At some point, dogs over 10 yrs old will get cancer according to one post in the internet. Notice that the signs or cues for the presence of cancer in dogs is similar or the same with humans.

Senior care and dogs

In senior care homes, animal stuff toys are given to seniors instead of actual animals for many reasons. The presence of a pet or human babies is an important member of a health care team for they bring joy to the faces of seniors (other joyful stuff for seniors: music, their favorite dessert, clothes, visits from families, gift from families, gourmet cooking from their caregivers, massage).

Connie of Motherhealth, bay area caregivers for homebound seniors 408-854-1883

Cancers in dogs can be treated (with varying success) using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, the best thing you can do is to catch the disease in its early stages — before it spreads. Early detection is critical for successful treatment and recovery.

One of the most common ways dog owners detect cancer is by finding a lump or a mass on their dog (the dog typically isn’t bothered by the lump). But it’s important to clarify, just because you find a lump, doesn’t mean it’s cancer. Still, a veterinarian should investigate any lump as soon as possible.

Symptoms to Detect Cancer in Dogs

The National Canine Cancer Foundation says there are 10 warning signs your dog might have cancer:

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that don’t heal
3. Weight loss
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 you find a lump or your dog has any of the other symptoms above, don’t delay in getting it investigated by your family veterinarian. If it’s confirmed your dog has cancer, it’s advised to get a second opinion — possibly by a board-certified veterinary oncologist — to discuss your options.

Some cancers can be cured with one or a combination of treatments, but sadly, many cannot and merely delay the inevitable. Some pet owners opt out of treatment completely and instead help their dogs with pain management (palliative care) throughout the course of the disease.
Read more at http://dogtime.com/dog-health/canine-cancer/19958-top-10-signs-of-cancer-in-dogs#CS5wyyiWW59FiODp.99