Protect Your Pet From Skin Cancer
Sterling Ostin
We all know about the risks and dangers of skin cancer. We are careful to cover our children with a high SPF sun block before they go out to play in the sun, and we understand that we need to protect our own adult skin as well. Should we protect our pets as well?
Are animals at risk of developing skin cancer? Absolutely. Most people are surprised to learn that the family dog or cat is very susceptible to the sun's damaging rays, and care must be taken for their welfare as well as ours. Common sense tells us to limit our pets' exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, and provide plenty of shade.
The sun is not the only cause of skin cancer in pets, but it certainly is a major contributor. Other factors leading to animals' skin cancer include hormones, viruses, burns, and inoculations. Also, just like humans, some animals have a genetic predisposition to developing skin cancer. It is a disease that can run in your pet's family, as well as yours.
Much like their fair-skinned human counterparts, light colored cats and dogs are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Pets with white fur are, of course, at the highest end of the risk scale. Further, all parts of the body where the coat is thin are at greatest risk. These include the stomach, ear tips, inside of a dog's hind legs, pink noses and the outer eye areas on cats.
Take extra care with hairless breeds of dogs and cats, as they have no natural protection from the sun's rays. Pit bulls, pointers, bull terriers and Dalmatians are high-risk breeds. When a Dalmatian develops skin cancer, the disease will affect only the white areas and will not strike the black spots.
When skin cancer strikes pets, like humans, it happens later in life. Once your dog or cat reaches about nine years of age, it's wise to schedule veterinary checkups every six months. If skin cancer is detected early enough, your pet will have a better survival rate.
Early detection, however, is not always enough. The disease can progress quickly in six months, so it's important that you are aware of how he or she normally behaves. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort, his or her normal behavior will change. As your pet's caregiver, be aware of this natural sign that dictates it's time for a thorough physical check-up.
Changes in eating habits, weight loss and a general disinterest in playing, going for a walk and other everyday activities are all signs that it's time for a checkup.
Be on the lookout for physical changes to your pet. If you note changes to moles, or newly developed sores on your pet, get him or her to the vet quickly.
Pets will often hide their discomfort to avoid disappointing their owners. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to the moods of their owners and, naturally, they want to please. Other animals follow their innate instinct to hide their symptoms out of fear. Illness equates weakness in the natural world, and weakness brings death, so it's only natural for your beloved pet to hide his or her illness from you.
Like humans, pets can develop skin cancer from prolonged exposure to the sun. Naturally, your pet loves to spend time outdoors, but you must be the protector. Provide a cool, shady resting spot for your pet. Limit the time spent outdoors to early morning or late afternoon and evening hours.
Contributor Sterling Ostin writes for several popular web magazines, on http://fozic.com/ family fun and http://healthy-zone.com/ home garden topics.
|
