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Article By: SterlingOstin
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Skin Cancer Is Not Only A Human Disease
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?
Can animals develop skin cancer, as humans can? They absolutely can. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that the family dog or cat is very susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun, and care must be taken for their welfare as well as ours. Common sense tells us to provide plenty of shade and limit our pets' exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours.
Direct sunlight is not the sole cause of skin cancer in pets, but it is certainly a major contributor. Hormones, previous burns, viruses and inoculations are among the other factors that can cause animals to acquire skin cancer. Pets, like humans, have a genetic predisposition to the development of skin cancer. It's a disease that can run in your pet's family, the same way it can run in yours.
Light colored cats and dogs, like fair-skinned people, are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Of course, pets with white fur are at the highest end of the risk scale. On any pet, the areas of the body where the coat is thin are also at risk. The stomach, ear tips, inside of a dog's hind legs, pink noses and the outer eye areas on cats are all prone to developing skin cancer.
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.
Like humans, skin cancer strikes pets later in life. When your dog or cat reaches about nine years of age, you should schedule veterinary checkups every six months. With early detection, your pet will have a better chance of surviving skin cancer.
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.
You may also note changes in eating habits, weight loss or a disinterest in taking part in everyday activities like playing or going for a walk.
Look for telltale physical changes in your pet. Note changes to moles and be aware of newly developed sores. If you see anything out of the ordinary, see your vet as soon as possible.
Your pet may his or her discomfort to avoid disappointing you. Dogs and cats are keenly in tune to the moods of their owners and they naturally want to please. Sometimes, animals will follow an innate instinct to hide symptoms out of fear. In the natural world, illness equates weakness, and weakness brings death. Therefore, it can be a natural response for your beloved pet to hide his or her illness.
Like humans, pets can develop skin cancer from excessive exposure to the sun. If your pet loves to spend time outdoors, be sure to provide a cool, shady resting spot, or simply limit the time spent outdoors to early morning or late afternoon and evening hours.
Article Source: ArticleZones.com
About the Author
Columnist Sterling Ostin contributes to numerous web sites, on home improvement guide and family life topics.
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