Orange December is an awareness campaign also aimed at the health of dogs and cats, especially during summer, a period when sun exposure intensifies.
Just like in humans, pets can develop skin cancer, especially those with light, short fur or with poorly pigmented areas such as ears, snout, eyelids, and abdomen, making prevention and information even more important at this time of year.
In this interview, we exclusively spoke with Veterinarian, Fabiana Oliveira, who works with Preventive Medicine and Dermatology for dogs and cats.
During the conversation, she explains the main precautions to protect dogs and cats against sun damage, warning signs that deserve attention, and daily prevention strategies.
Follow along and at the end of the reading share with friends and family.
Happy reading.
Pet Med - What is Orange December and why is this campaign also important in veterinary dermatology for dogs and cats?
Orange December is an awareness campaign about skin cancer prevention. In veterinary dermatology, it is fundamental because dogs and cats can also develop skin tumors, many of which are related to excessive sun exposure and lack of early diagnosis.
Pet Med - Can dogs and cats develop sun exposure-related skin cancer? How does this happen?
Fabiana Oliveira - Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, leading to the development of pre-cancerous lesions and malignant tumors over time, especially in poorly pigmented areas or those with little hair protection.
Pet Med - What are the main risk factors for skin cancer in pets, especially during summer?
Fabiana Oliveira - The main factors include prolonged sun exposure, light or short fur, poorly pigmented skin, old age, history of chronic skin lesions, and lack of sun protection measures.
Pet Med - Which animals are more predisposed to skin cancer (breed, coat color, skin type)?
Fabiana Oliveira - Animals with light or white coats or pink areas, short-haired dogs, breeds like Boxer, Dalmatian, Pit Bull, Bull Terrier, and white cats are more predisposed, especially when frequently exposed to the sun.
Pet Med - What are the most common types of skin cancer in dogs and cats seen in dermatological practice?
Fabiana Oliveira - In clinical practice, the most common include squamous cell carcinoma, mastocytoma, melanoma, and cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. In cats, squamous cell carcinoma is quite frequent, especially on the ears, nose, and eyelids.
Pet Med - What signs or skin lesions should alert owners to seek immediate veterinary evaluation?
Fabiana Oliveira - Non-healing wounds, persistent scabs, nodules, reddish or darkened areas, bleeding, skin thickening, and changes in the color or shape of existing lesions are warning signs and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Pet Med - Does sun exposure at specific times increase the risk of skin lesions and cancer in pets?
Fabiana Oliveira - Yes. Exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM is the most harmful, as ultraviolet radiation is most intense during this period, significantly increasing the risk of sunburn and chronic skin lesions.
Pet Med - Is sunscreen for dogs and cats recommended?
Fabiana Oliveira - Yes, it can be recommended, as long as it is pet-specific sunscreen. It should be applied to the most exposed areas, such as the snout, ears, belly, and areas with little hair, avoiding human products that contain substances toxic to animals.
Pet Med - How is skin cancer diagnosed in dogs and cats in clinical practice?
Fabiana Oliveira - Diagnosis involves dermatological clinical evaluation, complementary exams such as cytology, biopsy, and histopathology. Early diagnosis is essential to increase the chances of successful treatment.
Pet Med – Finally, what preventive measures can owners take to protect their pets during the summer?
Fabiana Oliveira - Avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, providing shade, using veterinary sunscreen, and using protective barriers such as Ultratech protective clothing, which helps protect and restore sensitive skin with UV protection, reducing direct sun exposure (use as needed/directed), maintaining regular dermatological follow-up, and observing any changes in the skin are essential preventive measures.
