Every year, an estimated 6 million dogs and another 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer. It’s also been estimated that 50% of dogs over the age of ten will develop cancer. This is particularly true for dog breeds that have a higher risk of cancer.

These breeds include Golden Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. One in five cats will be diagnosed with cancer over the course of their lifetime. With statistics like these, it’s no wonder that National Pet Cancer Awareness Month was created. This observance takes place in November and encourages pet owners to be mindful of their pet’s cancer risks.

The History of National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

This month was first established in 2005 by the Animal Cancer Foundation. The organization created this month not only to raise awareness about cancer being one of the main killers of pets but also to raise money for pet cancer research.

Some Important Facts About Pet Cancer

To delve into the subject more deeply, we’ve conducted extensive research about pet cancer and its impact on pets and pet owners across the U.S. The result of our efforts is the following list of facts that we hope will help other pet owners observe National Pet Cancer Awareness Month with a little more knowledge.

• Half of all pet deaths each year can be attributed to cancer.
• Cancer is the number one cause of death for older dogs.
• It’s been estimated that dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans.
• Half of all dogs over the age of ten will die of cancer.
• Approximately twenty-five percent of all dogs will develop a tumor of some type during their lifetime.
• The cause of cancer in pets is unknown, but scientists are working to unravel the mystery.
• Although cat cancer is less common than dog cancer, the disease is more aggressive in cats.
• Obesity in dogs can be a risk factor for some forms of cancer.

Observing National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

First and foremost, people can ensure that they take their pets for regular vet visits to maintain their health. They should also watch for some of the many signs of pet cancer.

These include rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, abnormal swelling, masses along the jaw or tooth line, blood coming from the mouth or rectum, and diarrhea or vomiting. During this month, people should also use the hashtag #PetCancerAwareness on social media to spread the word about this observance and the risks of pet cancers.