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In dogs, skin cancer can manifest in various ways. Malignant cancers can be very painful for dogs. To protect their dogs, dog parents need to know more about skin cancers. A common cause of skin cancer is sun exposure. But there are other causes of skin cancer in dogs. And so, it is important to dog parents to know more about these causes, types of cancer and the best way to prevent them.

Skin Cancer In Dogs – What Is It? How Long Can Dogs Live With Skin Cancer?

Cancer in humans and dogs occurs due to the rapid multiplication of abnormal cells. Tumors are one of the manifestations of skin cancer in dogs. This rapid growth of abnormal cells can quickly spread to other organs and parts of the body. The spread of cancerous cells from the primary infection area to other parts of the body is known as metastasis. (1)

Some types of skin cancers are life-threatening and dangerous. And so you need to treat them as soon as you find any signs of them in your dog. A lump on the skin, bleeding and infected area on the skin, discoloration of an area on the skin, thickened or abnormal skin textures, and excessive licking and itching of the skin are some of the signs of skin cancer to look out for in your dog.

The most common sign of skin cancer in dogs is a lump on the skin. The good news is that not all lumps are cancerous. There are two types of lumps – malignant and benign. Malignant lumps are dangerous and life-threatening, while benign lumps are not. If you notice even a small lump on your dog’s skin, take him to the vet immediately. The vet’s examination and diagnosis will determine if the lump is dangerous or benign.

If your dog is furry, it may be difficult to spot small lumps while larger lumps are easier to spot. So, it is always good to do regular skin checks for your furry friend. You may also notice bleeding or oozing out of the cancerous areas. While normal wounds heal quickly, these cancerous areas do not heal quickly. This is primarily due to the presence of cancerous cells in that area.

Situations where the dog’s skin is bleeding and oozing may be very painful for them. This causes the dog to lick and itch at the skin frequently, causing more bleeding and infection. Some other skin cancer signs to look out for are discoloration, thickening, and flakiness of the dog’s skin.

What Are The Different Types Of Skin Cancer In Dogs? 4 Types Of Skin Cancers In Dogs

The different types of skin cancer in dogs are:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of carcinoma skin cancer generally occurs due to exposure to the sun. The other triggering factors for this type of cancer are yet unknown to doctors and scientists. Research suggests that surgical intervention is the best type of treatment for this cancer. (2) This type of cancer can also spread to surrounding areas but does not enter the lymph nodes and internal organs.

Malignant Melanoma: This type of cancer usually occurs on the parts of the dog’s body that does not have fur. (3) Melanomas are common tumors in dogs and occur due to melanocytes (melanin-producing cells). Melanocytes cause pigmentation in the skin, and these tumors can be of various colors. (4) This type of cancer spreads rapidly and can also spread to other organs. Oral melanoma is the most common type of cancer in dogs. (5)

Melanocytomas: This is a type of benign melanoma. It does not spread to other areas of the body and occurs under a dog’s furry skin areas. (6)

Mast Cell Tumors: These types of tumors also common tumors occurring in dogs. MCTs are divided into three grades, depending on their level of danger. (7) Grade 1 MCT tumors are not too dangerous and can generally heal when they are surgically removed.

Grade 2 MCT tumors are slightly riskier than grade 1. This grade involves the mitotic index. The mitotic index indicates how fast the cancer is spreading. A low mitotic index tumor is often easy to cure with surgery. And a high mitotic index may need more intervention than surgery like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and others. (8)

Grade 3 MCTs are the most aggressive and dangerous type of tumors. They spread easily, and the most aggressive treatment gives the dog only a fair chance of survival.

What Are The Causes Of Skin Cancer In Dogs? Can Skin Cancer In Dogs Be Cured?

Just like in humans, often the root cause of skin cancers in dogs cannot be known. However, there are a few things that contribute to causing skin cancer in dogs.

Morning sun (before 12 pm) exposure is healthy for dogs. However, overexposure to harsh sun rays can lead to skin cancer in dogs. The skin areas that are not covered with thick fur are more prone to developing skin cancer.

Different breeds are also more prone to developing skin cancer. Some of those breeds are Schnauzers, Keeshonds, Doberman Pinschers, Bay Retrievers, Airedale Terriers, Bassett Hounds, Keeshonds, Scottish Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Dalmatians, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bull Terriers, Beagles, and Pugs.

Dogs that have black skin are also more prone to developing malignant melanomas. And as dogs mature and become old, they too are more prone to develop skin cancer. Excessive licking and chewing of a skin area can also make a dog more prone to skin cancer.

Can Dog Skin Cancer Be Cured? Diagnosis And Treatment Of Skin Cancer In Dogs

The vet will do a thorough examination of your dog’s skin to look for lumps, infections, and decolorization. Depending on the type of skin cancer, he may suggest surgical intervention or may also recommend radiation/ chemotherapy.

