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Everyone has heard about the risks and dangers of skin cancer. We know that we should 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. But, what about our pets? 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 only cause of skin cancer in pets, but it is certainly a major contributor. Other factors leading to skin cancer in animals are hormones, viruses, previous burns and inoculations. Just like humans, some animals also have a genetic predisposition to developing skin cancer. This disease can run in your pet's family, just as 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 natural protection from the sun's rays. Dalmatians, pit bulls, pointers and bull terriers are among the breeds of dogs most at risk. It's interesting to note that when a Dalmatian develops skin cancer, the disease strikes only the white areas and misses 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. Even early detection is not always enough. A lot can happen in six months, so it's important that, as your pet's caretaker, you are aware of how he or she normally behaves. If your pet seems to be in pain or discomfort, his or her normal behavior will change. That is a natural sign that it's time for a thorough physical check-up. Look for weight loss, changes in eating habits or a disinterest in taking part in everyday activities like playing and 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 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. Pets, like humans, can develop skin cancer from excessive exposure to the sun. Your pet naturally loves to spend time outdoors, and you need to be the protector. Provide a cool, shady resting spot or simply limit the time spent outdoors to early morning or late afternoon and evening hours.
Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com
Columnist Sterling Ostin provides material for several popular Internet magazines, on home improvement and family health topics.
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