The 5 Biggest Early Warning Signs Of Cancer In Dogs

There are several clues that might indicate your dog has cancer ― and the sooner you spot them, the sooner they can be addressed. “As in humans, cancer is best treated when detected early,” Dr. Julie Bulman-Fleming, a veterinary oncologist and medical director of Veterinary Cancer Group, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, told HuffPost.

According to Bulman-Fleming, many dogs will start acting out of the ordinary. This is, she says, typically the very clue that a dog has cancer.

The behavior change can be so slight that it’s only noticeable to someone in the family. Your dog, for example, might suddenly stop begging for a treat when you prepare your coffee.

“It could be as subtle as no longer asking for breakfast, or sleeping in, or it can be more noticeable like avoiding their family or stopping on walks,” Bulman-Fleming said.

These types of routine or behavioral changes could indicate your dog is in pain. Most cancers cause systemic inflammation in the body and that inflammation can make your dog feel unwell. Bulman-Fleming likens it to the flu in humans ― you might be more tired than usual, lose your appetite or feel less enthusiastic about doing your daily activities.

“Basically, it makes you feel ‘blah,’” Bulman-Fleming said.