Your dog is getting older and as they do, you want to be on the lookout for potential health concerns that may impact their quality of life in their later years. Cancer is one such disease your dog can develop as they age and it’s a leading cause of death in older canines. In some cases, cancer is treatable, but it needs to be caught early on. Here are 10 of the most common signs of developing cancer in aging dogs:

Watching your beloved dog grow up is a marvelous thing—from its playful puppy years, to its loyal adult years, and finally, to its senior years. Older dogs, typically aged seven or older, are considered “senior” dogs. At this point in their life, senior dogs will have changed dramatically both inside and out, and it’s our job as pet owners to cater to these changes.

For many dogs, their years of running, leaping, bounding and rolling around take a toll on their bodies, specifically their joints. As they age, previously-active dogs may become sluggish, lethargic, slow to move or completely inactive. A common cause of this inactivity is arthritis.

Pets are valued as beloved companions that provide entertainment, company, and in some cases, protection. Outside of these common characteristics are benefits that can enhance any senior’s lifestyle and well-being. For a senior, a pet can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease loneliness, and get exercise. Owning a dog, for example, increases physical activity and social interactions via active dog walking and conversations with other pet owners.