This month is Pet Cancer Awareness Month!

I've lost too many best buds to cancer. And I have way too many buds currently battling this horrible disease.

From reading and researching, I have learned that one in four dogs die of cancer, it's the number one disease related death in pets, and cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age.

This month is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. So I've been wearing my Pets4Pets Collar that supports the Animal Cancer Foundation.

The American Veterinary Medical Association has an informative site that talks about cancer in pets. Be sure and check it out for info on the most common cancers in pets, the various types of treatment, and more.

A year ago, a cancer survivor whose dog provided him comfort during the ordeal is offering free cancer consultations for any pet in the U.S.

Jack Stephens, founder of Pets Best Insurance, says his dog Spanky was the source of emotional comfort during his bout with throat cancer. He says to give something back, he's offering free cancer consultations to any pet within the U.S. through Oncura Partners. The national firm specializes in pet cancer.

Stephens says the consultation will be underwritten through his company, Pets Best Insurance. But families do not need to have a policy with his company. He added that pet owners will need a referral from their vet in order to obtain the consult. Click here for more information from the Pet Cancer Foundation.

Here's a list of the Top 10 Signs of Cancer in Canines:

AVMA’s 10 Warning Signs of Canine Cancer
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow Sores that do not heal Weight loss Loss of appetite Bleeding or discharge from any body opening Offensive odor Difficulty eating or swallowing Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina Persistent lameness or stiffness Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Our good friend, Spencer's brother, Raja got cancer back in 2005. Over the following eight months after diagnosis, his Mom and Dad documented his fight for life. Their planned documentary is a tribute to the courageous Raja and an effort to help others understand this horrible disease. Visit the official site for Red Dog Diary: A dogumentary in the works of one dog’s battle with cancer.

Most recently our good friend Cruella, who is the constant companion of our blogging friend Tish, has and is currently battling the after effects of some nasty tumors and other major health issues. She's a real fighter, that one! Stop by and wish her well. And Lydia, sweet Lydia - our best friend of blogging buddy Therese at PetSitUSA, is now in remission, thank DOG!

There are some wonderful sites on the Internet with information about cancer in pets. Visit these to learn more...

National Canine Cancer Foundation
Cancer Resources from the Morris Foundation
Vital links from the Animal Cancer Foundation
Pet Cancer Awareness
American Veterinary Medical Association Online
OncoLink: Veterinary Oncology
Vetinfo4Dogs - search of their site for cancer
Canines In Crisis
Dog Owner's Guide:Human cancer treatment goes to the dogs

And remember, early detection and treatment are the best ways to manage cancer in pets. Check your pets regularly, provide them with the best foods, water and environment you can, take your pet in for regular veterinary check ups, and help keep them healthy and happy.