Carter Swords of Atlanta had been inseparable from her Jack Russell terrier, Possum, for 15 years when he was diagnosed with cancer. âThey found a tumor on his bowels and I was devastated,â she says.
Not wanting to put her beloved dog through aggressive treatments, Swords focused on keeping Possum comfortable and enjoying their remaining time together. âThe day he died, the sun was shining and the birds were singing, and it just didnât seem right,â she recalls. âI didnât know how I would go on without him.â
Unfortunately, like Swords, most dog parents will someday hear that their dog has cancer. Itâs the leading cause of death among senior dogs and can show up in younger dogs, too. Heather Wilson-Robles, DVM, a veterinary oncologist and current president of the Veterinary Cancer Society, shares what you should know.
Cancer is something no pet parent wants to think about, but sadly, it’s a reality many of us will face with our canine companions. As someone who’s been through this journey with my own furry friend, I know how overwhelming it can be to hear that diagnosis. More than 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, making it the leading cause of death among senior dogs
So what kind of cancer do dogs get? Let’s dive into the most common types, symptoms, and what you can do if your beloved pup is diagnosed
Most Common Types of Cancer in Dogs
1. Skin Cancers (Mast Cell Tumors and Melanomas)
Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumors in dogs. These typically appear as raised lumps on or just below the skin. What makes these tricky is they can look like many other skin issues – sometimes they’re red and inflamed, other times they’re just normal-looking bumps.
Melanomas can also occur in dogs, particularly in the mouth and on areas with pigmented skin. Unlike in humans, sun exposure isn’t typically the cause of melanoma in dogs.
Warning signs:
- Persistent swelling on or under the skin
- Lumps that change in size, shape, or color
- Lesions that don’t heal
2. Lymphoma (Lymphosarcoma)
Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which is basically the body’s filtration system. It’s one of the most common cancers we see in dogs.
Warning signs:
- Enlarged lymph nodes (feel like firm, rubbery lumps under the skin)
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Sometimes swelling of the face or legs
The most noticeable symptom is usually those swollen lymph nodes, which can often be felt along the jaw, in front of the shoulders, in armpits, groin area, and behind the knees.
3. Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs and tends to affect large and giant breeds more frequently. It typically develops in the limbs but can occur in any bone.
Warning signs:
- Lameness that doesn’t improve
- Swelling at the site
- Pain around the affected area
- Reluctance to run or jump
This is one of the more aggressive cancers, and unfortunately, it often spreads to the lungs early in the disease process.
4. Oral and Nasal Tumors
Cancers of the mouth and nose are relatively common in dogs and can include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma.
Warning signs of oral tumors:
- Bad breath (worse than usual dog breath!)
- Drooling
- Trouble eating
- Blood in the water bowl
- Facial swelling
Warning signs of nasal tumors:
- Nosebleeds (especially from one nostril)
- Sneezing
- Facial deformity
- Eye protrusion
- Nasal discharge
5. Soft Tissue Sarcomas
These tumors can grow anywhere in the body where there’s soft tissue. They’re usually slow-growing masses but can become problematic depending on their location.
Warning signs:
- A firm, non-painful mass that continues to grow
- If inside body cavities, they might not be noticed until quite large
Diagnosis: How Vets Identify Cancer in Dogs
If your vet suspects cancer, they’ll likely recommend several diagnostic steps:
- Fine needle aspirate – Taking a small sample of cells with a needle
- Biopsy – Removing a piece of tissue for examination
- Imaging – X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs
- Blood tests – To check overall health and sometimes for specific cancer markers
- Lymph node evaluation – To check if cancer has spread
Treatment Options
The good news is that veterinary oncology has come a long way! There are several treatment options available:
Surgery
Many tumors can be surgically removed. In some cases, like with many mast cell tumors, surgery alone might be curative. For others, it’s part of a broader treatment plan.
Chemotherapy
Don’t panic – chemotherapy in dogs is typically much less intense than in humans. Most dogs tolerate it very well and don’t lose their fur or get severely sick. The goal is always quality of life first.
Common chemo protocols include:
- For lymphoma: A combination of prednisone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and doxorubicin
- For bone cancer: Carboplatin treatments following amputation
- For mast cell tumors: Vinblastine and prednisone
Radiation Therapy
Radiation can be used to treat tumors that can’t be completely removed surgically or to prevent recurrence. It’s particularly useful for:
- Nasal tumors
- Brain tumors
- Some oral tumors
- Soft tissue sarcomas
Immunotherapy
Newer treatments like the melanoma vaccine help the body’s immune system fight cancer cells. This is an exciting and evolving area of veterinary medicine.
