Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Poochie!
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Meme of the day: So many memes!
America’s Animal Rescue Giveaway!
Get ready to wag your tails because I Love Every Dog is amplifying the love for our four-legged friends by celebrating the incredible heroes who dedicate their lives to saving them! In an exciting new initiative, we're partnering with Animal Actions to honor the vital work of animal rescues. We'll be donating up to $10,000 to a deserving animal rescue chosen by a random draw. Imagine the impact that could have on countless lives!
Skin Cancer Symptoms In Dogs
The bond we share with our canine companions is truly special. They bring so much joy, laughter, and unconditional love into our lives. As responsible pet parents, we strive to provide them with the best care possible, ensuring their health and happiness. Part of that commitment involves being vigilant about their well-being, and just like in humans, that includes being aware of the signs of skin cancer in dogs.
While the thought of our furry friends facing such a challenge can be unsettling, knowledge is power. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for many types of cancer, including those affecting the skin. So, let's explore the key signs to look out for, empowering us to be proactive in safeguarding our dog's health.
The Importance of Regular Checks (and Cuddles!)
One of the most effective ways to monitor your dog's skin is through regular, hands-on checks. This isn't just about looking for lumps; it's an opportunity for some quality bonding time! As you're petting, grooming, or just cuddling, take a moment to really feel their skin, from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail, including those often-overlooked areas like their paw pads, ears, and belly.
What to Look and Feel For: The Telltale Signs
Skin cancer in dogs can manifest in various ways, and not all lumps are cancerous, nor are all cancers lumpy. Here are some of the common signs to be aware of:
New Lumps or Bumps: This is perhaps the most obvious sign. Pay attention to any new growths you find. They might be small or large, firm or soft, and can appear anywhere on the body. While many benign lumps exist, it's always best to have new ones checked by your vet.
Changes in Existing Lumps: If your dog already has a lump, monitor it for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. A previously stable lump that starts to grow rapidly, becomes ulcerated, or changes in appearance warrants immediate veterinary attention.
Sores That Don't Heal: Any wound, cut, or sore on your dog's skin that doesn't seem to be healing, or that repeatedly scabs over and re-opens, should be examined by a vet. This can be a sign of an underlying issue, including certain types of skin cancer.
Red, Inflamed, or Irritated Patches: While skin allergies and infections are common, persistent red, inflamed, or irritated patches of skin, especially if they are hairless, scaly, or seem to be bothering your dog more than usual, could be a cause for concern.
Changes in Skin Pigmentation: Keep an eye out for any unusual changes in your dog's skin color. This could include new dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or areas of depigmentation, particularly if they are raised or have an irregular border.
Unusual Bleeding or Discharge: Any lump or area of skin that bleeds easily, oozes, or has an unusual discharge without an obvious injury should be investigated.
Changes in Paw Pads or Nails: Don't forget to inspect their paws! Lumps, sores, or unusual growths on the paw pads can occur. Similarly, changes in their nails, such as brittleness, splitting, or abnormal growth, could also be a subtle sign of a problem, although less common for primary skin cancer.
Hair Loss Over a Lump or Lesion: While hair loss can be due to many factors, localized hair loss directly over a lump or an abnormal skin lesion is another sign to note.
When in Doubt, Check it Out!
It's crucial to remember that many of these signs can also be indicative of less serious conditions. However, it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you notice any of these changes in your dog's skin, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They have the expertise to diagnose the issue through a proper physical examination, and if necessary, further diagnostic tests like a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy.
Prevention and Prognosis
While not all skin cancers can be prevented, minimizing sun exposure, especially for dogs with thin coats or light-colored skin, can help reduce the risk of certain types, like squamous cell carcinoma. Always discuss your dog's specific needs with your vet.
The good news is that with early detection, many forms of canine skin cancer are treatable, and your dog can go on to live a happy and healthy life. Your vigilance is their best defense. So, keep those regular cuddles and checks going – they're not just a sign of your love, but a vital part of keeping your beloved companion well.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Jetta!
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