How to Recognise and Treat Skin Cancer in Dogs

Skin cancer in dogs is an alarming health condition that should never be disregarded. Be knowledgeable about its causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatments by reading the 12 most-asked questions on skin cancer in dogs.

1. What is skin cancer in dogs?
2. What causes skin cancer in dogs?
3. What are the signs of skin cancer in a dog?
4. What does skin cancer look like on a dog?
5. What are the types of skin cancer in dogs?
6. Can a dog die from skin cancer?
7. How is skin cancer in dogs diagnosed?
8. How do you get rid of skin cancer in dogs?
9. What is the treatment for skin cancer in dogs?
10. What happens after the treatment of skin cancer in dogs?
11. How long can dogs live with skin cancer?
12. How to prevent skin cancer in dogs?

Q1: What is skin cancer in dogs?

A: Skin cancer in dogs occurs when there is tumour growth on the skin. Skin tumours can be malignant or benign.

Benign tumours are not cancerous and they do not spread in other areas of the body. On the other hand, malignant tumours in dogs are cancerous and invasive. This means they can grow and spread to other parts of the body.

Fortunately, 60–80% of skin tumours in dogs are benign. Affected dogs with this condition have high chances that they can be successfully treated and live normal lives.

Q2: What causes skin cancer in dogs?

A: Can dogs get skin cancer from the sun? Yes, they can. In fact, excessive exposure to the sun is the most common cause of cancer in dogs. However, it is not the only factor that induces this disease.

It is observed that the following also contributes to the development of skin cancer in dogs:

Dogs with predominantly white or thin coats are highly vulnerable to skin cancer. That is because their fur offers them lower protection against harmful UV rays.
Certain viruses such as canine papillomavirus can cause skin cancer in dogs. There is no vaccine for this type of virus, but fortunately, getting skin cancer through this means rarely happens.
Compulsive licking can increase the chances of skin cancer development in dogs as it can inflame and damage the skin.
Older dogs are more at risk of experiencing skin cancer compared to younger dogs.
Hormonal imbalances and genetic factors can trigger the onset of skin cancer in dogs.
Certain dog breeds are more likely to develop different types of skin cancer than others.

These include Airedale Terriers, Bassett Hounds, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Beagles, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bull Terriers, Collies, Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, Keeshonds, Labrador Retrievers, Pugs, Schnauzers, Scottish Terriers, and Vizslas.

Q3: What are the signs of skin cancer in a dog?

A: Below are the most common signs of skin cancer in dogs:

Light or dark-pigmented lumps and bumps
Elevated wartlike blemishes or scabs
Rashes
Rubberlike inflamed sores
Hairless masses

Inspect for signs of skin cancer on your dog every grooming session. Early detection means early treatment, which can save his life.

Q4: What does skin cancer look like on a dog?

A: As mentioned, skin cancer in dogs can take many different forms. They often have the same appearance of warts, scabs, or lesions on the skin. Their colours are usually red, black, brown, grey, or red.

Q5: What are the types of skin cancer in dogs?

A: Skin cancer in dogs comes in different types, and the ones below are some of the most common:

1. Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma in dogs mainly occurs on the mouth (or mucous membranes), lips, and nail bed. Other areas such as the head, neck, and scrotum are also predisposed to this skin cancer.

This type of skin cancer in dogs can grow quickly and proliferate to other body organs like the lungs and lymph nodes, making it a serious health condition. It is characterised by grey or pink lumps in the mouth.

Malignant melanoma that affects the nail bed causes swelling as well as damage to the nails and the underlying bone.

Dog breeds that commonly suffer from malignant melanoma are Schnauzers and Scottish Terriers. Moreover, males tend to be more vulnerable than females.

2. Mast Cell Tumours

Mast cell tumours, which occur in the mast cells of the immune system, make up 20% of all skin tumours in dogs. They are commonly found on the dog’s chest, limbs, lower abdomen, as well as internal organs.

This type of skin cancer in dogs triggers histamine release, which can lead to other serious health conditions such as stomach ulcers.

Older dogs ages 8–10 years are the most common victims of mast cell tumours. Boxers, Pugs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Boston Terriers, and older mixed-breed dogs are also highly in danger of suffering from mast cell tumours.

3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This skin cancer in dogs typically affects the head, abdomen, rear, and lower legs of dogs. The presence of raised patches or lumps that are firm to the touch indicates the presence of squamous cell carcinoma.

Apart from sun exposure, experts note that it can be also caused by papillomavirus. Dog breeds that are greatly at risk of developing skin squamous cell carcinoma are Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Standard Poodles.

