Can dogs & cats get skin cancer?

Yes, dogs and cats can get skin cancer. Tumors affecting the skin or subcutaneous tissue (the tissue just under the skin) are the most commonly seen tumors in pets. Fortunately, many such as lipomas (fatty tumors), sebaceous adenomas, and papillomas (mole-like growths) are benign, meaning that they won't spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors (tumors that will spread) such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mast cell tumors are occasionally found, however. A veterinarian can diagnose a tumor in a dog or cat with a biopsy--which involves removing a small amount of tissue from the tumor and examining it closely--or needle aspirate cytology, in which the veterinarian uses a needle to remove a microscopic amount of cells from the tumor in order to examine cell structure. These samples may need to be examined by a veterinary pathologist.

If you have concerns about any lesions, bumps, or growths on your pet's skin, your veterinarian can examine and test them. If you have further concerns, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary oncologist.

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Just released from the California Veterinary Medical Association

Summer Fun Can Be Fatal To Pets

Water safety awareness a top priority

Sacramento, CA-  As summer arrives, pet owners will be traveling to beaches, lakes, and rivers, and preparing their pools for the coming heat.  While fun is anticipated, pet owners should be cautious about their animals' safety around these open water areas.  Pets, most often dogs, can drown, get severely hurt and in some cases, die from exposure to open waters. 

Dangers around open water areas come in many forms, and pet owners need to take a few simple measures to avoid a tragedy.  Animals, like children, need to be taught how to enter, swim in, and exit open waters.

Owners should never throw their pets into the water, as some animals have a hard time swimming or don't know how to swim at all.  Owners should get in the water first and call to their pets.  If the animal likes the water, it will come in and start to swim towards the owner.  Let it move at its own pace.

"Americans love the water; we have many beaches, lakes and pools to enjoy this summer.  Just remember to take care of your pet's safety when having fun," says Ron Faoro, D.V.M., presidente of the Callifornia Veterinary Medical Association.  "Taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference."

Exiting water areas can be dangerous for a pet.  Climbing up ladders can be difficult for animals because they often don't know how to use them to exit a water area.  Dogs have a hard time exiting swimming pools because their paws cannot grip ladder rungs.  The same caution should be considered when taking your pet out on a boat.  PEt owners can teach their pets to use a ladder by showing their animals, either physically or by example, how to climb up and out of the water.

Consider purchasing animal exit devices for your pool or a life jacket for your pet when you take it to a lake, river or the ocean.  Rivers have an additonal danger of strong currents which can sweep an animal away.

"Floatation devices are a great alternative for pets new to the water or that are getting old.  Pets may not be strong enough to swim on their own, so a little help would allow them to escape the heat without being in danger", Faoro added.  "Of course pets, like chi8ldren, should never be left alone in the water-even if they are wearing a floatation device". 

Pools may pose chemical dangers to animals.  You should rinse all animals exposed to chlorine with  fresh water after swimming in pools.  Be sure your dog knows how to get out of your pool-teach him or her where the steps are, starting when he or she is a  puppy.

Ocean water also poses a danger to your pet while you're at the beach.  The salt water can be dangerous to your pet's health if it drinks the ocean water.  Bring fresh water to the beach for your animal to drink when it's thirsty.

"Pets can play safely around open water if pet owners act responsibly".  Dr. Faoro says.  "Pets and their owners can both have fun if the owners follow these few precautions".  

Used with permission

Many people don't realize that each year we lose many pets to drownings, right in the backyard  pool.  

Now there is a product to ensure that your pet remains safe in the pool area...........A small turtle-shaped sensor attached to your dog's collar will sound the alarm from the "base station" when your pet enters the water.  Any number of sensors work with one base station, so you can be sure all of your pets are safe from drowning.  For more information on the Safety Turtle, call the manufacturers (Terrapin Communications) @ 1-800-368-8121

When the lazy days of barbecues and swimming pools roll around, you can make them even better by sharing them with your favorite pet. By following a few pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.

Each summer we see emergencies such as heat stroke, poisonings from household and yard products (disinfectants, pesticides, insecticides, lawn & garden products, and antifreeze), insect stings and snake bites, embedded foxtails in ears & between toes, and water or auto related accidents.

