November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month!

Did you know that dogs and cats get cancer at about the same rate humans do? If you're one of the many people who considers your pet as your child, then you can agree that it's devastating to find out that your beloved furball has cancer. Now is a great time to get annual veterinary exams for your pets to be sure to catch cancer in its early stages.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, some warning signs of cancer are:

Just like humans, pets can also get breast cancer. Female dogs that have not been spayed are more prone to mammary cancer which is one good reason to spay or neuter your pets. Cancer is the leading cause of death for our older pets, so if you are the parent of a senior pet, be sure to get him examined by a veterinarian.

Paying for cancer treatments can get very expensive and no one wants to make difficult treatment decisions because of their financial situation. This is a good time to think about pet insurance for your pets. With Trupanion, if your pet is enrolled before any clinical signs of cancer appear, cancer treatments and surgeries will be covered for the life of your pet. After finding out your pet has cancer, the last thing you want to worry about is the cost.
*Find out how Trupanion covered the costs of Tyson's cancer treatments.

To learn more about pet cancer facts and signs, read AVMA's Cancer Brochure.

• Are YOU ready for a pet? Bringing a new pet into your home is a long term commitment of time, energy, money, and most importantly, your love. Make sure that you're financially prepared to care for a pet in the long term. Also be sure you have plenty of time to spend with the pet, especially in the first few months. If you're a late-night partier, or a frequent traveler, then a new pet may not be right for you.


• Breed specific? Once you've decided you're ready for a pet, take time to decide what characteristics and qualities you're looking for. Size, energy level, age, gender, and breed are all very important to consider. If you're into a specific breed, research it to find out what you can expect, and prepare accordingly. Some breeds need daily vigorous exercise while others are content to sit on your lap.


• Meet the pet. Animals act differently in a shelter than they will at your home. While Fido seems spunky and friendly in the cage, you might soon find that he is crazy-hyper and destructive at home. Be sure to spend as much time as you can with the pet and learn all about him before making the commitment. Also be sure to introduce your current pets to the new prospective because not all animals will magically get along just because you put them in the same house.


• Be a hero. Visit an animal shelter or your favorite breed rescue instead of buying from a breeder or pet shop.
  Chicago Tribune writer, William Hageman said it well: "Shelters are becoming prime sources for quality purebred dogs -- well-kept, socialized, trained and family-ready -- because of the economy."

Main lesson learned? Think it through before bringing Fluffy home.

Can you think of more pet adoption tips? Share them with us!