Summer Signs Series: Why Knowing Your Pet’s “Normal”Could Save Their Life

There is something special about summertime with our pets.

Days are a bit longer, and for us, they mean beach days, boat and pool days. There are always games of fetch and afternoons stretched out together in the sunshine.

As we spend more time with our dogs and cats during the summer months, we also have an incredible opportunity, one that could make a lasting difference in their lives.

At Moose’s March, we believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our pets is paying attention.

No one knows your pet better than you do. You know the way they greet you at the door, the sparkle in their eyes, the feel of their coat, and the little quirks that make them uniquely yours.

That familiarity is powerful because it allows you to recognize when something changes.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, particularly as they age. While not every cancer can be prevented, recognizing changes early may provide more treatment options and, in many cases, more quality time together.

That’s why we encourage every pet parent to perform a simple monthly “nose-to-tail” check.

As you gently run your hands over your pet, look and feel for:

• New lumps or bumps

• Changes in existing growths

• Weight loss

• Changes in appetite

• Swollen areas

• Sores that won’t heal

• Changes in energy or behavior
  

Remember, finding something unusual does not automatically mean cancer. Many changes are caused by infections, benign growths, or other treatable conditions. The important thing is knowing when something isn’t normal for your pet and discussing it with your veterinarian.

Our goal at Moose’s March isn’t to create fear.

Our goal is to create awareness.

Because awareness leads to action, and action may lead to earlier detection.

Every month, take just five minutes to learn your pet’s normal. Those few minutes could help create many more years of memories together.

After all, that’s what Moose’s March is all about.

Making more memories, one pet, one family, and one early detection at a time.