Much to my dismay, my beloved chocolate lab, Ave, will be nine years old this year and has been considered a senior pet since he was seven. He's still in great shape and leads an active life, but particular attention needs to be paid to his wellbeing now.

Due to improved veterinary services, technology, and awareness, pets have a longer life-expectancy, but can still be at risk for common diseases such as cancer. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cancer is one of the most common illnesses affecting senior pets.

Some of the typical signs of cancer are:

• Growing lumps or sores that fail to heal
• Drastic changes in a pet's appetite or weight
• Unusually strong odors, discharge or bleeding
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or unwilling to exercise

At Avery’s, we are dedicated to the health and wellness of senior pets, and will be sharing the latest tips on how to keep them healthy and happy over time. For cancer detection tips and more information on pet cancer, do your research.