Raising people's awareness on canine prostate cancer

Did you know that November is Canine Prostate Awareness Month? That’s right, November is the month to focus on keeping your dog’s prostate healthy.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in dogs, and the most common cancer in intact (not neutered) male dogs. The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the rectum in male dogs.

Prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, but it can be aggressive in some cases and if not caught early, can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, and liver.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, frequent urination, urinary accidents, painful urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy and straining to defecate.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, please make an appointment with your specialist. They will likely recommend some diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, x-rays, and/or an ultrasound. A biopsy of the prostate may also be necessary.

Treatment of prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. In some cases, surgery may be an option. However, radiation and/or chemotherapy may be necessary in other cases.

While there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, there are some things you can do to reduce your dog's risk. These include feeding a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing plenty of exercise.

Here are some tips:

-Schedule a check-up with your veterinarian. This is especially important for older dogs, as the risks enlarges with age. Your vet can check for any problems and also offer advice on how to keep your dog’s prostate healthy.

-Provide a healthy diet. A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for dogs with prostate problems. Make sure to feed your dog a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh, whole foods.

-Keep your dog active. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for dogs with prostate problems. Exercise helps to keep the prostate healthy and also helps to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate.

-Give your dog supplements. There are a number of supplements that can help to keep the prostate healthy. Talk to your trusted specialist about which supplements are right for your dog.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog’s prostate healthy and reduce the risk of prostate problems.

If your dog is at risk for prostate cancer, your veterinarian may recommend regular prostate exams.

We trust this information will be helpful to you. If you find it meaningful and are willing to share it with us, we will be sure to send you loads of pawsitive woofy energy, or you might have a story to tell! Send us a Bark!