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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?

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.

Much like their fair-skinned human counterparts, light colored cats and dogs are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Pets with white fur are, of course, at the highest end of the risk scale. Further, all parts of the body where the coat is thin are at greatest risk. These include the stomach, ear tips, inside of a dog’s hind legs, pink noses and the 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.

Changes in eating habits, weight loss and a general disinterest in playing, going for a walk and other everyday activities are all signs that it’s time for a checkup.

Be on the lookout for physical changes to your pet. If you note changes to moles, or newly developed sores on your pet, get him or her to the vet quickly.

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.

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