Caution: Summer season may increase your dogs risk of Skin Cancer

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Caution–Summer season my increase your dogs risk of Skin Cancer

Article by: S. Gregory

As the weather turns hotter, many of us will be spending more time outdoors with our dogs—and many dogs will be home alone in sunny back yards during the work week.

Skin Cancer in Dogs? You may be surprised to learn that skin cancers are the most common tumour in dogs. Most dog owners give very little thought to their dog developing skin cancer because our furry companions are, well–covered in hair–presumably protecting them from the sun.

Dogs & Skin Cancer: The reality is that all dogs have certain areas, such as the nose and the pads of the feet where there is little or no hair. Additionally, dogs with light-coloured or thin coats are more susceptible to sun damage over their entire bodies. While not all dog skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, most experts agree sun damage to the skin can be a factor.

Skin Cancer Types: There are different types of skin cancer. Three of the most common include:

Malignant melanoma–these tumours are found on areas of the dogs body that have hair. Most malignant melanomas occur on the mouth or mucus membranes, although about 10% of the tome they are found on parts of the body covered in hair.
Squamous cell carcinoma–this form of dog skin cancer, which occurs in the epidermis, is often caused by exposure to the sun. Researchers now believe there may also be a connection between the papilloma virus and the development of squamous cell tumours.
Mast cell tumours–these are the most common skin tumours in canines, occurring in the mast cells of the immune system. The cause of these tumours is unknown, but evidence points to genetic factors as well certain hormones.

Symptoms of Dog Skin Cancer: Symptoms of dog skin cancer generally appear on the skin in the form of lumps, lesions, and infections. Common symptoms that help diagnose doggy skin cancer include:

Skin discolouration where the skin becomes black, red, or flaky
Fatigue
Presence of lumps or sores on the skin
Coughing
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Continuous scratching in certain areas
Skin problems such as wounds that refuse to heal
General loss of interest

Which breeds are at risk? All dogs can get skin cancer, but certain types of cancer occur more commonly in particular breeds:

Squamous cell carcinomas tend to appear in dogs that are between six and ten years old. Breeds that are more likely to get this type include-*Standard Schnauzers *Basset hounds *Collie *Dalmatians *Bull terriers *Beagles. Dogs with short coats are generally more prone to squamous cell carcinomas.
Mast cell tumours are commonly seen in Boxers, Boston terriers, Labrador retrievers, Beagles, and Schnauzers.
Malignant melanomas on the toe or in the toenail appear most frequently in black dogs.
Benign melanomas are associated with *Miniature schnauzers, *Doberman Pinschers, *Airedale Terriers, and *Bay Retrievers

Early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Treatment for dog skin cancer can be successful if detected early. It is essential to keep a check on your dogs behaviour. Frequent bathing and regular grooming will help you spot problems quickly.

Remember, long thick coats can obscure tumours, not prevent the disease. Develop a health check routine with your pet:

Examine your dog at lease monthly. Check for tumours, areas of colour change, or scaly/crusty lesions.
Separate the hair and look closely at the skin beneath.
Finding tumours that bleed easily or areas that refuse to heal is reason for concern
Continually licking at an area should prompt closer examination.
Check your dogs mouth for masses or tissue that seems different from surrounding areas.
Remember to check under the tail for any suspicious limps or areas of discolouration.
Swelling in the breast tissue or discharge from a nipple should signal an immediate Veterinary exam.
If you employ a mobile dog wash service or take your dog to a Groomer, ask them to alert you to anything suspicious.
Report anything that doesn’t appear normal to your Veterinarian.

Be Sun Smart

Overexposure to the sun is considered to be the main cause of dog skin cancer. Reduce your dog’s exposure by providing her/him with a Dog house or suitable shelter when outside. Remember:

Daylight saving time allows more time for you and your pet outdoors, but be aware of maximum UV ray periods.
In the Southern hemisphere, especially Australia and New Zealand, UV rays are often more powerful than in the Northern hemisphere.
Cloudy days may feel cooler, but UV rays can still reach your dogs skin–and you own. Be sun smart for both of you!

Treatment

Accepting that prevention is the best medicine, if your dog does contract skin cancer, the treatment depends on the type of tumour and it’s location. Surgery is often the first step for malignant melanomas. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

There is also a vaccine that causes the dogs’ own immune system to attack tumour cells, which often successfully extends the survival time of dogs with oral melanoma.

It’s your responsibility.

Because some types of dog skin cancer, including dog melanomas and most cell tumours, are fatal if untreated, it is important that you have your Veterinarian check any suspicious growths.

While it is common for dogs to get skin cancer between the ages of six and fourteen, dogs can develop cancer at any time.

As a responsible pet owner, it is important you know how to prevent skin cancer as well as recognise it when it occurs.

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