Palliative Care
Sometimes, the focus shifts to keeping your dog comfortable rather than curing the disease. This might include:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Dietary changes
- Physical therapy
Breeds More Prone to Cancer
Some dog breeds have higher cancer rates:
- Golden Retrievers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Rottweilers
- Boxers
- Beagles
- Scottish Terriers
- West Highland White Terriers
Mixed-breed dogs may be a bit more resilient to cancer, but they certainly aren’t immune.
Preventing Cancer in Dogs
While not all cancers can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce risks:
-
Spay or neuter early – This significantly reduces the risk of certain cancers, like mammary (breast) cancer in females.
-
Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity is linked to higher cancer risks in dogs just like in humans.
-
Avoid environmental toxins – Cigarette smoke, certain lawn chemicals, and industrial pollutants may increase cancer risk.
-
Regular check-ups – Twice-yearly vet visits for older dogs can help catch problems early.
-
Know your dog – Regularly check for unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in behavior.
When to Make That Difficult Decision
If your dog isn’t responding to treatment, it’s important to assess their quality of life. As Dr. Wilson-Robles suggests, pick five things your dog loves doing, and when they’re not doing at least two of those things regularly, it may be time to have that difficult conversation with your vet.
Another helpful technique is the “calendar method” – mark good days with green and bad days with red. When your dog is having three or more bad days a week, it might be time to consider their quality of life.
Cost Considerations
Let’s be real – cancer treatment for dogs can be expensive. Costs vary widely based on:
- Type of cancer
- Treatment approach
- Your geographic location
- The complexity of care needed
Simple treatments might cost a few hundred dollars, while complex cases involving multiple specialists could run $10,000-$15,000 or more.
I always recommend having a consultation with a veterinary oncologist (usually a few hundred dollars) to discuss options before making decisions. They can often provide multiple treatment approaches at different price points.
My Personal Experience
When my German Shepherd was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 8, I was devastated. We opted for a modified chemo protocol that gave us 11 more wonderful months together. He still played fetch (his favorite thing) almost until the end, and I’m grateful for that extra time.
Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth it? For us, absolutely. But every family’s situation is different, and there’s no wrong choice when made with love.
The Bottom Line
Cancer in dogs is common but not always a death sentence. Many cancers can be effectively treated, and some can even be cured. The key is early detection and working with veterinary professionals to find the right approach for your dog and your family.
Remember:
- Regular check-ups are crucial
- Know what’s normal for your dog so you can spot changes
- Don’t ignore lumps, bumps, or behavior changes
- Consult with specialists when possible
Our dogs give us so much unconditional love – they deserve the best care we can provide when they face health challenges. Whether that means aggressive treatment or focusing on comfort and quality of life, making informed decisions with your veterinary team is the greatest gift you can give your furry family member.
Have you had experience with cancer in your dog? What helped you through that difficult time? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.
What treatments are available for dogs with cancer?
âFor decades, we used generic and off-label versions of human cancer treatments for dogs,â Wilson-Robles says. âIn 2009, the first FDA-approved cancer drug for dogs [became] available. But we still use some of the human cancer drugs, and more are becoming available for dogs.â âAn area that has grown in the last 10 years is matching the treatment with the specific type of cancer,â she says. âWeâre also getting a lot better ⦠with a combination of therapies where you have surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists working together. That team comes up with an integrated plan to treat your dogâs cancer. When all three arms are working together and everyone is taking care of different needs, the outcomes are a little better.â âStill, treating cancer doesnât always make the cancer better. Sometimes it can make things worse. I always recommend working with a veterinary oncologist to help you understand your next steps.â Â
Will my dog die if they have cancer?Â
âIt depends on the cancer,â Wilson-Robles says. âSome cancers are much more likely to be fatal. Things that are localized [in one particular area] are much more likely to be curable. Cancers that have an impact on the whole body have a higher rate of being fatal.â âThere are a lot of cancers with cures â mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, some of the anal sac tumors. I encourage people to meet with a veterinary oncologist to find out their options.â Â
Cancer in Dogs and Cats: Top 5 Natural Remedies
FAQ
What are the signs of cancer in a dog?
Signs of cancer in dogs include visible lumps and bumps, non-healing wounds or sores, bleeding or discharge from body openings, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy or decreased energy, difficulty breathing or coughing, and changes in bathroom habits. Other indicators can be abdominal swelling, foul odors, stiffness or lameness, and difficulty eating or swallowing. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
What type of cancer in dogs comes on suddenly?
Mast cell tumors can develop quickly and can change size fast, so it’s critical to schedule an appointment as soon as you discover any new lumps or bumps.Apr 3, 2023
What breed of dog is most likely to get cancer?
Where does cancer usually start in dogs?
Mast cell tumors are the most common canine skin tumor we treat. These tumors most commonly arise on or just below the skin in dogs, although they do occasionally arise inside the chest or abdominal cavities. Warning signs of a mast cell tumor include a persistent swelling on or under the skin.