What better time to talk about mammary cancer in dogs than National Breast Cancer Awareness Month? After all, mammary cancer in dogs is very similar to breast cancer in humans. The difference, though, is that mammary cancer in dogs is many times preventable. Imagine if there was a way that we could prevent 99% of breast cancer diagnoses? That would be amazing, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, we can’t do that for humans, but we can do it for dogs!
Spaying a female dog before her first heat cycle has been proven to be over 99% effective in preventing mammary tumors. A simple surgery can prevent so much suffering down the line. A small scar that will be forgotten by the dog in a week.
Not only does spaying your dog prevent most mammary tumors, but it gives many other benefits as well. One of which is no accidental or unwanted litter of puppies. Help control the very out of control pet population; please spay and neuter your pets.
For more information on preventing, diagnosing, and treating mammary tumors, here is a great article.
Nicole Laber, Cofounder and Fospice Mom