By: Douglas Black,

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?

Can animals develop skin cancer, as humans can? They absolutely can. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that the family dog or cat is very susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun, and care must be taken for their welfare as well as ours. Common sense tells us to provide plenty of shade and limit our pets’ exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours.

Direct sunlight is not the sole cause of skin cancer in pets, but it is certainly a major contributor. Hormones, previous burns, viruses and inoculations are among the other factors that can cause animals to acquire skin cancer. Pets, like humans, have a genetic predisposition to the development of skin cancer. It’s a disease that can run in your pet’s family, the same way it can run in yours.

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

Early detection, however, is not always enough. The disease can progress quickly in six months, so it’s important that you are aware of how he or she normally behaves. If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort, his or her normal behavior will change. As your pet’s caregiver, be aware of this natural sign that dictates it’s time for a thorough physical check-up.

Look for weight loss, changes in eating habits or a disinterest in taking part in everyday activities like playing and going for a walk.

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.

Pets, like humans, can develop skin cancer from excessive exposure to the sun. Your pet naturally loves to spend time outdoors, and you need to be the protector. Provide a cool, shady resting spot or simply limit the time spent outdoors to early morning or late afternoon and evening hours.

Essayist Sterling Ostin is a freelancer for numerous popular web sites, and you can read more articles by him if you click here or visit this site.

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