Live Life Off-Leash

A special edition this month as most dog owners know October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month—but what many people don’t realize is that breast cancer isn’t just a human problem.

Our dogs, especially un-spayed females, are at risk too. For breeds like ours, being proactive can make all the difference. Mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in female dogs.

About one in four un-spayed female dogs will develop a mammary tumor in their lifetime. Vizslas aren’t the most at-risk breed, but they aren’t immune. As with people, age and hormones play a big role. Dogs spayed before their first heat cycle have almost zero risk. But after that, the risk jumps dramatically with each passing heat. We recommend discussing the best options for your dog's spay with your breeder and veterinarian.

Checking your dog is simple, and you don’t need to be a vet to do it. Check out our 'How to check' guide below and remember to set a reminder for the first of every month, just like some people do for their own breast exams. If you find anything unusual, don’t panic, but call your vet. Many lumps turn out to be benign, but you want to catch anything serious as early as possible.

So, this October, when you think about breast cancer for yourself and your friends, don’t forget your four-legged family. Your dog can’t check herself, but she’s counting on you. It’s a small act of love—one that could save her life.

Happy Viz Whizzing,

Nicky Monahan - Founder, Viz Whizz Dogs

Sometimes it’s a small, firm lump along the chain of nipples. Other times, it’s a swelling or an ulcer that just doesn’t seem right. Most tumors show up in the two pairs of mammary glands closest to a dog’s hind legs, but you should check the whole chain.

Unfortunately, about half of these tumors are malignant, meaning they can spread. Early detection is absolutely crucial.

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/.../canine.../mammary-cancer

Dogs have five pairs (10 total) of mammary glands that run in two lines from the chest to the groin.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Find a calm setting
   
2. Choose a time when your dog is relaxed — after a walk or meal is ideal.
   
3. Position your dog: Have your dog lie on her side or stand comfortably. You can do one side at a time.
4. Locate the mammary glands. Start at the chest (just below the ribcage) and move toward the groin. You’ll feel a small chain of tissue under the skin on each side.
   
5. Use gentle pressure. With your fingertips, gently feel each gland in a circular motion.
   

You’re feeling for:

• Lumps or nodules (even pea-sized ones)
  
• Swelling or asymmetry between sides
  
• Warmth, redness, or pain
  
• Nipple discharge (clear, bloody, or milky when not nursing)
  
• Check the surrounding skin
  
• Look for hair loss, scabs, or irritation around the nipples.
  
• Repeat monthly
  

Doing it regularly helps you notice subtle changes early.

Call your vet if you notice:

• A lump (even small or not painful)
  
• Swelling or firmness in one area
  
• Redness or discharge
  
• Your dog licking or biting a particular nipple
  
• Changes in appetite, lethargy, or fever
  

This weekend our Viz Whizz Texas pack kicked off our 'Wear Pink hikes' in Austin, with a great turnout, 19 happy dogs and their owners.

With guest speaker and expert Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, JD.

An expert in Canine Reproduction & Neonatology and author of 'Your pandemic puppy' along with many other incredible achievements, this is a must watch webinar.

Watch the replay here: https://event.webinarjam.com/login/685yqi0wsgs2s6s0

Viz Whizz Dogs now has its own exclusive rankings on the Fi app! That's right, your fast dog can now be part of our awesome pack community. Want in on the action? Just grab your laptop, scan our QR code, and follow a few quick steps. BAM - within 24 hours, you and your pup will be official pack members! How cool is that?

Can't wait to see you and your adventure buddy climbing those rankings. Here's to all the epic off-leash adventures ahead! Let's make this pack the most amazing one out there!

Let us know you’ve joined! It won’t show for about 12-24hrs!

By buying our merch, you're not just looking good on the trails – you're helping us support Viz Whizz and our Rescue dog program. So why wait? Get shopping now, most items ship next day!

Viz Whizz Dogs works hard to promote responsible breeders and has an extensive list of great breeders across the USA. If you would like more information, please reach out and we can share that with you. We have wonderful relationships with many of the breeders and know their dogs from our meet ups we host on the trails. If you're looking to be owned by a vizsla or fast dog, we encourage you to join a local meet up and come talk to members and see the dogs in action.

Viz Whizz Dogs is a recognized club for the AKC Fit Dog. You're invited to join us for a hike to get additional points! Here is the link to find out more of what is involved and how to participate. https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-family-dog-program/akc-fit-dog/akc-fit-dog-titles/

We've created an Amazon list to share some of ours and members favorite things and have created lists of items we talk about in our webinars. We hope this makes it easier for you to find the things we love and trust and have bought for our own dogs. We receive a small commission if you use our link, which in turn supports our rescue program.

Click here to see our store - using our link costs the same but supports Viz Whizz Dogs: https://tinyurl.com/3x34y3tp

Viz Whizz Dogs promotes responsible off-leash hiking and education. Across the USA our Pack Leaders help build local communities to support owners and provide a healthy lifestyle for their dogs. We are a recognized breed activity by the Vizsla Club of America and registered club for AKC Fit Dog. We have packs in over 40 states.

If you'd like to be a Pack Leader, Sponsor or have any questions, please reach out.

Email: nicky@vizwhizzdogs.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/vizwhizzdogs
Phone: (339)203-2099