- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
BY JEAN STARR
Times Correspondent | Monday, July 17, 2006 | (No comments posted.)
It's summertime and everyone's outside more than normal. You've got your human sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing, but what about your canine or feline pals? According to Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, too much ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburn in cats and dogs.
Although the hair coat serves as a barrier, animals that have certain autoimmune conditions are more likely to be harmed by too much sun, according to Dr. Mary Bagladi-Swanson, assistant professor at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
"Some areas of the body are lightly haired and lightly pigmented, such as the abdomen and face of dog breeds including bull terriers and Dalmatians and the ears of white cats," she said. "These areas can be prone to damage from ultraviolet light."
Sun damage can range from burning to skin cancer, Bagladi-Swanson said.
That is why any change in the skin should be looked at by a veterinarian. The same cautions humans use for avoiding too much Ultraviolet rays can be applied to dogs and cats.
Dr. Christopher Keeley of Southlane Veterinary Hospital in Valparaiso said that, as far as symptoms go, pets can exhibit everything people can, including sores or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, and discoloring in parts of the skin. "Pets most at risk are those with white coats and pink skin," Keeley said. "Also, breeds with thin coats like Yorkies and those that have thin coats due to thyroid disease."
Keeley said he sees his share of skin cancer in pets, including horses.
Horses that are most prone to skin cancer are those like paint breeds because of their white and non-pigmented skin, he said. There also can be immune-mediated conditions that make an animal more susceptible to skin cancers. These conditions are caused by faulty signals in the immune system that cause an unnatural acceleration of the growth of skin cells.
If your pet is prescribed any medication, it might be a good idea to ask your vet if the medication can make sun exposure more of an issue. All agree that prevention is the best defense against skin cancer.
Keeley said clothing manufactured with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor can be used on dogs that are out in the sun a lot. One company, called Coolibar, makes infant outfits that can be worn by dogs.
Ken DiLullo is partner at Doggles, the company that created sunglasses for dogs several years ago. The Doggles -- goggles for dogs -- offer 100 percent UV protection, are shatterproof and have anti-fog lenses.
Doggles has come up with a canine sunscreen that is nontoxic and water-based. The SPF 15 product, which DiLullo says doesn't dry sticky, comes in a spray bottle.
"A lot of people use it if the dog has a light colored nose," DiLullo said. "Or if a dog has very fine hair and you can see the skin through it." The spray makes it easier to make sure your four-legged beach buddy is covered. And don't forget the stomach, an area with less fur than the rest of the dog, which is subject to burn through reflected light.
Prevention keys
* Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., considered the time at which the sun is at its most intense.
* Make sure your dog has shade if it is outdoors.
* For horses, find UV protective fly masks at your supplier, which shield the eyelids that are most prone to cancer.
* Check out the kiddie clothing that can be worn by dogs at www.coolibar.com.
* Find Doggles or Doggles sunscreen at many major pet supply companies, or visit www.doggles.com.
Prevention keys
* Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., considered the time at which the sun is at its most intense.
* Make sure your dog has shade if it is outdoors.
* For horses, find UV protective fly masks at your supplier, which shield the eyelids that are most prone to cancer.
* Check out the kiddie clothing that can be worn by dogs at www.coolibar.com.
* Find Doggles or Doggles sunscreen at many major pet supply companies, or visit www.doggles.com.
Back to story No comments posted.
- It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
- It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
- It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
- It promoted violence or illegal acts.
- It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.
In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.
Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.
Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.
If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.
For more information please read our Terms of Service.