4. Histiocytic Cell Tumours

Another type of skin cancer in dogs is histiocytic cell tumour. It is an aggressive type of skin cancer in dogs. Young pooches under 3 years old are prone to developing this disease.

Dog breeds typically afflicted by histiocytic cell tumours include Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Chinese Shar Pei, Greyhounds, and Scottish Terriers.

Meanwhile, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very vulnerable to systemic and malignant histiocytosis, which are types of histiocytic cell tumours.

5. Fibrosarcoma

This type of skin cancer in dogs primarily begins in the connective tissues of the skin. Fibrosarcoma grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, it can reoccur after treatment.

Adults and senior dogs are more likely to suffer from fibrosarcoma. But in rare cases, younger dogs can be affected by an aggressive type of fibrosarcoma.

Determining the type of skin cancer affecting a dog is difficult without the vet’s help. If you suspect that your pooch has this disease, better to take him to the vet clinic without delay for an accurate diagnosis.

Q6: Can a dog die from skin cancer?

A: Yes, a dog can die from skin cancer if the disease remains undiagnosed. The type and aggressiveness of skin cancer can greatly decrease his life expectancy too.

Early detection and treatment make a big difference in how long your dog will live. Thus, never ignore any unusual lumps or rashes on his body. Be sure to inform the vet of their presence.

Q7: How is skin cancer in dogs diagnosed?

A: Diagnosing skin cancer in dogs usually involves biopsy. It involves the removal of a small portion of the tumour through a surgical incision.

Another common diagnostic test performed by the vet is fine-needle aspiration wherein they will take a small sample of the cells. An X-ray may also be done to find out if internal tumours are present.

The samples taken will be evaluated through microscopic examination of tissue. The results of these tests will reveal a definitive and accurate diagnosis.

Q8: How do you get rid of skin cancer in dogs?

A: Skin cancer in dogs is a serious condition that needs vet intervention. But there are a few alternative treatments that can aid in improving their condition such as administering antioxidant supplements or turmeric.

However, only do this after consulting the vet. They must check first whether it is safe and effective to use on your dog or not.

Q9: What is the treatment for skin cancer in dogs?

A: There are several treatment options for skin cancer in dogs. However, choosing the right one will depend on the physical state of your dog, the type of skin tumour he has, and its size and location.

Generally, most skin tumours can be safely extracted through surgical removal. In some cases, skin tumours cannot be fully removed. Thus, the vet may recommend partial removal only.

Chemo or radiation therapy may also be used to treat skin cancer in dogs. There is also a recently developed treatment for this disease called electrochemotherapy.

It involves the use of electric current on cancer whilst chemotherapy is going on. The electric current increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy against skin cancer in dogs.

Q10: What happens after the treatment of skin cancer in dogs?

A: If your dog has undergone surgical removal, he will likely need an E-collar to keep him from licking the incision. He will also need to visit the vet for at least 2–3 weeks for examination. This is to make sure that all of the tumours are removed.

The vet may prescribe antibiotics and pain medications to prevent infection and lessen your dog’s discomfort. Within 2–3 weeks, the incision site will be completely healed.

Watch out for signs of swelling, inflammation, or bleeding of the incision. Should any of this happen, inform the vet promptly.

On the other hand, if your dog has malignant tumours, he may need to keep up with ongoing chemotherapy and follow-up X-rays.

Q11: How long can dogs live with skin cancer?

A: The prognosis for dogs with a severe form of skin cancer is grim if they remain untreated. Some may only live for a few months before succumbing to their disease.

Appropriate treatment will help prolong the lifespan of dogs with aggressive skin cancer. For those with mild conditions, they can live long and normal lives after treatment.

Q12: How to prevent skin cancer in dogs?

A: Skin cancer in dogs is not entirely preventable. But there are many ways to lower its chances of developing such as:

Limit your dog’s exposure to sunlight. Avoid bringing him outdoors during peak daylight hours, which is around 10 am–3 pm. Take him out for walks at night or during early mornings.
Apply dog-safe sunscreen on your dog especially if he has a white or thin coat. It should have an SPF of at least 15, ideally 30.
Make sure to apply sunscreen on his most exposed spots to sunlight, like the skin around his lips, tips of his ears, bridge of his nose, stomach, and groin.
Do not shave your dog’s coat as it will put him at an increased risk of skin cancer. If you have a thin-coated dog, consider letting him wear protective clothing with light colours. Avoid dark ones since it absorbs more heat.