Dogs, just like humans, can get various types of cancer. One in four dogs will be affected by cancer in their lifetime.
Many types of cancer are treatable, while some are not. Then palliative care is important.
This article will help you identify terminal cancer in dogs by the symptoms.
Dog has terminal cancer: what are the typical signs?
Pain, loss of appetite, lethargy and gastrointestinal problems are among the symptoms that can, but do not necessarily, indicate end-stage cancer in dogs.
Further clear symptoms are pale mucous membranes, unpleasant vapors, difficulties with breathing and heartbeat, bleeding and open wounds that do not heal, as well as personality changes.
In dogs, terminal cancer has different signs, which we will now explain to you in more detail.
Important
If your dog has terminal cancer, you need to be able to identify symptoms so you know when time to euthanize has come.
Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea
These three symptoms often go together and are rather unspecific.
This means that your dog can also have a non-cancerous gastrointestinal condition.
However, your dog with terminal cancer may exhibit this symptom, especially when it becomes more extreme.
The dog then becomes emaciated because he is not eating enough. He also doesn’t like to eat – no matter what delicacies are in front of him.
In the case of diarrhea and vomiting, special care should be taken if there is blood in the vomit or in the faeces.
lethargy
If your dog has terminal cancer, this symptom isn’t specific either—especially in older dogs.
However, the growing tumor and any metastases that may occur rob the dog of its strength.
If your dog loses all of the exercise and play it had until recently, it may be due to the cancer.
If his need for sleep has also increased and he withdraws more and more, this is also not an uncommon sign in the dog with terminal cancer.
Pains
Unfortunately, not every cancer is painless for the dog.
With whimpering, crying, and sensitivity to touch, your dog will show you that he is in pain.
The larger the tumor and the more metastases form, the more likely it is that the dog will experience pain.
Lymph nodes, which are often involved in progressive cancer, can also cause pain in the dog.
Here it is important to get the dog as pain-free as possible so that it does not suffer.
Pale mucous membranes
You can see this symptom particularly well on your dog’s gums. It looks more white than pink.
If your dog has terminal cancer, this symptom can show up bleeding from the tumor Clues.
If your dog with terminal cancer shows symptoms such as lethargy and not drinking enough water, this can also be the reason for the pale mucous membranes.
It doesn’t always have to mean the worst.
bleeding and open wounds
Some late-stage tumors cause your dog to suddenly bleed.
They can come from a wide variety of body openings, such as ears, nose, mouth or anus.
You definitely need to go to the vet immediately!
Tumors, especially in the skin or muscle area, can also ensure that wounds develop that do not heal.
It can also be metastases from the original tumor.
Unpleasant odors
In the dog with terminal cancer, one symptom is the typical, really unpleasant smell.
Every dog has its own smell, which usually becomes more intense when it is wet. You perceive this smell as typical for your dog.
Does your dog smell rather unpleasant, chemical or pungentthis is a symptom of terminal cancer.
This smell often comes from the mouth, nose, ears or anal area.
Altered heartbeat and heavy breathing
End-stage cancer in dogs often shows this symptom. The dog’s body is weakened.
As a result, the heart often pumps very quickly maintain cycle.
From time to time there is also a weaker heartbeat because the heart is no longer able to perform as well as the weakened body needs.
The lungs can also be damaged by metastases or depending on the type of cancer. This is where heavy breathing, coughing, panting or rattles come into play.
personality change
Has your dog with terminal cancer suddenly become aggressive? Or does he withdraw, although he is otherwise totally attached to you?
This personality change may be due to the tumor.
The pain caused by the tumor is often the reason for the change.
But the tumor itself can also be a trigger for the new behavior, depending on its own location or the location of the metastases.
When to take your dog to the vet for terminal cancer
Each of the symptoms mentioned is always a reason to go to the vet.
Your dog will be under veterinary care once the tumor has been diagnosed.
If these symptoms become stronger, they indicate the final stage. It is important to free the dog from pain and suffering together with the veterinarian.
The vet will also be able to advise if the symptoms become too severe and it’s time to let the beloved dog go.
Unfortunately, there are also types of tumors that are very «silent» and only show up when they are in the final stages.
Therefore, it is important to visit the vet more often if your dog shows any of the above symptoms.
Does your dog have terminal cancer? What symptoms does he show? Leave us in the comments share in your experiences.