Five Tips to Protect Your Dog from Skin Cancer

CANINE SKIN CANCER:

FIVE RISK FACTORS AND FIVE GREAT TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR POOCH

It’s #FACTUALFRIDAY everyone — and since it’s still summer we’re going to talk about skin cancer once more — but this time, our focus will be canine skin cancer.

You see, our four-legged friends are susceptible to the same skin conditions — including cancer — that we are. What’s more, this disease in dogs is surprisingly similar to the disease in humans.

First, the RISK FACTORS include:

Heredity: Some breeds are more likely to develop skin cancers than others. For example, dogs with black coats develop more melanomas in the nail beds and dogs with thin, short and light-colored coats develop more squamous cell carcinomas.

Sun Exposure: No great surprise here. Harmful UVA and UVB rays cause damage even if most of your skin is covered in fur.

Female Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone — culprits even for the four-legged girls.

Skin Inflammations and Lesions: Remember our conversation in the SSCC?? And, our Cancer Blueprint?? Cells that have been injured — over and over again — become weakened and damaged — and more susceptible to illness and disease, including cancer.

Papilloma Virus: It may not be Human Papilloma Virus, but it can wreck just as much havoc with our pups — causing small warts around the mouth that can lead to squamous cell tumors.

Of course, the most vulnerable doggie body parts are those that are more exposed such as the nail beds and paw pads, the mouth and muzzle, the nose and ears AND the abdomen.

So, HOW DO WE PROTECT OUR PETS?? In the same ways that we protect ourselves!! That’s how!!

— Talk to your Vet. Make sure you understand the hereditary cancer risks your dog may face based on breed and coloring.

— Stay away from dogs that appear to be sick. The best way to treat a virus is to avoid it in the first place.

— Stop excessive licking. This may contribute to the development of cancer-related mutations. Treat any skin inflammations, lesions or infections immediately.

— Have regular check-ups. Make sure you schedule an annual exam for your pup replete with a full-body inspection. AND always visit your Vet if you notice any lump, bump, sore or discoloration on your pup’s skin.

AND, OF COURSE, MOST OF ALL:

— Practice SUN SENSE. Remember, sun sense is really just common sense. Don’t expose your pup to the hottest hours of the day and the strongest rays of the sun. Always provide a shady area for rest outdoors. And, be careful of piping hot surfaces like asphalt, sand and concrete that can burn and damage delicate paws.

And if your pooch spends a lot of time swimming at the beach or hiking in the mountains — or in any other adventurous activity — consider these great options:

— Sun Block Clothing: Protective gear like vests and hats. These products not only block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays but often are infused with SPF protection as well.

— Doggy Sun Screen: Yep. It’s special-made for the canine in your life. Just apply to the vulnerable areas we discussed like the nose and ears.

— Doggy Sun Glasses or Goggles: Affectionately known as DOGGLES. (Really, is that cute or what?) They come in a variety of sizes and styles — designed to please the most discerning dog divas. Great protection from sun, spray and wind.

So, there we have it!! The low-down on canine skin cancer. Just as we protect our own health, please protect that of your pet. It will help insure years and years of togetherness for you and your best friend!

Thanks for joining me everyone! And, until next time — WOOF!

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!