November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, spread the word.

Early detection is key, Pet Cancer Awareness Month.

If pet cancer is detected early it can be treated more effectively, so it’s important to check your pet regularly for the 10 Early Warning Signs as recommended by the Veterinary Cancer Society.

1. Abnormal, persistent swelling

2. Sores that do not heal

3. Loss of weight

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

If your pet has any of these early warning signs, you should take him or her to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a more complete examination. In addition, you should keep your pet away from environmental toxins like lawn fertilizers and surface and rug cleaners that have warning labels relative to children and pets. Many veterinarians see a link between environmental toxins and cancer.

During the month of November, VPI, a Nationwide company, will donate $5 to the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), up to $10,000, for every photo, story or statistic shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #CurePetCancer. For more information, visit www.curepetcancer.com. To date, VPI has raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the ACF.