We all know about the risks and dangers of skin cancer. We are careful to cover our children with a high SPF sun block before they go out to play in the sun, and we understand that we need to protect our own adult skin as well. Should we protect our pets as well?

Are animals at risk of developing skin cancer? Absolutely. Most people are surprised to learn that the family dog or cat is very susceptible to the sun's damaging rays, and care must be taken for their welfare as well as ours. Common sense tells us to limit our pets' exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, and provide plenty of shade.

Direct sunlight is not the only cause of skin cancer in pets, but it is certainly a major contributor. Other factors leading to skin cancer in animals are hormones, viruses, previous burns and inoculations. Just like humans, some animals also have a genetic predisposition to developing skin cancer. This disease can run in your pet's family, just as it can run in yours.

Much like their fair-skinned human counterparts, light colored cats and dogs are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Pets with white fur are, of course, at the highest end of the risk scale. Further, all parts of the body where the coat is thin are at greatest risk. These include the stomach, ear tips, inside of a dog's hind legs, pink noses and the outer eye areas on cats.

Take extra care with hairless breeds of dogs and cats, as they have no natural protection from the sun's rays. Pit bulls, pointers, bull terriers and Dalmatians are high-risk breeds. When a Dalmatian develops skin cancer, the disease will affect only the white areas and will not strike the black spots.

Like humans, skin cancer strikes pets later in life. When your dog or cat reaches about nine years of age, you should schedule veterinary checkups every six months. With early detection, your pet will have a better chance of surviving skin cancer.

Early detection is important, but it's not always enough. Skin cancer can progress quickly in six months, so you need to be aware of your pet's normal behaviour. Watch for signs that your pet has pain or discomfort. As caregiver, you need to be aware of changes in behaviour that can dictate the need for a thorough physical check-up.

You may also note changes in eating habits, weight loss or a disinterest in taking part in everyday activities like playing or going for a walk.

Look for telltale physical changes in your pet. Note changes to moles and be aware of newly developed sores. If you see anything out of the ordinary, see your vet as soon as possible.

Pets have been known to hide their discomforts, in a bid to avoid disappointing their owners. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to the moods of their owners and naturally want to please them. Other animals innately hide their symptoms out of fear. In the natural world, illness equates weakness, and weakness brings death. For this reason, it's only natural that your beloved pet may be hiding his or her illness from you.

Like humans, pets can develop skin cancer from prolonged exposure to the sun. Naturally, your pet loves to spend time outdoors, but you must be the protector. Provide a cool, shady resting spot for your pet. Limit the time spent outdoors to early morning or late afternoon and evening hours.