SUN SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS
Our pets need sun safety too. Too few owners are protecting their pets against skin cancer. Here, thanks to Pawssum, are some sun safety tips for pets…
Too Few Owners Protecting Their Pets Against Skin Cancer
Many pet owners are unknowingly leaving their dogs and cats exposed to developing skin cancer because they don’t realise the impact the sun can have on their pet’s health, according to the Australian home visit vet booking service, Pawssum.
Melbourne veterinarian Dr Vadim Chelom, chief executive officer of app-based service Pawssum Vets, said dogs and cats were very prone to skin cancer but many owners simply weren’t aware of the risks.
“Because they have fur, we just don’t think about protecting them from the sun the way we think about protecting our own skin but sun exposure is a big issue because dogs and cats can get sunburned but they won’t avoid the sun, even in high temperatures,” Dr Chelom explained.
“These animals usually develop cancers in places which are hairless, so their nose, eyelids, ears, and abdomen are at increased risk – especially the belly because many dogs love to sunbake on their back. Dogs with very thin hair don’t follow the rules; they can get skin cancer anywhere and pale dogs and cats are also more likely to develop it.”
According to Pets Insurance Australia, in 2016 there were approximately 1,500 claims Australia-wide for skin cancer in dogs. Cats also suffer the effects of skin cancer but statistics indicate not as much as dogs.
“Skin cancers in dogs and cats are usually not melanomas, so they are often not pigmented – they can be completely white – which can make them hard to spot by owners,” said Dr Chelom. “And, in cats, in particular, skin cancers are often not lumps at all, they may be erosions on the skin which can be very confusing.
“In short, it’s best to have a vet examine every lump in dogs or cats because there’s no way to tell skin cancer by looking at it and, if you’re worried, sooner rather than later is better because delaying a skin check may allow cancer to spread, making it too late to treat.”
Sunscreen and Pets
Dr Chelom also issued a warning about sunscreens and pets.
“Human sunscreens can be toxic to dogs – the ones with zinc in them can cause gastrointestinal issues so should be avoided,” he said. “Pet sunscreens are safe but shouldn’t be solely relied upon because it’s hard to apply them to the right areas, they only last for two hours or so, and pets often will lick them off.”
Sun Safety Tips for Pets
- Offer multiple sources of shade for your dog or cat; having shade in one place is not enough. Providing shade is the only way to protect your pet but note that shade cloths and lighter materials may not provide enough protection.
- Sun coming in through windows is still dangerous. Don’t allow your pets (cats especially love this) to spend a long time on the windowsill on a hot day.
- Dogs and cats that live in harsher climates of Australia are more at risk so be extra careful in those areas.
- Doggy hats and t-shirts have their place, especially if shade is limited. When using these make sure they cover the problem areas: nose, eyelids, ears, and abdomen.
- Window tinting can be helpful if you can’t block the light coming in your home or car.
- Pets can also experience heatstroke because they don’t sweat like humans do, only pant. Watch for signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, weakness, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, unresponsiveness.
- When walking your pet on hot days, ensure they have plenty of water, shade and rest along the way and avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day.
About Pawssum:
Pawssum enables vets to make home visits and then refers cases needing surgery to trusted and selected Pawssum referral vet clinics around Australia.
Pawssum’s on-demand veterinarians can deliver 80% of a pet’s health care needs in the home – or office – including vaccinations, health checks, dental checks, behaviourist consultations and peaceful at-home euthanasia for increased comfort and privacy. Head to pawssum.com.au for more details.
Summer reading…
5 Signs Your Dog Is Suffering From Heatstroke and Hyperthermia
Could your pet be dehydrated? Tips for summer
Keeping guinea pigs cool in summer
Spring into action with your pet
One comment
Comments are closed.