California Pet Insurance

A California pet insurance agent was telling me about the dangers of pet cancer. Skin cancer is surprisingly common in dogs and cats, and the main culprit is the same one for humans UV radiation. Even though your friend is furry, he or she is still susceptible to overexposure of the sun. Not to worry, though, there are simple and even fun steps one can take to protect their dog or cat. According to Dr. Ruthanne Chun, assistant professor and oncology researcher at Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine, skin cancer is the most common cancer among dogs and the second most common among cats. For dogs, 450 of every 100,000 will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and for cats it's 120 of every 100,000. No one wants to suffer the pain of watching their little one go through skin cancer, so it's important to take the proper steps to avoid the disease. Just as with humans, UV rays from the sun play a large role in causing skin cancer with dogs and cats. California pet insurance agent said that many owners may think that their dog's or cat's coat will protect them, but this is only partially true. Many breeds have short, thin coats and fair skin on their ears and bellies. These areas are in the most danger of developing skin cancer. Aside from overexposure to UV, other known causes of skin cancer are viruses, hormones, burns, genetics and vaccines (only in cats). Once an owner educates him or herself about these causes, the proper steps can be taken to prevent skin cancer in dogs and cats. That step can simply be to apply an SPF 30 sunblock to their dog's or cat's exposed areas. It's usually best to apply the lotion to the ears, belly and any other bare or barely covered skin.