Cancer. It’s a word no pet owner wants to hear. But during Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we believe that knowledge is power—and the earlier cancer is caught, the better the outcome for your pet.
Cancer is sadly a leading cause of death in older dogs and cats, but with early diagnosis, many cases can be treated, managed, or even cured. At Cottage Vet Clinic, we see the impact that awareness and early action can make every single day.
Let’s talk about the signs to watch for, which pets are most at risk, and what to expect if your pet is ever diagnosed. Pet cancer awareness could save your pet’s life.
How Common is Cancer in Pets?
Cancer is incredibly common in pets, especially those over the age of 7. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer at some point in their lives—and almost 50% of dogs over 10 will face some type of cancer diagnosis.
Cats can also develop a range of cancers, particularly lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mammary tumours in unspayed females.
While it’s impossible to eliminate all risks, pet cancer awareness helps us catch problems early—and that’s when we have the best chance of helping.
Signs That Could Indicate Cancer
Some signs of cancer are subtle, especially in the early stages. Bring your pet in for a check-up if you notice:
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Lumps or bumps that grow or change
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Non-healing sores
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Unexplained weight loss
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Loss of appetite
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Lethargy or behavioural changes
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Difficulty eating or swallowing
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Persistent limping or stiffness
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Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
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A bloated or swollen abdomen
Not every lump is cancerous—but every lump should be checked.
Which Pets Are at Risk?
Some pets are more prone to developing cancer, especially:
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Older pets (over 7 years)
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Certain breeds, like Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds
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Unspayed female cats and dogs, due to mammary tumour risk
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Pets with a history of sun exposure, particularly white or light-skinned animals
Cats often hide illness, so it’s especially important to watch for small, subtle changes in behaviour or appetite.
Diagnosing Cancer in Pets
At Cottage Vet Clinic, we take a thorough approach to any suspected cancer case. This may include:
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Physical exam and measuring of masses
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Fine needle aspirate (FNA) or biopsy
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Blood tests and organ function panels
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X-rays or ultrasound to check for internal tumours
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Referral for CT or MRI if advanced imaging is needed
If cancer is diagnosed, we’ll guide you step-by-step through what it means, what options are available, and how we can help your pet feel comfortable.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Options may include:
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Surgery to remove a tumour
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Chemotherapy – which is generally much milder for pets than for humans
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Radiation therapy (via referral)
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Palliative care – pain management and quality of life care when a cure isn’t possible
Every case is different. Some cancers are aggressive, but many can be removed or managed long-term. Quality of life is always our top priority.
Prevention and Early Detection
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent cancer—but you can reduce risk by:
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Sterilising your pet at the right age
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Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet
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Keeping your pet at a healthy weight
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Protecting light-skinned pets from sunburn
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Scheduling annual check-ups, especially after age 7
During Pet Cancer Awareness Month, consider booking a routine vet visit—especially if your pet hasn’t been seen in a while. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference.
In Summary
Pet cancer awareness is about more than fear—it’s about empowerment. It’s about recognising the early signs, understanding the risks, and knowing that veterinary medicine has come a long way in diagnosing and treating cancer in pets.
If you’ve noticed any lumps or changes in your pet, don’t wait. Let us check it out and give you peace of mind.
Meta Description:
Pet Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that early detection saves lives. Learn the signs, risks, and treatment options for cancer in dogs and cats with Cottage Vet Clinic.
