{"id":3208,"date":"2019-07-29T23:27:37","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T03:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/?p=3208"},"modified":"2019-07-29T23:27:37","modified_gmt":"2019-07-30T03:27:37","slug":"pet-skin-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovrs.com\/blog\/pet-skin-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Skin Cancer and Sunburn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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We\u2019re concerned about preventing sunburn and skin cancer when we slather on sunscreen or grab a hat. Most of us know at least one person who has a form of skin cancer. But did you know that cats and dogs are at risk of sunburn and skin cancer, too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about pet skin cancer and sunburn and what you can do to protect your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Pet Sunburn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A dog or cat can get sunburn on exposed, sun-sensitive areas. It\u2019s best to avoid much sun exposure between 10am-4pm. If your pet will be spending much time in the sun during peak sun hours, apply sunscreen to sun-sensitive areas of the body (nose, tips of the ears, lips, belly, and groin). Pets with light skin and light fur or no hair at all are most at risk of sunburn. Reapply sunscreen just as you would for yourself or a child if your dog swims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase a pet-friendly sunscreen. Sometimes sunscreen for babies can be used on dogs, but be sure that it doesn\u2019t contain fragrance, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) or zinc oxide. The last two are toxic if licked or ingested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cats can get sunburn too<\/a>. There are few cat-friendly sunscreens on the market. If you choose a baby sunscreen, ensure that it doesn\u2019t contain octyl salicylate and similar products which are toxic to cats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With any sunscreen, watch your pet for the first couple of minutes to prevent licking until the sunscreen has had a chance to soak in. Alternatively, you can choose shirts, hats or goggles to help reduce sun exposure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Pet Skin Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pets can develop several types of skin cancer growths, especially as they age. Sun exposure is a risk factor but it doesn\u2019t cause all skin cancer. Most growths, lumps, and bumps may be nothing to worry about but should have your veterinarian examine them<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more common types of skin cancer include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Malignant melanoma <\/strong>\u2014 Melanomas can either be benign or cancerous. Most often seen on the lips, mouth, and nail bed, melanoma appears as raised, ulcerated bumps.<\/li>
  2. Mast cell tumors <\/strong>\u2014 The most common type of cancer in dogs, mast cell tumors grow anywhere on the body and release histamine that causes an allergic reaction.<\/li>
  3. Histiocytic cell tumors <\/strong>\u2014 This is a type of cell that proliferates and grows into tumors. Younger dogs and Scottish Terriers, Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Boxers, Boston Terriers, and Chinese Shar-Pei are at a higher risk.<\/li>
  4. Fibrosarcoma <\/strong>\u2014 Fibrosarcoma is found in the connective tissues beneath the skin. They grow slowly and rarely metastasize.<\/li>
  5. Squamous Cell Carcinoma <\/strong>\u2014 This is the most common type of carcinoma and typically shows up on lower legs, abdomen, head, and rear. Carcinoma appear as lumps that are firm to the touch. They can appear as sores or ulcers on cats. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Risk Factors for Pet Skin Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The exact cause of skin cancer is unknown, and each type of cancer develops differently. There are several factors that can predispose your pet to skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n