Did You Know Dogs Get Skin Cancer Too?

It might be summertime, but here in sunny Arizona, our Phoenix veterinary team at North Central Animal Hospital wants to remind you that dogs can develop skin cancers at any time of the year! Read on to learn more about preventing skin cancer for your furry friend.

How Do Dogs Get Skin Cancer?

Many pet owners don't realize that even dogs can get skin cancer, especially if their canine friend has lots of fur or hair. Light-haired dogs are most susceptible to squamous cell carcinomas, caused by sun damage. These cancerous cells tend to develop in body areas with sparse hair. Other cancers, including basal cell and melanomas, may vary in severity and body location. Genetics are believed to play a role in a dog's relative risk.

Of course, sun exposure is not always the cause. The most common type of skin cancer affecting dogs is caused by mast cells, which are inflammatory cells that lead to small, red, itchy, raspberry-like red tumors that can show up virtually anywhere on the body, even in densely hairy areas.

Because cancer can sometimes spread, our veterinarian typically removes any cancerous skin cells and performs biopsies to determine if additional treatment is needed, such as radiation and chemotherapy.

How Can I Prevent My Dog from Getting Skin Cancer?

To reduce the risk of sun-induced cancers, provide plenty of shade for your dog during outdoor play. Pet-safe sunscreen is also helpful on a dog's nose and ears. It's best to introduce sunblock when your dog is still a puppy so it will learn to tolerate it better. Because skin cancer can sometimes develop inside a dog's mouth or on a dog's foot, it's also important to train your dog to be comfortable with you inspecting these areas periodically.

Contact Our Phoenix Veterinarian Today!

It's not always easy to catch signs and symptoms of skin cancer in dogs, but prevention and early intervention are crucial for improving your dog's chances of recovery.

To schedule a pet wellness exam or to learn more about how we can help, call North Central Animal Hospital in Phoenix today at (602) 395-9773.