Cancer affects a significant percentage of canines. Know the risk factors that include: genetics, hormone imbalances, diet, vaccinations, environmental toxins such as lawn chemicals, flea and tick dips, tobacco smoke to name a few. Nearly half of dogs over age 10 die of cancer. There are similarities between canine and human cancers, but there are also differences. For example, dogs have 35 times as much skin cancer as humans, 4 times as many breast tumors, 8 times as much bone cancer, and twice the incidence of leukemia. Humans have 7 times as much lung cancer as dogs and 13 times as much cancer of the stomach and intestines.

According to a Swedish study done in 1997, the breeds at highest risk for cancer were: Boxers, Giant Schnauzers and Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Cocker spaniels and Doberman Pinschers, Pomeranians, Newfoundlands, German Shepherd Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Danes, Greyhounds and Basset Hounds.

Today, the most common type of cancer in American dogs is skin cancer followed by mammary cancer and lymphosarcoma.

Even though Shih Tzu is not among the breeds to be targeted for high risks, we can still be on the look-out for cancer symptoms which are similar to those in humans. These include any abnormal swelling that continues to grow, sores that don't heal, weight loss, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, a reluctance to move or exercise, a loss of stamina or difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. Any sort of lameness in an older dog (but especially large breeds, which excludes our Shih Tzu also), should be investigated, even though our Shih Tzu is not included in that either as being of high risk by breed, it does not mean, this could not occur. Subtle signs such as sleeping, more than usual, refusing to play, or having less interest in social interaction, can be warning signs.

Even though it would seem at this time cancer is not a huge threat to our Shih Tzu, it is still good to be alert to any symptoms that may be warning signs of the disease.