The Dangers Of Dog Skin Cancer



Posted: Saturday, August 08, 2009

by Dan Fletcher
Dan Fletcher

Dogs developing skin cancer is a major concern just as it is for humans developing skin cancer. About 1 in every 200 dogs (or approximately 0.5% of dogs) will develop some form of tumor or skin cancer per year. Read on below for some advice on how to check your dog for skin cancer and how to minimize your dog's chances of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer in dogs occurs due to too much UV rays reaching the dog (sunlight) and affecting the dogs DNA causing cancer. Dogs with light skin, bare patches, light pigment and certain breeds such as bull terriers are more at risk of developing a form of skin cancer than other dogs.

So how do you check your dog for skin cancer? First you should familiarize yourself with your dogs skin. Look and feel around the skin for any areas where the appearance has changed or where you can feel lumps that were not there before. You should also monitor your dogs behavior as if they appear tired, lethargic or are not eating it could be a sign of cancer. If you are at all concerned, always take your dog to the vet for a checkup.

Below are 4 suggestions to minimize the risk of your dog getting skin cancer:

1) Sunscreen - If your dog is outside for long periods, apply sunscreen to areas such as your dogs belly, nose and underarms, or wherever the skin is light or there is little hair.

2) Pick The Right Dog - If you live in a hot climate, pick a dog with dark pigmented skin and a medium to long coat.

3) Keep Out Of Direct Sun - Working all day means your dog is often kept outside all day. Consider leaving your dog indoors whilst you are at work. Also, try not to walk your dog between 9am-4pm in the daytime where the sun is at it's strongest.

4) Dog Vests - Clothes such as jackets and vests can minimize the effects of the sun, but often slip up, get torn or are played with by the dog. You should also not walk your dog in the middle of the day (between 9am-4pm) as this is when the sun is at it's most strongest.

If you examine your dog for skin cancer regularly, you will have more of a chance to defeat the cancer if caught early.

Dan Fletcher is the owner of PuppiesSale.org, featuring puppy dogs for sale and lots of puppy articles .

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