The vet may also take samples of the tumor or skin infection and study it under the microscope to know more about your dog’s cancer. The treatment suggested by the vet will depend on the type, size, and location of the skin cancer. While some cancers can be cured by surgical intervention, others may need chemotherapy and other modes of healing.

How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer In My Dog? Skin Cancer Prevention in Dogs

You can limit your dog’s sun exposure. Make sure he goes out only when the morning sun is out. The morning sun is warm and nourishing. Train him to come inside after 12 pm as the sun gets harsh and hot after that. You can also increase your dog’s antioxidant intake. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress (toxins) in the body and increase the flow of oxygen.

They help keep your dog healthy and disease-free. And most importantly, feed your pooch a healthy, clean, and nutritious diet, keep him active and maintain a healthy weight to keep in free from illness and disease.

Bread is a staple food in the American diet. It is easy to bake, readily available in the market, tastes good, and is also easy on the pocket. But most of all, bread is comfort food that all Americans love. If you look into an American’s pantry, you are bound to find bread in there.

There are so many different ways bread is consumed – pizza bread, garlic bread, sandwiches, whole wheat bread, burger buns, and so much more. All of these are delicious and hearty ways to eat bread. And while you are enjoying your whole wheat sandwich, your pooch is staring at you with puppy dog eyes. He wants some of your sandwich.

If you’re wondering, can dogs eat bread or is bread safe for dogs, the answer is yes. Dogs can eat bread. However, not all types of bread are safe for dogs. Some of them can be lethal for dogs and should be kept away at all costs.

What are the Dangers of Eating too much Bread?

Overeating bread is unhealthy for humans and dogs alike. Research suggests that over consumption of white bread can cause obesity and weight gain. (1) Most bread also contains high levels of sugar from the wheat. And so, too much of it can cause a spike in your dog’s blood sugar levels.

Try to give your dog bread made from rye or other gluten-free grains. Even whole wheat bread is safer for your dog. The Glycemic index of white bread is double the glycemic index of rye bread. (2) (3) Research suggests that ancient types of wheat have more health benefits than modern wheat bread. (4) (5) So, try to bake bread from ancient grains for your furry friend.

If your dog is having stomach issues, the vet may recommend bland food for your dog’s healing. While plain bread may seem like a good option, there are better ones. White or brown rice with some boiled chicken might better suit your dog in such a situation. Chicken and rice have more nourishment than bread.

Most dogs like to nibble on a piece of toast of bread. And if they get to do that once in a while, it shouldn’t be an issue. However, too much of it can cause digestive distress in dogs.

Potential Dangers from Bread Dough for Dogs | How much Bread can a Dog Eat?

Freshly baked bread is one of the most delightful foods, and your pup can enjoy it once in a while. However, unbaked dough can be harmful to dogs. If your dog eats unbaked dough, it can get stuck in his intestines and cause severe digestive distress.

The active yeast will cause the dough to rise in your dog’s stomach and cause severe bloating. If your dog eats some dough and you notice adverse effects in him, take him to the vet immediately. Yeast is also known to release ethanol, which can cause alcohol toxicity in dogs. (6)

Some signs of alcohol toxicity to watch our for in your dog are vomiting, hypothermia, respiratory issues, and diarrhea.

Safe and Unsafe Bread Varieties for Dogs | Is all Bread good for Dogs to Eat ?

Safe Bread

The bread that does not have too much added sugar, preservatives, and additives are safe dogs. And the bread made with whole wheat or whole grains is a safer option than white bread.

You can also give your dog sourdough bread. Research indicates that sourdough bread is more digestible than regular bread. (7) Another study suggests that sourdough bread has positive health benefits and can improve digestive issues like IBS. (8) However, consult the vet before you give sourdough to your dog. Some vets believe that sourdough may be harmful to dogs.

You can also give your dog gluten-free bread if he is allergic to gluten. Gluten-free bread is known to have higher levels of fiber and nutritional properties. (9)

Unsafe Bread

Avoid feeding your dog bread that contains garlic. For example, garlic bread should be kept away from dogs because garlic in large amounts is toxic for dogs. The bread that includes chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and grapes are also harmful to dogs. (10)

Another ingredient that is present in some types of breads is xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that many manufactures use as a replacement for sugar. While this compound is not so lethal for humans, it can be quite harmful to dogs. If your dog consumes xylitol, he may experience xylitol toxicity and can also develop hypoglycemia. (11)

As with any human food, always consult the vet before giving your dog new foods. Your pup is most likely safe if he eats a slice or two of healthy bread. But avoid giving him too much bread as that can be potentially dangerous and cause gastrointestinal issues.

Skin Cancer in Dogs | Can Skin Cancer In Dogs Be Cured? Find Here!