Dogs and cats can develop cancer almost anywhere in the body, which is why the symptoms vary depending on the tissues and organs involved and the severity of the disease. Make an appointment with a veterinarian if a pet displays any of these warning signs of cancer.

1. Unusual swellings that don’t go away or that grow. The best way to discover lumps, bumps or swelling on a dog or cat is to pet them.

2. Sores that won’t heal. Non-healing sores can be a sign of infection or cancer and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

3. Weight loss. Illness could be the reason a pet is losing weight when it isn’t on a diet.

4. Loss of appetite. Reluctance or refusal to eat is a sign of possible illness.

5. Bleeding or discharge. Bleeding can occur for a number of reasons, most of which signal a problem. Unexplained vomiting and diarrhea are considered abnormal discharges, as well.

6. Offensive smell. An unpleasant odor is a common sign of tumors of the anus, mouth or nose.

7. Difficulty eating or swallowing. This is a common sign of cancers of the mouth or neck.

8. Reluctance to exercise or low energy level. This is often one of the first signs that a pet is not feeling well.

9. Persistent lameness. There can be many causes of lameness, including nerve, muscle or bone cancer.

10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. These symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Many of these symptoms also occur with other disorders and diseases, but any pet showing one or more of these signs needs prompt veterinary attention.

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