October turns pink to remind us of the importance of prevention and early detection of breast cancer.
And although we usually think of humans when we talk about this disease, dogs can also develop mammary tumors, especially females.
That’s why this Pink Month we want to dedicate a space to them and talk about something that can make a real difference: knowing, observing, and consulting in time.
Can dogs get breast cancer?
Yes.
Female dogs can develop tumors in their mammary glands. In fact, mammary tumors are one of the most common types of tumors in female dogs.
Not all mammary tumors are cancerous. About half are benign and the other half malignant, although figures may vary depending on the population studied.
So, finding a lump in the mammary area does not automatically mean cancer, but it is always a reason to visit your veterinarian and have it checked.
🐶 Which dogs are most at risk?
Mammary tumors mainly appear in female dogs.
They are much less common in males and are more frequently diagnosed in adult and senior dogs. The risk increases with age, and prolonged exposure to certain ovarian hormones is linked to the development of these tumors.
Spaying also influences the risk, but the right timing should be assessed individually, considering factors such as breed, age, and each dog’s characteristics.
That’s why there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation—always consult your veterinarian before making this decision.
🎀 What are the symptoms of breast cancer in dogs?
One of the most common signs is the appearance of one or more lumps in the mammary chain.
Some signs you may notice include:
- A new lump near a nipple
- One or more nodules in the mammary area
- A mass that grows over time
- Changes in the skin covering the area
- Wounds or ulceration over the lump
- Bleeding
- Pain or warmth in the area
- Discharge from the nipple
In more advanced cases, general signs may appear, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or breathing problems if there is lung involvement.
Remember: these signs alone do not determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant.
🔍 How to detect a lump in your dog
One of the simplest things you can do at home is to know your dog’s body.
When you pet your dog, pay attention to the mammary area and check for any changes compared to what is normal.
This is not about making a diagnosis at home.
It’s about knowing what is normal for your dog so you can detect changes.
If you notice a lump, even if it is small and your dog seems perfectly fine, schedule a veterinary appointment.
Mammary tumors are usually detected through physical examination, and additional tests may be needed to determine the exact type of tumor, including tissue analysis through histopathology.
⏰ Why is early detection so important?
Because tumor size and whether it has spread to other parts of the body are key factors in its progression.
Smaller tumors without evidence of metastasis often have better control prospects than larger or more advanced ones.
That’s why, if you find a new lump, don’t wait to see if it disappears on its own.
A veterinary check-up will help determine what’s going on.
🩺 How is a mammary tumor diagnosed?
The veterinarian may begin with a physical examination.
Depending on the case, different tests may be recommended to gather more information, such as:
- Fine needle aspiration
- Biopsy
- Histopathology
- Blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Lymph node evaluation
Fine needle aspiration can help determine if the mass originates from mammary tissue, but in many cases it cannot distinguish between benign and malignant tumors on its own. Histopathological analysis provides more definitive information.
🐾 Can breast cancer in dogs be prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to completely prevent mammary tumors.
However, some factors can influence the risk.
Early spaying can significantly reduce the risk, although the decision on when to spay should be individualized and also consider other health aspects.
In addition, maintaining a healthy weight, scheduling regular veterinary check-ups, and being familiar with your dog’s body are key parts of responsible care.
🎀 This October: check, observe, care
Pink Month reminds us of something very simple:
Prevention is also a form of love.
Taking a few minutes to pet your dog and know her body can help you detect changes that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
You don’t have to wait for a problem to start paying attention.
Because caring also means:
💕 Knowing
💕 Observing
💕 Preventing
💕 Consulting
🐶 And after the check… a treat!
A vet visit, a home check, or simply a day of care can also end with something all dogs understand perfectly:
a treat.
Snacks can be part of positive moments and reinforcement during training or care routines.
At Gespetfood, you’ll find different natural dog snacks, made with various proteins and formats to enjoy those small moments together.
Because caring for them is in the big decisions…
but also in all the little moments we share every day.
🎀 This Pink Month, let’s take care of them
At Gespetfood, we join Pink Month to highlight the importance of prevention and early detection.
If you have a female dog, take a few minutes today to get to know her body.
And if you notice any lump or change you hadn’t seen before, consult your veterinarian.
Because they can’t tell us something has changed.
But we can learn to listen.
Discover Gespetfood’s natural snacks and celebrate every small moment together.