10 Early Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats
Why early matters
Roughly half of dogs over age ten will develop cancer, and cats are not far behind. Many pet cancers are treatable — even curable — when found early, which makes owners the most important screening tool that exists.
The classic ten
New or growing lumps; sores that don't heal; unexplained weight loss; appetite loss; bleeding or discharge from any opening; a bad odor; difficulty eating or swallowing; reluctance to exercise; persistent lameness or stiffness; trouble breathing, urinating or defecating.
Subtle cat signals
Cats hide illness professionally: hiding more, grooming less, litter box changes, or 'just slowing down' can be the only clues. Any senior cat losing weight while eating normally deserves bloodwork — thyroid, kidneys and cancer all present that way.
If you hear the C-word
Ask for staging, options and honest timelines. Veterinary oncology has advanced enormously — surgery, chemo (which pets usually tolerate far better than humans), radiation and palliative paths all exist. And choosing comfort care only is also a loving, legitimate answer.
Something with their name on it
We press your pet’s name onto a small paw print keychain by hand, in one of ten colours, and post it anywhere in South Africa. R299 plus R73 delivery, or two for R449 delivered free.
See the keychain →