Keep in mind that our pets rely on us for their protection from the hot summer days and the hazards that go along with our modern lifestyles.

Make sure that your pet is current on all vaccines, especially if trips to the park or beach, or walks in your neighborhood are summertime treats. NEVER leave your pet in a car, even if it is in the shade and you have the windows down.

*Never leave your pet in the car. We can't say it often enough (every summer we see it happen again and again). Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run some errands, leave the furry ones at home.

*As you're outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your pet leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking things that could make her sick.

*Water, water everywhere. Whether you're indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check her water bowl several times a day to be sure it's full. If you and your furry friend venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you.

*Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair do what it was designed to do: protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her.

*Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it's extremely toxic. When you're walking your pet, make sure she doesn't sneak a drink from the street.

*Rattlesnakes are abundant after winter rains, so don't let your pets roam in areas where snakes are likely to be seeking shade.

*Mosquitos will also be in full force, so remember to bring your dog in for a heartworm test and to regularly administer the once-a-month preventive medication.  Protection from fleas, ticks and mosquitos is essential to control heartworm and many types of internal parasites that can cause havoc in your pets system, so don't forget to stop by and pick up your summer months' protection of Advantage or Frontline.

*Grooming for both comfort and health considerations during the warm days can help to control skin disorders and to eliminate matts that catch foxtails and burrs causing sores, hotspots and rashes.  A thorough check of your pets body (with particular attention to armpits, ears, and between toes---anywhere that a foxtail can take hold and burrow into the skin) after a walk in the park or a fun day at the beach will allow you to find ticks, fleas, cuts, abrasions, or parasites that can be dealt with before serious problems arise.

*Pad burns and blisters:  Dogs walking on hot pavement, hot sand and tied up in the back of a hot truck can blister their pads from the heat. This is very painful and can easily be avoided. Pad blisters usually show up as painful feet on which, when closely examined, can be seen a loose flap of the pad itself, or a reddened, ulcerated area of the pad where the flap has already come off. Applying a light coating of antibiotic ointment and covering the foot with a sock or light bandage will help to soothe and heal the burn. Your veterinarian should examine the burned paws and if needed, trim the burned pad.

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                         What is that smell?                                                             I thought it was you!

Do you have skunks in your neighborhood?  You may want to keep a bottle of Skunk-Off on your shelf for those late night surprises.  We carry this non-toxic, non-irritating spray that you can use to stop skunk odor fast....... on your dog,  cat, clothes, home and car.  Skunk-Off is scientifically formulated to completely eliminate, not mask, the offensive odor caused by the chemicals in skunk spray.  It's easy to use (just spray it on the affected area with the fine spray, work in thoroughly, then let dry).  No pre-treatment should be applied before using Skunk-Off.

We carry a complete array of odor treatment and stain removal products to help you keep your home pet-odor free. 

Come in and select from our wide range of grooming products, healthy treats, mouth care brushes and toothpaste products, flea protection, and for a special gift, you can purchase some treats, along with a Governor Animal Clinic gift certificate as a thoughtful surprise for a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member.

Pup-Sicles
For a fun summer treat, pour 1 1/2 inches of water or diluted beef or chicken broth in a paper cup and place in freezer until the liquid is partially frozen, then carefully insert a dog biscuit into the slush so that one end sticks out above the ice. Freeze completely, pop out the pup-sicle, and watch your pal enjoy a treat!

Flea Product Alert

We would like you to be aware of the devastating effects that can happen when grocery store/pet store products made for dogs are instead used for flea control in cats (especially the "spot" treatment products).  We continue to see tragic toxic reactions to these products at GAC and through the emergency clinics.  The reaction can be immediate and deadly.  NEVER use a flea control product on your cat if it is specifically formulated for dogs, even in very small doses.  Toxicity symptoms in cats include tremors, muscle contractions, and seizures.  These symptoms can develop within  hours or might not appear for up to 48 hours. 

Our recommendation to you is this;  before any type of flea product is applied to your pet, please call our office for advice.  We carry a full line of flea control for both cats &  kittens and dogs & puppies, and all are veterinarian approved.  Advantage and Frontline (which also protects against ticks) topical treatments are safe, effective, convenient, and easy to apply.