Solar Dermatitis

Excessive sun affects pets, too.

     The term “solar dermatitis” refers to the damaging effects of the sun on the skin of cats and dogs. The effects of ultraviolet light on the skin of pets are usually cumulative and may not be seen until after prolonged sun exposure, often years! Although animals can experience sunburn, which causes a reddening of the skin similar to what is seen in humans, we more commonly see the more chronic effects of long-term sun exposure.
     The sun-induced changes include hair loss, skin thickening and reddening, rough patches of skin, and the appearance of “blackheads”. Infections with bacteria can develop in these areas. The damage is most commonly seen in white cats and in light colored, short-coated dogs such as Dalmatians, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, and Great Danes.
     In cats, the damage is usually seen on the ears and face. In dogs, the underside of the abdomen, the inner thighs, and the bridge of the nose may be most severely affected. Pets that spend time “sunbathing” outdoors or in front of open windows are at increased risk of developing solar dermatitis.
     The best treatment for solar dermatitis is to prevent further sun damage. The existing changes in the skin may only be partially reversible. Sunscreens can be applied to the skin to prevent damage when the pet allowed outside.
     Waterproof products with an SPF factor of 50 or higher are recommended, and should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Zinc oxide-containing products should not be used.
Dogs can wear T-shirts that have UV resistant qualities to further minimize sun exposure. Keeping the pet indoors and away from open windows between 10 AM and 4 PM is most helpful. Preventing continued sun exposure can help reverse some of the abnormalities in the skin.
     In some animals, antibiotics are needed to treat the infections that often occur in sun-damaged skin. If the sun damage is severe, we may recommend other medications to prevent or reverse some of the changes. Laser therapy can also be helpful in eliminating some of the more damaged areas of the skin to try and prevent severe changes. Sun-damaged skin is more prone to developing several types of skin tumors, which may need to be removed. Sun avoidance is most important in preventing the progression of the solar dermatitis into skin cancer. A biopsy of any tumor arising in sun-damaged skin is recommended.

Foxtails: Skin, Ear and Nose Hazard

     The bright green grasses of spring begin to dry and turn amber during these long days of summer. Although we rarely think about dried grass causing problems, one grass in particular can be troublesome to pets, the foxtail. There are many types of foxtails, but species Hordeum also known as “wild barley” is a frequent culprit of summer.
     Nature is clever in assuring the survival of its species. For instance, the ubiquitous dandelion opens as a bright yellow bloom and later turns into a billowy ball and with only slight movement, it releases its seeds in a light breeze floating to a new location (many end up in my backyard, somehow).
     The foxtail is ensuring its survival in a similar manner, releasing its spikelets as wild animals brush up against the plants and are carried on the animal’s hair. The animal is the transporter of the seeds where they will be released in a new planting location.
Many wild animals have short coats and spikelets cause little harm to them. Perhaps you can recall being a courier of the foxtail plant finding spikelets in your socks with its persistent poking in your ankle after a walk through a field or overgrown urban lot.
     Dogs with overgrown coats can get these spikelets and they are driven deeper into the coat with every movement, ultimately reaching the skin. Left unchecked, the foxtail can break and enter the skin, causing infection if left unchecked. More distressing to a dog is when a spikelet is inhaled into the nostril or enters the ear. The foxtail has barbs which allow it to move forward, but not backwards.
     Examine your pet carefully after entering areas with foxtails and brush the coat, do not overlook the armpit, ears and nostrils. Dogs experiencing discomfort will paw at their ears or sneeze in an attempt to dislodge the spikelet. Foxtails entering the ear canal can puncture the eardrum and cause deafness. Early detection and removal is the best treatment.