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How to spot early symptoms of skin cancer on your dog.
Skin cancer isn’t just a disease in people … and it isn’t just caused by too much time spent in the sun without sunscreen. Half of all dogs get cancer, and all forms of cancer are on the rise, including dog skin cancer.
In fact, skin tumors are the most common tumors found in dogs. Fortunately, when caught early, many cases of dog skin cancer can be treated successfully.
Not all varieties of dog skin cancer are caused by sun exposure, but sun damage to the skin can be a factor. All dogs have certain areas, such as the nose and the ears, where there is no or little hair to shield sensitive skin from the sun. Additionally, pooches with light-colored or thin coats are more susceptible to sun damage over their entire bodies.
Because some types of dog skin cancer, including dog melanomas and mast cell tumors, are fatal if untreated, it is important that you have your veterinarian check any suspicious growths.
Types of Skin Cancer in Dogs
There are different types of dog skin cancers. Three of the most common include:
Malignant melanoma. Just as in people, malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer in dogs that affects pigmented cells known as melanocytes. Dogs often develop benign tumors in pigmented cells that do not metastasize, which are called melanocytomas.
These tumors are found on areas of the dog’s body that have hair.
Most malignant melanomas occur on the mouth or mucous membranes, although about 10% of the time they are found on parts of the body covered with hair. They tend to grow extremely fast and are likely to spread to other organs, including the lungs and liver.
No one knows exactly why melanomas develop, although genetic factors seem to play a role. Additionally, trauma or compulsive licking of a particular spot on the skin may increase the likelihood that cells will multiply, thereby raising the chances that cells will mutate during the division process and become cancerous.
Squamous cell carcinoma. This form of dog skin cancer is often caused by exposure to the sun. Scientists believe there may also be a connection between the papilloma virus and the development of squamous cell tumors in certain dogs.
Although squamous cell cancers do not spread to surrounding lymph nodes, they are aggressive and may lead to destruction of much of the tissue around the tumor.
Mast cell tumors. These dog skin cancers, which occur in the mast cells of the immune system, are the most common skin tumors in canines. Veterinarians don’t know what causes mast cell tumors to develop, although there have been cases where they have been linked to inflammation or irritants on the skin. Evidence suggests genetic factors are often important, and the hormones estrogen and progesterone may also affect cancer growth.
Dog Skin Cancer: Which Breeds Are at Risk?
All dogs can get skin cancer, but certain types of cancer more commonly occur in particular breeds.
Benign melanocytomas are often seen in Vizslas, Miniature Schnauzers, Doberman Pinschers, Airedale Terriers, and Bay Retrievers, typically in animals between 5 and 11 years old. Malignant melanomas on the toe or in the toenail bed appear more frequently in black dogs. Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers are at greatest risk.
Squamous cell carcinomas tend to appear in dogs that are between six and 10 years old. Breeds that are more likely to get this type of skin cancer include Keeshonds, Standard Schnauzers, Basset Hounds, Collies, Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, and Beagles. In general, dogs with short coats (especially those with light skin) are more prone to squamous cell carcinomas.
Mast cell tumors are most commonly seen in Boxers and pugs, and are also found with some frequency in Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, and Schnauzers.
Signs and Symptoms: How to Spot Skin Cancer in Dogs.
Dog skin cancer symptoms depend on the type of cancer it is and where the tumor is located on your dog’s body.
Melanomas. Benign melanocytomas may range in size from very small to more than 2.5 inches in diameter. They appear on areas of the skin covered with hair and may be black, brown, gray, or red in color. Malignant dog melanomas tend to occur in the mouth, on the lips, and in the toenail beds, and pads of the feet. When dog melanomas occur in the feet, they often become infected, leading to misdiagnosis as a simple infection.
Squamous cell carcinomas. These tumors are firm and raised with a wart-like appearance. They often occur on the abdomen and around the genitals. When they occur on the feet, they may be painful and cause your dog to limp.
Mast cell tumors. These skin cancers in dogs are typically slow-growing and rubber-like. More aggressive mast cell tumors grow faster and may ulcerate, leading to the development of sore, inflamed areas on the dog’s body. Mast cell tumors most commonly occur on the trunk of the body, though they are found on the legs about 25% of the time.
Look out for these tell-tale signs of skin cancer on your pet–and you may make a huge difference in helping your dog cope with skin cancer.
Important considerations.
When your dog has a skin cancer, you may see the tumor itself, but you can’t see how the cancer is affecting the rest of your dog’s body. So, when you choose to remove a tumor, you’re just removing one part of the problem. That’s why the tumors so often come back, especially with skin cancer.
There’s something else at work that’s causing the problem to begin with.
What that means is that you need to support the whole body.
How can you do that?
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Minimize vaccines
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Feed a fresh, balanced whole food diet with supplements that support and boost his immune system
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Use natural dewormers and flea and tick remedies
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Stop using heartworm medicines
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Wait until maturity to spay or neuter, and do ovary-sparing spays if possible
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Avoid the use of chemicals in your dog’s environment – household cleaners and pesticides
Your attitude towards cancer also plays a role. Changing your perspective on cancer can make a big difference. Cancer is not a death sentence and your emotions can have a significant impact on how happy – and healthy – your dog is.