Although we pamper our pets, it seems that many of us know little about their risk of developing certain diseases. Take cancer for example. Did you know that dogs develop cancer at about the same rate we do?

In fact, cancer causes nearly 50 percent of all disease-related pet deaths every year and it’s the No. 1 natural cause of death in elderly pets. A sobering 1 in 4 dogs will die of cancer. And while the numbers aren’t as high for cats, our feline friends often develop more aggressive cancers and hide the signs longer.

As in humans, cancer can crop up anywhere in your pet’s body, so telltale signs can vary widely. It often takes a trained eye, ear and hand to find the clues, so regular veterinary exams are crucial.

When it comes to the Big C, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the chance your pet may have.