BBC News Online: UK: Wales

Pets get 'lick-proof' sunscreen

North Wales based company Bimeda - which specialises in chemical-free animal products - has come up with a lick-proof sunblock.

The product has a sun protection factor of 23 and has been successfully tested on human skin.

The quick-drying spray is designed to be applied to the sensitive skin areas round the nose, ears and eyelids.

Cardiff vet Chris Troughton said his practice had noticed more of a problem among cats than dogs.

"It is a problem associated with older, white cats in particular," he told BBC Wales Newsonline.

"If a tumour is left it is painful and will spread and can cause death.

"We see pre-cancerous growths on cats of 8-10 years of age but the owners do not recognise them as cancer."

Bimeda claims that beagles, dalmatians, white bull terriers and whippets are among the group of domestic dogs affected.

The company, based in Llangefni, Anglesey, has a specialised reputation for alternative, antibiotic-free products, supplying vets and farmers.

"It has long been recognised that rabbits, cats and dogs in particular are susceptible to the rays of the sun," said Bimeda technical adviser Rob Davies.

"Exposure to sunlight is known to increase the risk of associated skin cancers among pets."