November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month- from the American Veterinary Medical Association

It is never too late to learn the warning signs of pet cancer. Cancer is not strictly a “human” condition. As the No. 1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats, cancer claims millions of pets each year.

Signs of Cancer

The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

  1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
  2. Sores that do not heal
  3. Weight loss
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
  6. Offensive odor
  7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
  8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
  9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
  10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Steps to Avoid Cancer in Your Pet

Keeping your pet active with a healthy weight and on a high quality diet will prevent some forms of cancer. Obesity is a major cause of cancer in pets. Having your pet spayed or neutered will drastically decrease the chance of various reproductive cancers.

Sierra 11-12-14 001Featured dog- Sierra

Sierra makes a striking impression! She has a black “feathered” coat while her paws and legs have brindle markings! She will need plenty of exercise and activities to keep her sharp mind challenged! Sierra is without a doubt a love-bug and is eager to please her human friends. She’s extremely intelligent and is a whiz with learning commands! She’d be a wonderful pet for a person who’s interested in a dog that will be a true friend. She will smile at you showing you her white teeth. Comes when called and will sit beside you for all the attention you have to share with her.

Additional Dogs: Trey 4 year old 3 legged Chihuahua. Loving little dog but must have quiet home

 

NappyFeatured Cat: Nappy

8 years old. If you need a sweet and laid-back cat in your life, come visit Nappy! She is very loving and loves to be petted or have her chin scratched. She loves people that understand that not every cat is going to be super-outgoing all the time. She might not be the first kitty to scurry over to you when you walk in the room, but she’ll be the one to captivate your heart if you take the time to sit with her. She came to the shelter with another cat that was already adopted, Nappy seems to miss her. She’s the perfect mix of being affectionate and independent. Come meet this pretty dilute Calico!

Additional Cats: Lance 6 month grey tabby Loves his stuffed duck.

Garbo 6 month black with golden eyes. Shy and quiet.

Eureka 11-12-14

Eureka

Eureka- Large adult orange and white tabby. Loves attention and people.

Truffles11-6-14 003

Truffles

Truffles- Adult gray and white tabby with swirled markings. Loves people and watching out the window.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268.

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com.