Pet Skin Cancer

We worry about getting skin cancer for ourselves, our partners and our children, but perhaps we should also be worrying about the prospect of our pets contracting this potentially deadly disease. Most people would be surprised to learn that the pet dog or cat they love so much is also susceptible and care must be taken when they are outside as well. This means that during peak sun shining hours its best not to put your dog outside for too long. Make sure there is a shaded spot in their area.

Causes of Pet Skin Cancer

Although not all of our pet’s skin cancer is caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays a certain percentage of it definitely is. When it comes to the reasons that dogs and cats develop skin cancer the sun is only one answer. Other reasons include hormones, viruses, burns, inoculations and a genetic predisposition to skin cancer. This last reason is just like humans who have more risk for skin cancer because it runs in the family.

The Areas Affected with Pet Skin Cancer

Just like fair skinned blond humans are more at risk, so are light colored dogs and cats. White dogs and cats would be at the higher end of the risk scale. As well, any places where the animal has particularly thin hair are danger spots. This would be the stomach, or inside of the hind legs for dogs and the ear tips, pink noses and around the eyes for cats, also either cats or dogs whose breeds are hairless. They have no protection from the sun’s rays. The dog breeds most at risk for skin cancer include dalmatians, pit bulls, pull terriers and pointers. Interestingly, when skin cancer attacks dalmatians it is only the white areas that are affected. The cancer is known to go around the black spots.

Aware of Your Pet’s Normal Behavior

Like humans skin cancer usually hits later in life. So, once your dog or cat has reached around nine years old it is best to begin check-ups every six months, if it’s found early enough your pet will have a better survival rate. But that is not enough. A lot can happen in six months. It’s important for you as a pet owner to be aware of how your dog or cat normally behaves.

If they are in pain or discomfort their normal behavior will change and that is a signal to you to take them for a thorough physical check-up. You may also see changes in eating habits, weight loss or a disinterest in playing or going for a walk. If you see a difference in a mole of other sore that looks wrong to you get your pet to the vet quickly.

ddly, your pet my hide their illness from you to ensure they don’t let you down. They are sensitive to the moods of their owners and want to please them. Sometimes animals hide their symptoms out of fear. They do not want others to know they are ill because that makes them weak and weakness in the wild means death.