Health
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.
If the day is coming
Ease The Paw coordinates in-home pet euthanasia across South Africa — we find and book the vet, arrange the cremation and handle the keepsakes, so you can simply be present. A flat R950 covers the coordination and your keepsake memorial; the vet and cremation are billed separately at their own rates.
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