TEXAS VET NEWS By Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and the Texas Farm Bureau Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network

Humans are constantly reminded by dermatologists about exposure to the sun and the risk of skin damage and cancer.   Although you may not realize it, our pets can also be susceptible to diseases related to excessive sun exposure.  Valerie Fadok, a veterinary dermatologist in Colorado, indicates she sees a lot of a condition called DLE, which causes redness and crusting of the muzzle.  The complete cause of DLE is unclear, but it is known that sun exposure greatly increases the severity of the disease. 

Dogs, cats, and even horses with sparse hair and light colored hair and skin are more susceptible to sun related diseases.  Sunburn is painful in animals just as in people, and it is recommended to keep your pet or horse out of the sun especially during the summer from 10 am to 4 pm.  Horses can be protected in a barn ; even a shade tree can really help.  Dogs don’t have to be kept inside as long as you have shaded areas in the yard.  There are numerous cancers that can affect the skin of animals and most are related to sun exposure. Sunscreen can be used on animals but may be difficult to use in a haired area.  Also, you must be careful the pet does not lick the sunscreen as it could be hazardous.  There are even sun suits available for your pet to prevent skin exposure, although the pet may get hot in these or may chew them off. 

This is another factor to consider when purchasing a dog.  A white dog would not be a good choice for a yard dog if you do not have adequate shade in the Texas climate.  Although many treatments are available for skin disease, prevention is much easier and less expensive.  If your dog develops a skin lesion, contact your vet as some of these conditions can be serious.

Date Published: 8/15/2005 11:53:00 AM