An actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous lesion on your dog's skin.

An actinic keratosis will appear as a small, thick, scaly, rough lesion on your dog’s skin. There may be one lesion, or the lesions may appear in a group. These lesions are mostly found on the abdomen or thighs of white-colored dogs with short coats.

Although the exact mechanism is unknown, exposure to sunlight may be a predisposing factor in developing an actinic keratosis.

Your vet will perform a physical examination of your dog and a biopsy of the lesion or lesions.

In some cases, an actinic keratosis lesion will not be treated, but only monitored for change and growth. In other cases, the actinic keratosis may be removed either by surgery, cryosurgery (freezing) or laser surgery.

Limiting “at risk” dogs' – those with short, white coats – exposure to sunlight may prevent actinic keratosis. You can apply dog-safe sunscreens which are available at many pet supply stores.

No, you cannot contract an actinic keratosis from your dog.