November isPet Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us how important it is to notice small changes in our pets before they become something serious. As pet parents, we are often the first to sense when something isn’t right — a new lump, a change in energy, or a wound that just doesn’t heal.
Talking about cancer is never easy. It carries fear, worry, and often, uncertainty. But that doesn’t remove the fact that cancer in pets is more common than we wish it were. Acknowledging it with care and understanding doesn’t mean assuming the worst — it means giving our pets the best chance at comfort, recovery, and more happy years by our side.
Our goal here isn’t to alarm you, but to share signs that every pet parent should gently keep an eye on— signs that, when noticed early, can truly make a difference.
Cancer in pets doesn’t always look dramatic in the beginning. Sometimes it’s just a small change we might brush off — until we notice that it hasn’t gone away. Pets recover and live full, happy years simply because their humans noticed something unusual and acted quickly.
Early detection gives veterinarians more options. It can help them treat smaller growths before they spread, ease discomfort earlier, and, most importantly, improve quality of life. Our goal as pet parents isn’t to diagnose, but to stay observant — to catch the whispers before they become alarms.
Every so often, it helps to gently run your hands over your pet’s body. You might notice a small bump under the skin. Some are harmless, like fatty deposits or cysts. But if a lump changes size, feels firm or uneven, or seems painful, it’s worth checking.
👩⚕️ Tip: Note when you first found it, its size, and whether it’s changed over time. These details help your vet immensely.
A scratch or sore that lingers, bleeds easily, or doesn’t seem to close may point to something deeper. Skin cancers, for instance, can start as small scabs or flaky patches. If a wound takes weeks to heal — even when kept clean — it’s time for a veterinary visit.
When a dog or cat stops showing interest in food, starts eating less, or loses weight without any diet change, it’s worth noting. Sometimes, these changes can stem from dental issues or infections, but they can also signal internal illness. Weight loss, in particular, can be one of the first visible indicators of a larger problem.
If your vet has ruled out cancer or any major illness but your pet is still being fussy with meals, try making eating a more enjoyable and low-stress activity. Using enrichment feeders likeFreezbone can help reignite your dog’s interest in food by turning mealtime into a rewarding playtime moment.
👉 Explore Freezbone – designed to help picky or anxious eaters rediscover their love for food.
Frequent urination, straining to pass stool, or persistent diarrhoea are not normal long-term. They can indicate bladder, kidney, or intestinal issues, and occasionally certain cancers. Even subtle shifts — such as urinating more often or avoiding the litter box — should be observed.
Pets have their quiet days, but ongoing fatigue or disinterest in favourite activities is worth paying attention to.Cats may start hiding more; dogs might prefer lying alone instead of joining walks or play. Energy loss can signal pain, discomfort, or illness that isn’t yet visible.
If your vet has confirmed that it’s not illness-related, your pet may just need gentle stimulation and emotional comfort. Activities that combine play and relaxation, like licking or chewing on a Freezboneor FreezPaw, can ease boredom and lift their spirits without physical strain.
👉 Help your pet relax, unwind, and stay mentally engaged with Freezbone.
If your pet coughs frequently, breathes noisily, or seems to struggle while swallowing, it’s best to have them examined. Oral and lung tumours can make basic functions uncomfortable. While these symptoms can also result from infections or dental disease, ruling out serious causes is always the safer route.
Q: If I find a lump, should I panic?
No. Many lumps are benign. But the only way to know is to let your vet take a small sample (a fine-needle test or biopsy). Early evaluation saves a lot of anxiety and, if needed, allows faster action.
Q: Can young pets get cancer, too?
Yes, although it’s more common in older pets. Cancer isn’t strictly an “age issue.” Some younger animals can develop it too, especially if there’s a genetic link or exposure to certain factors. Regular checkups, regardless of age, are important.
Q: How do I tell if it’s just ageing or something serious?
Ageing naturally slows pets down, but cancer often brings consistent or progressive change — like weight loss, visible discomfort, or appetite loss that doesn’t improve. When in doubt, trust your instincts. You know your pet better than anyone.
Q: What should I do if I suspect something?
Write down what you notice: when it started, how it’s changed, and any other symptoms. Share this with your vet. Small details, like whether your dog still eats or whether the lump feels hard or soft, help guide next steps.
A few years ago, I got to know about a family whose senior Labrador had asmall lump on his side. They assumed it was just age-related, nothing to worry about. By the time they brought him in, the mass had grown and spread. It was heartbreaking — not because they ignored him, but because they simply didn’t know. 😢
In another case, a cat stopped eating for two days. The family, cautious and observant, visited their vet immediately. It turned out to bea small tumour — caught early enough to manage. That cat went on to enjoy another two years of good life. 💜
Both stories teach the same lesson: noticing early can change everything.
🏡 Do regular home checks: Once a month, gently feel along your pet’s body.
🐕🦺 Watch behaviour and appetite: You’ll often notice subtle changes before anyone else does.
📝 Keep records: A simple notebook or phone note helps track patterns.
📆 Schedule annual vet visits: Even when your pet seems perfectly healthy.
🧡 Stay calm and compassionate: Observation is care — it isn’t fear.
Caring for a pet means paying attention to what they can’t say. They rely on our eyes, our hands, and our intuition. If you ever notice something unusual, take that gentle step toward your vet. It’s not overreacting — it’s simply protecting a life that trusts you completely.
