Carlos Varela, D.V.M.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Carlos Varela received his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science at Louisiana State University. After graduating Dr. Varela attended the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University. With an interest in small animal surgery and exotic animal medicine he recently joined the Camino Al Norte team as Hospital Manager.

He volunteers time working with several rescues in the Las Vegas Valley, including All Fur Love, Italian Greyhound Rescue and a local Sugar Glider rescue. Dr. Varela also works side by side with the Silverton Hotel and Casino Aquarium Department maintaining the health and happiness of their stingrays, sharks and several other exotic species.

In his spare time, Dr. Varela spends time with his family including Bear his Black Lab, Betty his Bull Dog/ Pit Bull, and Duke the Miniture Schnauzer.







SUNBURN PREVENTION TIPS

Summertime is for BBQ's and family fun in the sun, which means the temperature can hover in the triple digits. Take the time to ensure your Bully enjoys the outings as much as the rest of the members of your family. Like us, dogs can suffer from sunburn which is a result of long term sun exposure that can result in skin damage and skin cancers. Red skin, hair loss and/or sores are the signs of sunburn.

To prevent the possibility of sunburn, use a sunscreen on those parts of the body susceptible to sunburn. Use a pet or baby sunscreen those produced for an adult human contain ingredients that are toxic to the Bully. Remember to regularly reapply the sunscreen as it will wear off or be licked off rather quickly.


Which dogs are most susceptible to sunburn?

  1. Any dog that consistently spends time in the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
  2. Dogs with white or light colored hair.
  3. Dogs that have very short hair or no hair at all.
  4. Dogs that suffered a loss of fur through allergies, hot spots, or medical treatment.


The areas of the body that are prone to sunburn:

  1. Parts where there is little hair covering and/or where the skin pigmentation is low (nose, ends of the ears, around the mouth, eyelids)
  2. A dog's underside (belly, groin and inside the legs), these areas are particularly at risk when your dog is on a reflective surface, such as walking on a concrete path.


The best way to prevent sunburn is to keep your dog inside in a cool room. When your dog is outside, provide adequate shelter during the hottest parts of the day.

If you regularly have your Bully shaved in the summer, think about leaving his coat a bit longer so the hair offers some protection. Talk to your dog's groomer about clipping your dog - some dog breed's hair is designed to insulate the dog from the sun's heat and if you clip it off, you may be doing more harm than good to your dog.

Please feel free to email me at vet@boanddeemo.com

Enjoy the start of summer safely,
Carlos Varela DMV and staff
Camino Al Norte Animal Hospital