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31st Oct 2007
Skin cancer is common in dogs - early detection is the key to successful treatment.
According to www.labbies.com, skin cancer in dogs comprises of 58% of the total cancers occurring in dogs.
All dogs are prone to skin cancer, however, dogs with short coats and/or pale skin have a higher chance of developing skin cancer.
Breeds of dogs that have been found to have a higher incidence of skin cancer include:
boxers • Scottish terriers • bull mastiffs • basset hounds • weimaraners • samoyed • schnauzers • Scottish terriers • golden retrievers • doberman pinschers • Chinese crested hairless dog • dalmation • pit bulls • German short-haired painters
Excessive exposure to sunlight has been shown to cause a high incidence of skin cancer. Trying to keep your dog out of the sunlight will be close to impossible.
The easiest way to protect skin from the sun’s UV rays is to:
Ear infections are one of the main reasons for pet owners to visit their vet.
Common signs include head shaking, redness, bad smell, frequent scratching, pain and abnormal discharge.
A dog’s ear is a complex organ that can become irritated because of a whole host of causes. Excessive hair or floppy ears can trap moisture inside the ear, like after swimming. While these factors may predispose your pet to infection or make a current infection worse.
Please contact your vet if your pet shows any of these signs.
1. With our weather getting quite hot, please don’t leave your dog in the car. If you have to transport your pet anywhere, have your windows down.
2. Make sure you have plenty of fresh drinking water. Preferably two large containers held down with something heavy or tied so they cannot be tipped over.
3. Keep all pets out off the yard while mowing the grass in case they get injured if objects are thrown during use
4. Avoid the use highly poisonous slug and snail baits such as metalgehyde and methiocarb; if swallowed please seek veterinary care immediately.
5. Ensure packets of poisons are stored securely in places where animals cannot reach them or find them accidentally.
