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Step 1
Recognize the symptoms of geriatric cancer in dogs. These may include weight loss, coughing, vomiting, seizures, lumps or bumps, urinary incontinence and changes in appetite. These symptoms may mean nothing separately, but when combined, cancer could be the culprit. If the symptoms linger and worsen, get to the vet.
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Step 2
Smell your dog's breath. If you practice good canine hygiene, bad breath may indicate oral cancer.
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Step 3
Learn about dog cancer and understand which breeds and genders are more likely to develop the disease. Pet Education is a good place to start. The site includes a list of symptoms for many geriatric problems in dogs.
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Step 4
Be aware of your senior dogs normal habits and personality traits. This sets a baseline against which you can compare new behaviors and react to anything out of the ordinary, such as a slight limp.
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Step 5
Talk to your vet. If you suspect cancer in your senior dog, call your vet immediately. Describe the symptoms and schedule an appointment. Bring a sample of the dog's current food and a list of the symptoms. Record the dog's eating, activity and defecating schedule over the last few days and share your observations with the vet. This will help the doctor with a diagnosis.
