Written by: Dr. Ksenia Popov, DVM, CVAT, CCAT

As a pet parent, you’re often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right. Early detection can be life-saving, so let’s talk about the subtle warning signs to look for and what should prompt a visit to your veterinarian.

1. Lumps and Bumps Under the Skin

Run your hands gently over your dog’s body once or twice a month. Feel for unusual growths anywhere, including between the toes! While many skin lumps are benign (these are non-cancerous clusters of abnormal cells that don’t invade nearby tissues or migrate to other areas of the body), any lump that’s growing quickly, feels hard, or changes shape should be evaluated by your vet. Take a photo, shave the area, draw a picture on a ‘body map’, or mark the area with a sharpie so you don’t forget where it is when you get to your vet!

2. Unexplained Weight Loss

If your dog is losing weight without any change in diet or exercise, it’s time to pay attention. Sudden weight loss can be an early indicator of cancers affecting the digestive system, liver, or lymphatic system.

3. Changes in Appetite

Both a sudden loss of appetite and unusual hunger can be red flags. Oral tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, and lymphoma can all affect how your dog eats and whether they feel pain or nausea.

4. Persistent Lethargy

Tumors require a lot of energy to grow, and cancer can affect blood cells, leaving your dog feeling drained. Don’t brush off a sudden drop in energy, especially in a previously active dog.

5. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are located around the jaw, shoulders, armpits, and behind the knees. If they feel enlarged, it could indicate lymphoma or that the cancer has spread.

6. Non-Healing Wounds or Sores

A wound that just won’t heal, even with care, may indicate a compromised immune system or even a cancerous growth masquerading as a sore.

7. Abnormal Odors

Foul breath, unusual smells from the ears, or body odor that seems “off” can sometimes signal oral tumors, skin cancer, or anal gland issues.

8. Coughing or Difficulty Breathing

A persistent cough or labored breathing, especially in older dogs, can be several conditions, including heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, but could also point to lung cancer, tumors near the heart, or enlarged lymph nodes in the throat.

9. Limping, Stiffness, or Pain

Reluctance to walk, persistent limping, or signs of pain along the bones may indicate bone cancer (osteosarcoma) or tumors affecting muscles and joints.

10. Changes in Bathroom Habits

Straining to urinate or defecate, blood in the urine or stool, or frequent accidents can be related to illness or inflammation but can also be warning signs of bladder, kidney, or intestinal cancers.

11. Bleeding or Unusual Discharge

Unexpected bleeding from the nose, mouth, pink urine, or blood in the stool, as well as abnormal discharge, should prompt a vet visit.

12. Behavioral Changes

If your dog becomes more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn, especially alongside other symptoms, something may be wrong internally. 

When In Doubt, Get It Checked Out!

Many of these symptoms can have other causes, but that’s exactly why a veterinary evaluation is so important. Early detection gives your dog the best chance for successful treatment. Schedule a check-up and let your vet know what you’ve observed. Your vigilance could make all the difference.