Pet Cancer Awareness Month – Warning Signs to Look for in Your Pets

This month VPI Pet Insurance is holding it’s third annual pet cancer awareness month to benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF). ACF devel0p and support research to advance the prevention and treatment of cancer in pets and people. They give pets that are not responding to conventional therapy opportunities to take part in clinical trials that could save them or extend their lives.

This month VPI are selling dog collars with the cancer society lavender ribbon logo and donating all proceeds to ACF. Click here to view the 4 different sizes available.

Approximately half of all pets over the age of ten die of cancer. Here are some warning signs you should be aware of so that you can detect cancer early :

A growing sore or lump that won’t heal

Discharge or bleeding from any body opening

Weight loss despite normal appetite and activity

Going more than a day or two without eating

Demonstrating an unusually excessive appetite

An overconsumption of water, followed by frequent urination

Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

Unusually bad smell coming from your pet

Tiring easily and unwillingness to exercise

The best defense against cancer in your pets is to detect it early and seek treatment immediately. Help the Animal Cancer Foundation to find a cure for cancer by supporting them either by purchasing a collar through VPI or donating directly to Animal Cancer Foundation at their website by mail or by using Paypal.

Owning a pet business does not guarantee you success, but it is generally not difficult to set up your own pet business adn many who own pet businesses love the hard working lifestyle and the closeness to pets. You will have to compete with those who may be better trained, may have lower cost structures and those who “pretend” to have your skills and experience when they do not. (eg not all those who advertise themselves as groomers are actually Groomers).

There are also key skills that all dog industry professionals should possess. Here are some of the most critical skills and abilities for those hoping to work with dogs professionally: Basic Dog Handling and Training Skills, ability to recognize behavioral signals.

Animals can be somewhat unpredictable when they are under stress or in an unfamiliar environment, like when they visit the veterinary office or the grooming salon, so it is important to be attentive and stay aware of the animal you are handling at all times.