Summer is coming and our pets also suffer the effects of high temperature. Now that thermometers are skyrocketing, we need to pay special attention to the amount of time our pets spend in the sun, as they too can suffer the effects of overexposure. “Our animals can also be burnedEspecially those who have a light coat and are hairless and in the most exposed areas, such as the abdomen, scrotum, nasal plane, eyelids or ears,” he tells us. Marcos Fernandez MonzonPractice Manager AniCura Navia, AVEPA Accredited in Dermatology and ESAVS Certified in Dermatology. So much so, dogs can suffer from skin cancer. Which animal is most vulnerable? Dogs and cats with white coats and short hair are most predisposed Development of skin melanomaA tumor involving the epidermis and dermis or just the dermis. As we can guess, the areas with the least hair are usually the most affected, such as in certain areas of the ventral part of the trunk, mainly the abdominal area, the ears and the bridge of the nose.
Also Read: Can Dogs Get Sunburn?
How can we avoid sunburn?
The truth is that we assume that pets are, for the most part, better adapted to solar radiation than humans Natural protection provided by their coat of hair. However, it is very common to cut or shave our pets in the summer, removing part of this natural barrier. Also, there are areas like the nose, lips or groin that are not covered by this coating, making them more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
- Just as we ourselves do, We are advised to avoid going out with pets In the middle of the dayAvoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak incidence from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, especially in white-coated animals.
- This is a good option Apply sun cream total screen In the most exposed area while walking. There are sunscreens specifically formulated for pets when pets are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
- You can also apply Protect the animal with protective clothing Specially designed to protect the most sensitive area for them, although this option is not well tolerated by our pets.
What are the symptoms of skin melanoma?
Another question that arises is how this health problem manifests itself in our pets, and Anicura experts tell us that the following are different:
- Skin lesions.
- Abnormal skin itching.
- Redness in some areas of your skin.
- Excessive scratching.
Also Read: What Symptoms Can Warn Us That Our Dog Has Skin Problems?
How can I tell if my pet has a skin tumor?
Annabelle Dalmau, AVEPA-accredited veterinary dermatologist at AniCura Mediterrani Hospital Veterinary commented that “the preventive medicine we administer at a clinical level is very important, since early diagnosis is the main factor that affects the progression of the disease.”
This is essential to prevent tumor growth that can cause more serious health complications for our furry friends Get regular dermatological check-ups and see a specialist at the first sign. “Most manifest as tumors Small lumps or nodules Those that sting when petting or handling the animal are usually not painful, but sometimes they can appear as crusty sores, sometimes generalized or diffuse, even with peeling and severe itching,” says Dalmau.
Treatment if cancer is confirmed
Once a tumor is identified, it is best to undergo an evaluation by an oncologist to find the most appropriate treatment options. “Whenever possible, Surgery would be the therapeutic method of choice“Dalmau said. Fortunately, most skin tumors are resolved favorably by surgical tumor removal. To increase the chances of success in this intervention, early diagnosis and speed of action are particularly important. From this veterinary clinic they detail three strategies.
- Surgery: Removing the cancer is usually the first option to deal with the problem. Sometimes it is necessary to remove not only the tumor but also some surrounding healthy tissue to prevent tumor cells from remaining or spreading to the area.
- Chemotherapy: In this case, drugs are administered that act directly on the cells to prevent or stop their proliferation.
- Radiotherapy: This option is used locally to treat cancer.
Prevention is essential
What is essential is to try to prevent, so that our pets do not suffer from this skin condition. In this sense, it is essential to avoid sunburn on our pets to prevent more serious health problems leading to skin cancer.
