We Are The Cure Blog | Canine Cancer Information

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburn. This is especially true of light coated short hair dogs. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Shar Peis, white Pit Bulls, and Chinese Crested Hairless dogs are especially susceptible. All dogs, even ones with thick coats, can get sunburn. Sunburn is painful—and just like us—dogs can develop skin sores, and over exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer.

The areas to be mindful of are the ears, nose, and around the eyes, where the coat is often thinner. “These areas are highly susceptible to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays because they are typically lightly pigmented and frequently exposed to direct sunlight,” says Dr. Ernest Ward, Jr., veterinarian at Seaside Animal Care.

Using Sunblock on Dogs
Dr. Ward recommends using a children’s sunscreen that contains avobenzone, also called Parsol 1789 which is a UVA blocker, and octisalate, which blocks UVB rays. “Avoid sunscreens that contain zinc oxide because accidental ingestion could lead to a serious condition called hemolytic anemia in some pets,” he says. (Hemolytic anemia is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells in the blood.)

Clothing with UV Protection
In addition to using sunblock, several pet stores and online shops sell clothes for dogs with UV protection. “Dog sun suits can protect at risk dogs,” says Ward. “They come in a variety of designs, colors, and materials to suit an individual’s preference. Look for a suit that is at least 30+ UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor); 50+ UPF is ideal.”

Another popular item that protects a dog’s face is a sun visor. Rita Green, owner of the Tailored Dog, an online clothing store and retail shop for dogs, sells a lot of sun visors year round when the sun is out. Dogs can get sunburn even in the winter if the sun is strong. “The visors are made from cotton and the brim has interface which keeps it in shape so it covers a dogs’ eyes, yet allows them to see when walking,” she explains. “My dog, Puma, has been wearing her visors since we met almost 5 years ago. When the sun is out, she always has her eyes protected with a visor.”

Limit Your Dog’s Exposure to the Sun
Long walks and fun times at the dog park are encouraged, but beware of high temperatures. “In general, once it gets above 85 degrees, dog owners should use caution when exercising their dog outdoors,” says Ward. “For most dogs, moderate activity for 30 minutes is safe. If the temps exceed 95 degrees, it’s probably best for both of you to skip the outdoor workout until it cools down. During the summer months, try to walk or jog in the early morning or evenings or seek shady trails. If your dog begins to have rapid or labored breathing, begins to resist walking, or acts depressed, your dog may be overheating. In these cases, stop, rest, and rehydrate. This doesn’t mean you should stop exercising just because your dog is panting; you need to closely watch your pet to determine if the panting is excessive or abnormal. If in doubt, take a break and cool down.”

During summer and in warmer parts of the country, a lot of dog owners shave their dogs to keep them cool. Shaving a dogs’ coat can make them more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. If you decide on shaving your dog’s fur, use a children’s sunscreen that contains avobenzone, also called Parsol 1789 which is a UVA blocker, and octisalate, which blocks UVB rays.

Always be sure to take water with you when you exercise with your dog in warm weather. There are many styles of portable dog bowls that are convenient to carry.

We still have a few more weeks of summer, here in the northern part of the United States. However, it is possible to get sunburn during the winter months. Snow reflects sunlight and can cause sunburn.

This blog has been contributed by Michele C. Hollow, the author of petnewsandviews. It is a weekly blog that covers health issues, stories about people who work with animals, wildlife features, legislation that affects animals, and amusing articles about pets.

With my growing familiarity with the canine world, what I am distinctly observing is that we indeed share a lot of common diseases and infections between us. Tapeworm infection is the latest case in point. Like humans it is very commonly found in the intestines of dogs. These parasites cling to the walls of the intestine and cause diarrhea, discomfort and abdominal pain. In extreme cases it might also lead to weight loss. Sometimes dogs can be seen rubbing their anus against the floor. However, in a vast majority of cases the clinical signs may be non-existent with only the fecal particles exhibiting traces of the worms.

