How to Detect Skin Cancer in Dogs

Skin cancer is common in dogs - early detection is the key to successful treatment. Read the following steps to learn how to spot the disease in the initial stages of development.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electric Dog Clippers
• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Combs
• Dog Crate Mats
• Dog Crates
• Dog Flea Combs
• Dog Shampoo
• Dogs
• Veterinarian

1. Examine your dog monthly, at least. Check for tumors, areas of color change, or scaly, crusty lesions.
2. Use your fingers to separate the hair and look closely at the skin beneath.
3. Locating new growths or a change in color or size of an existing growth calls for continued observation and a call to the veterinarian for advice.
4. Finding tumors that bleed easily or areas that refuse to heal is reason for concern.
5. Noting her continually licking at an area should prompt closer examination.
6. Spotting a swelling in the breast tissue or discharge from a nipple calls for a veterinary examination at once. Remember to check under her tail for any suspicious lumps or areas of discoloration.
7. Check her mouth. Look for masses or tissue that seems different from surrounding areas.
8. Report all things that are not normal to your veterinarian right away.

Tips & Warnings

• Frequent bathing and regular grooming will help you spot things quickly.
• Long, thick hair coats may obscure tumors that would otherwise easily be seen.
• Dogs frequently develop soft masses under the skin called lipmas. Your veterinarian should quickly be able to tell this from skin cancer.
• Delay in treatment of skin cancer can result in serious harm to your dog's health.