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.



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.

Like their fair-skinned human counterparts, light colored dogs and cats are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Pets with white fur are, of course, at the higher end of the risk scale. Any parts of the body where the coat is thin are at greatest risk. These include the stomach, inside of a dog's hind legs, and the ear tips, pink noses, and outer eye areas on cats.

Hairless breeds of dogs and cats have no protection from the sun's rays. Those breeds of dogs most at risk are Dalmatians, pit bulls, pointers and bull terriers. It's interesting to note that when a Dalmatian develops skin cancer, the disease will only strike the white areas, going around 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.

Pets have been known to hide their discomforts, in a bid to avoid disappointing their owners. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to the moods of their owners and naturally want to please them. Other animals innately hide their symptoms out of fear. In the natural world, illness equates weakness, and weakness brings death. For this reason, it's only natural that your beloved pet may be hiding his or her illness from you.

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.