|

Author:
Grant Carroll

These days, skin cancer is a concern for everyone. It’s easy to go to the grocery store and find a large variety of sun block with all the different SPF levels. It’s not news that ultraviolet radiation is dangerous, but it might be news that it’s just as dangerous for your dog or cat as it is for us.

No one wants to suffer the pain of watching their little one go through skin cancer, so it’s important to take the proper steps to avoid the disease. Skin cancer is surprisingly common in dogs and cats, and the main culprit is the same one for humans…UV radiation. Even though your friend is furry, he or she is still susceptible to overexposure of the sun. Not to worry, though, there are simple and even fun steps one can take to protect their dog or cat.

According to Dr. Ruthanne Chun, assistant professor and oncology researcher at Kansas State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, skin cancer is the most common cancer among dogs and the second most common among cats. For dogs, 450 of every 100,000 will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and for cats it’s 120 of every 100,000.

Just as with humans, UV rays from the sun play a large role in causing skin cancer with dogs and cats. Many owners may think that their dog’s or cat’s coat will protect them, but this is only partially true. Many breeds have short, thin coats and fair skin on their ears and bellies. These areas are in the most danger of developing skin cancer.

Aside from overexposure to UV, other known causes of skin cancer are viruses, hormones, burns, genetics and vaccines (only in cats). Once an owner educates him or herself about these causes, the proper steps can be taken to prevent skin cancer in dogs and cats.

Dr. Mary Bagladi-Swanson, assistant professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says that one can simply apply an SPF 30 sunblock to their dog’s or cat’s exposed areas. It’s usually best to apply the lotion to the ears, belly and any other bare or barely covered skin. It absorbs into the skin and protects your pet even in they lick it. It’s also a good idea to try and keep your dog or cat out of the sun during the strong hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Another step you could take involves dog clothing and pet clothing. It’s the same concept for humans: the skin that’s covered by clothing will be protected from the sun. Surfers who take their dogs to the beach with them all day have a special kind of dog clothes called a body suit. If you’re planning on spending a day at the park, then it’s a good idea to consider bringing along some dog clothes or pet clothes like a shirt or hat. If your dog or cat will wear them, then not only will they be cute, they’ll be protected!

Grant Carroll proud father of three dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters.

Visit Elizabeth Austin for Wholesale Dog Clothes

| Article Keywords: Skin Cancer

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Skin Cancer... New test to check on Skin Cancer danger Sun-seekers concerned about the threat of skin cancer can now take a quick test to find out how badly they might have been damaged. The scientific test, whose launch comes as holiday-makers make their plans to top up their tans during warm Christmas breaks, can quickly determine how much damage sunbathers have inflicted on their skin over many years. Numerous campaigns have attempted to inform sun-seekers of the dangers from ultraviolet radiation linked with getting the perfect tan. Despite this, cases of skin cancer continue to rise with more than six thousand new cases of malignant melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, diagnosed in the UK. Rates of skin cancer are going up rapidly among teenagers and young adults, with cases doubling in the last twenty years. Only last month the increased use of sunbeds and beach holidays were blamed for skin cancer becoming more common. The new test, called Skin-physical, draws on work by skin cancer experts at Newcastle University, together with Canadian company Genesis Genomics. The Skin-Physical test is being offered via branches of the court house clinics. Patients who opt for the test will give a small sample of their skin from just above the elbow. The sample is sent off for the laboratory tests and the results are used to provide customised sun-safety advice, that is available within a couple of days. The advice the test can provide you with is such as the appropriate sun protection factor and star rating of sun cream patients should use and further advice on how to apply it. It also informs patients about behaviour changes they should make to increase their sun protection and would allow them to enjoy the sun, but to enjoy it more safely. About the author: ...