Caring, Cancer, and Your Pet: National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

This month we tackle a subject that isn’t as easy as the rest, but at Deceased Pet Care, we know your pet is a member of the family. We want to help through every stage of your beloved pet’s life. November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Below we’ll discuss what to look for, and how to care for your pet and yourself if cancer ever becomes a chapter in your pet’s story.

The Truth About Cancer
We don’t tell you this to scare you, but cancer is a sad reality for most pets at some point in their lives. Twelve million cats and dogs will be diagnosed with cancer every year. 1 in 5 cats and 1 in 4 dogs will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their lives. It’s best to be prepared, know what signs to look for, and how to best help during this dark chapter of your pet’s life. With proper knowledge and preparation, you can your pet can be stronger together.

What to Look For
Cancer doesn’t always take obvious forms, but much as we look closely at changes in our children, the same should go for our pets… especially if they are over 10 years old. Here are some common signs of cancer for your pet: swollen lymph nodes, abdominal swelling, rapid or continual weight loss, unexplained bleeding, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, cough, oral odor, difficulty urinating, lameness, or an enlarging or changing lump.

State of Mind
If, in the unfortunate case your pet is diagnosed, try to keep and calm and positive demeanour. There is no denying this news will be extremely difficult and often heartbreaking for you and your family. Pets are experts in sensing emotions. If you are upset or sad, your pet will definitely pick up on the change in mood. Even worse, your pet could associate their sickness with your pain, further compounding the problem. Your pet knows he is sick, make sure he knows your love him even more.

Treatment
Cancer is constantly being researched, and breakthroughs are on the horizon all the time. A diagnosis of cancer isn’t necessarily the end of the road for your pet. Treatment has a higher chance of success and a lower decline of life quality than in years past. We highly recommend you reach out to your veterinarian to discuss options in regards to your pet’s health moving forward.

When Treatment isn’t an Option
Coming to the decision or understanding medical treatment isn’t an option is brutal, but there are many ways you can help your pet have the best final moments possible. There are several palliative care paths that take paramount priority: diet, comfort, and care.

Diet - Just like we all feel better after eating a healthy and nutritious meal, your pet will be extra sensitive to food. Consult with your veterinarian as to the best food options moving forward. Cancer is likely to change the metabolism of your pet, and her nutritional needs are likely to change as well.
Comfort - Cancer isn’t just painful emotionally, it’s painful physically. Your pet is likely to experience chronic and sometimes debilitating pain. Take notice of their physical movements and emotional state. Your vet is likely to provide you with pain management medication, but make sure they also have a calm, quite, and comfortable place to rest during difficult times.
Care - If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, being meticulous about medication is of utmost importance. Create a calendar, and stick to the schedule. At the slightest sign of a headache, we’re able to a reach for a couple tylenol, your pet relies solely on you.

We know this isn’t an easy topic. No matter what, at Deceased Pet Care, we want you to know you are not alone. Cancer is never welcomed, but your pet needs you now more than ever. Shower them with love, dote upon them with playful moments, heartfelt hugs, and calming cuddles. Your pet has been with you from the first moment till now, be there for them. They’ll greet you with a wagging tail and warm kisses either way.

photocredit: petcancerawareness.org