Most of us know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while the disease is often associated with humans, the British Veterinary Hospital in Dubai is reminding pet owners about the importance of checking their dogs as well.
According to Dr Sara Elliott, the hospital receives at least one dog every week with breast or ovarian cancer.
Studies have shown dogs spayed between the age of 6 and 9 months, just before their "first heat", are eight times less likely to get mammary cancer and have only a 0.05 per cent risk of developing mammary cancer, when compared to intact female dogs who are not spayed.
Just like people, dogs need regular exams as early detection is key to saving a pooch's life.
To do this, pet owners should run their hand along their dog's underside, and feel for lumps and bumps.
Most lumps start out around the size of a pea, according to Dr Elliott. However, the risk is almost completely eliminated by surgery if caught early enough.
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