Summer sun can pose a serious threat to pets

We are hearing a lot in today’s media about the effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun, especially with a loss of ozone.  While we know that this can cause severe sunburns or skin cancer in humans, these problems may also be seen in animals.

Owners of collies and related dogs have become aware of the syndrome known as “Collie Nose.” The animal exhibits hair loss and sometimes raw areas around the bridge of the nose in the summer when the sun is bright. This condition may become quite serious. It is a signal that the dog may have an immune-system malfunction.  The old treatments involving sunscreens are only one step in dealing with the problem. The dogs should be tested for an immune system disorder as well. This may indicate the use of drugs that could actually combat the source of the trouble.

Owners of white cats often find that the tips of the ears seem to get a crusty appearance in the summer. This very often is the first sign of skin cancer on the ears.

Such an animal should be examined to determine if cancer is present. It is often necessary to remove the tips from the ears before the cancer spreads too far.

Horses and cattle grazing in pastures containing certain clovers or weeds are often susceptible to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Chemicals contained in these plants may cause the white-skinned areas of these animals to get sunburned and actually peel off the flesh. This condition (known as photosensitivity) is quite serious and requires medical attention.

The most common medical problem resulting from the sun has nothing to do with its ultraviolet rays, but just from its heat.  This is the problem encountered when an animal is left in a parked car. A car left even for a short time may become an oven.  Leaving a window down a little ways is no assurance that the animal inside will not suffer heat stroke. The only consistently safe practice is to not leave the animal in the car.

(Fred Conkel is the veterinarian at Westgate Clinic.)