About six million dogs and six million cats are diagnosed with cancer every year. Your pet is a special part of the family, so it can be difficult when they are sick. The local pet hospital is there to support you and care for your furry friend. This guide outlines the essential steps to take if your pet is diagnosed with cancer.

Key Steps to Take If Your Pet Has Cancer

Ask the Vet Questions

When you learn about your pet’s diagnosis, strive to understand the situation completely. Ask the veterinarian plenty of questions before you leave the pet hospital, such as how advanced they think the disease is. Also, learn what symptoms your pet might experience and whether the cancer is likely to spread. The vet can give you literature or recommend online resources for you to learn more.

Know Treatment Options

After the diagnosis, you and the vet will likely discuss treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy can all be used to treat pet cancer, but the vet will make recommendations based on your pet’s condition. If your pet has a tumor, they may perform surgery then reassess from there. The vet will tell you whether treatment is likely to be effective. For more advanced cancers, they may advise against investing in treatment and recommend keeping your pet comfortable instead. However, the course of action is ultimately your choice.

Make Your Pet Comfortable

Pet owners can help maintain their animal’s quality of life in any case. If you go forward with treatment, your pet might experience side effects like vomiting or pain. Keep them in a comfortable space and administer any prescribed medication. Allow your pet to do activities that they enjoy, like going for walks and relaxing in the sun.

Be Realistic

If your pet is continuously suffering or is unable to sustain a quality life, reassess with your veterinarian. They may recommend new symptom management techniques or another course of action. While you should be optimistic about your pet’s recovery, take the pet hospital’s advice seriously and consistently check in with your veterinarian.

If your pet was recently diagnosed with cancer, the compassionate team at Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital will help you understand your options. Located in Newport, KY, this pet hospital offers wellness exams, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, pet dentistry, and surgical services. They are available six days a week to care for your pet in an emergency. They also care for reptiles, small farm animals, birds, and rabbits in addition to cats and dogs. To view a full list of their services, visit them online. Call (859) 781-1800 to make an appointment.