protracted vomiting, continual diarrhea, and abdominal enlargement. If you notice anything that could possibly be these symptoms of cancer, consult with your vet right away, it is better to be save than sorry. This is because if found early, most of these cancers can be cured with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination. As a responsible personal protection dog owner, pay attention to your dog's health and behaviors, it is crucial to keeping them healthy.