We all know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but did you know that breast cancer doesn’t just affect humans? Our canine companions are at risk too, especially female dogs that haven’t been speyed. Here at Direct Vet Services, we’re committed to helping you understand the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures you can take to protect your beloved pet.
Why Breast Cancer is a Serious Risk for Dogs
Breast cancer, or mammary tumours, is one of the most common cancers in female dogs, and yet, many pet owners don’t realise how widespread it is. In fact, about 25% of unspeyed female dogs will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.
And here’s the crucial part: early detection and prevention make all the difference. Speying your dog before her first heat cycle can reduce her risk of breast cancer to almost zero. Let’s break that down:
- 0.5% risk if speyed before the first heat cycle
- 8% risk if speyed after the first heat
- 26% risk if speyed after the second heat
Clearly, speying isn’t just about preventing unwanted puppies—it’s about protecting your dog’s health for life.
What to Look For: Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Dogs
One of the most important things you can do as a pet parent is keep an eye on your dog’s health. Breast cancer in dogs often starts with small, painless lumps along their belly. These lumps might feel hard or swollen, and over time, they can grow, become painful, or even start to discharge.
Signs to watch for include:
- Lumps or masses along the mammary glands (located along the belly)
- Swelling or warmth around the mammary glands
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipples
- Changes in appetite, energy levels, or weight
- Lethargy or signs of discomfort when touched
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate. Book an appointment with your vet immediately. Early detection is key, and a quick diagnosis could save your dog’s life.
Why Speying is Your Best Defence
We can’t stress this enough—speying is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer in dogs. The science is clear: speying your dog before her first heat dramatically lowers the risk of breast cancer because it reduces exposure to hormones like oestrogen, which stimulate the growth of mammary cells and increase the chances of tumour development.
However, in certain breeds, we recommend delaying spaying until they have finished growing. Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers are at an increased risk of joint diseases with early desexing. For these breeds, the risk of joint disease outweighs the increased risk of breast cancer, so it’s better to wait until they are fully grown before spaying. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your dog’s breed, size, and overall health.
We also recommend teenage health checks around 6-7 months to talk through desexing needs individual to your pet and ensure all their baby teeth are out and the adult teeth have come through in the right spots. This is a great time to assess your dog’s overall growth and discuss the best desexing timing for their specific needs.
And don’t worry, if your dog is already past her first heat, speying still significantly lowers her risk of developing breast cancer later on.
Speying also protects against other health risks like pyometra (a life-threatening infection of the uterus) and can improve your dog’s overall quality of life. If you’re unsure about the timing or benefits, give us a call, and we can talk you through the best options for your pet.
What Happens if Your Dog is Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
If you find a lump, your vet will likely recommend a series of tests, such as a biopsy or X-rays, to determine whether it’s benign or malignant. Around 50% of breast tumours in dogs are malignant, meaning they can spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment options generally include:
- Surgery: The most common treatment, where the tumour or the entire mammary chain is removed. Speying may also be recommended during surgery to further reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Chemotherapy: This may be advised in more advanced cases or where the cancer has spread.
- Radiation therapy: While not common, it can be used in cases where surgery isn’t possible or to reduce tumour size before surgery.
The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances for successful treatment and recovery. After surgery, regular follow-up visits and possibly further testing will be essential to ensure the cancer hasn’t spread or returned.
Dr. Karen Davies’ Story: A Personal Reminder for All Pet Owners
We’d be remiss not to mention the personal connection we have to this topic. Our own Dr. Karen Davies, who many of you know as the heart of Direct Vet Services, has faced breast cancer not once, but twice—first in 2014 and again in 2020. She went multiple surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone blockers, and reconstructive surgeries – all with the incredible support of her family, colleagues, and medical team.
Dr. Karen’s journey reminds us that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. While we’re committed to caring for your pets, we also want to encourage all our clients—both men and women—to take their health seriously. Regular check-ups and early detection can save lives—for both humans and animals.
If you’re looking for resources or support, we recommend visiting Breast Cancer Network Australia. Don’t wait until it’s too late—book your health check today, just like you would for your beloved pet.
Quick Checklist for Pet Owners:
- Check your dog’s belly regularly for any lumps, swelling, or unusual changes.
- Spey your dog before her first heat if possible, or as soon as you can, to reduce her risk of breast cancer.
- Book a vet appointment immediately if you notice anything unusual.
- Take care of your own health: Schedule regular breast checks and remind your loved ones to do the same.
At Direct Vet Services, we’re here to help you through every step of your pet’s health journey, from prevention to treatment. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health or want to discuss speying options, don’t hesitate to book an appointment here.