The tapeworms that affect dogs fall into 2 categories- the Taenia species and Dipyllidium caninum (the flea tapeworm). Dipyllidium caninum is the most common of the two. But the million dollar question here is how do our buddies get infected by these worms? It’s simple, by ingesting fleas affected with tapeworms. Sometimes when dogs are invaded by fleas and ticks, they try to get rid of them by licking up their body parts. In the process they end up swallowing one or two such worms. The other less common species can be transmitted through undercooked or raw meat like rice, mice and livestock.

Stool examination is the most reliable method of reaching a definitive diagnosis. When examined microscopically, the stool can be seen swarming with tapeworms. They look like grains of rice.

The treatment depends upon the type of tapeworms present. The most commonly prescribed medicines for such infections include Droncit, Dronal Plus, Cestex and Panacur.

Can tapeworms be prevented? Yes they can be prevented by exercising little caution like controlling fleas and not giving our pets raw and undercooked food.

Some recent reports about canine flu have prompted the Arlington Humane Society in Texas to hold a series of camps this month to vaccinate dogs. Although according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, H3N8 virus is not considered a public threat, dogs are at a risk of contracting the flu from contaminated humans who might unknowingly bring the virus home.

Dr. Mac Todd, a renowned veterinarian who works with the Society said the symptoms  of canine flu may include running nose, cough, lethargy and high temperature. It is basically a respiratory infection that spreads by contact with infected dogs, humans and even objects. The doctor said that if not prevented early canine flu can develop into a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia in humans.

So as a responsible dog owner one should avoid taking his pet to crowded places especially when he is showing signs of the disease. The treatment for canine flu is largely symptomatic, but it responds well to antibiotics.

Experts however warned that dogs adopted from rescue shelters, animal shelters and humane societies were at greater risk of developing the disease than their purebred counterparts.

However, the purpose of the society is not to create panic but to inform dog owners about its possible hazards. So, if you want to safeguard your friend against the possible attack of canine flu get him vaccinated as soon as possible.

Until recently I had no idea that dogs could also be at a high risk of developing hypothyroidism just like humans. Although Rover had been showing certain symptoms of late like obesity, lethargy and frequent skin infections I had not the least idea that hypothyroidism was lurking.

Finally when I consulted a vet he conducted a series of tests which confirmed the same. Though I was a little shaken by this revelation initially, the doctor assured me by saying that hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine diseases found in dogs. It is caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormones secreted by their thyroid glands. It is most commonly seen in middle aged to older dogs. He also enlightened me further about the other symptoms, method of diagnosis and the mode of treatment.

I found these information very useful. So, I thought of penning them down for my online readers. In case your doggy is suffering from hypothyroidism the symptoms may vary from skin infections, loss of hair, abnormalities in the skin, listlessness, anemia and changed facial expression to the less commonly seen ones like cardiac arrhythmias, neurological deficits including facial neuropathy, in-coordination, head tilt, abnormalities in the eyes, gait and seizures. There are some other conditions which may or may not be directly related to hypothyroidism. These include enlarged esophagous, laryngeal paralysis, infertility and behavioral abnormalities.

The vet emphasized that hypothyroidism cannot be diagnosed easily. However, the routine work-ups may include blood tests like total t4 levels, free t4 levels (by electrodialysis), cTSH (canine thyroid stimulating hormone) levels and antitthyroglobulin antibodies. He warned that depressed levels of thyroid could also result from a number of other factors not related to hypothyroidism. So, for reaching a definitive diagnosis it’s important to evaluate the clinical symptoms along with the laboratory test results.

Normally, doctors prescribe thyroid supplements like Oloxine, Thyrosyn twice daily in the initial phase. Above all periodic monitoring is mandatory since ‘hypothyroidism’ is not curable. Once detected your pooch has to be on hormone supplementation drugs for ever. But once the treatment starts there is absolutely no cause for worry.