Discovering a skin growth on your dog can send your mind reeling — but there’s no need to panic. Bumps and lumps on dogs don’t automatically mean cancer. While skin bumps on dogs should always be taken seriously, certain types of bumps are common and usually harmless.
Read on to learn more about the different types of skin growths on dogs, when you should worry about them, and common treatments.
The Different Types of Skin Lumps on Dogs
Dog skin lumps fall into several categories, some of which are more common in older dogs. While some skin growths on dogs are non-cancerous, others can be caused by infections or underlying health conditions — so it’s important to get every lump and bump checked out by a vet. Always have your vet examine any changes to your pup’s skin — they can help you diagnose it, and determine a course of treatment if needed.
Many skin bumps and lumps on dogs fall into one of the following categories:
Lipomas
These fatty tumors appear as soft, round lumps of flesh beneath the skin. Lipomas are made up entirely of fat cells, and — thankfully — are always benign and non-cancerous. Lipomas are usually found in older dogs and dogs who are overweight. Larger breeds are more prone to them, but they can be found in small breeds as well.
If your vet suspects that your dog may have a lipoma, they may perform a fine needle aspirate (FNA). This means that they’ll use a thin needle to collect cells from the lump and examine them under a microscope, to verify that they’re fatty tissue and nothing more.
Sebaceous Cysts
These small bumps on dogs can look like pimples or warts. A sebaceous cyst forms when an oil gland is blocked, and may burst to release a pasty, white goo. Sebaceous cysts most commonly occur in breeds with fine hair, like Poodles and the Bichon Frises.
While sebaceous cysts may disappear on their own, others can remain for years, and have the potential to irritate your dog or become infected. Surgical removal is an option — talk with your vet to figure out the best course of action.
Warts
These small, cauliflower-like bumps on dogs are caused by the papillomavirus. Warts most commonly occur in puppies, because they don’t have fully-developed immune systems yet. Warts usually go away on their own — but the virus is contagious between dogs, so it’s best to keep your puppy away from other dogs if they have warts. Warts can’t be transmitted from dogs to humans.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are fibrous bumps that look like small flaps or raised stalks of skin. They’re caused by overactive cells called fibroblasts, and can occur in dogs of any breed or any age. Skin tags are often harmless, although your vet might want to do a biopsy to make sure — especially if the tag changes in shape, color or size.
Abscesses
Usually caused by an infection, abscesses are swollen tissue that can form around a bug bite, animal bite, infected gland, or other types of sores. If not treated early, an abcess may burst, which is painful for your pup.
If you suspect that your dog has an abscess, contact your vet immediately. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.
Button Tumors
Also known as a histiocytoma, these benign tumors affect puppies and young dogs between eight weeks and three years of age. Button tumors are caused by an overproduction of immune cells, and typically disappear on their own with time.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cells are cancerous tumors that may occur either beneath or on top of the skin. They’re often solid to the touch, and irregular in shape.
If you suspect that your pup may have a mast cell tumor, see your vet immediately. They’ll likely want to remove the tumor, if possible, before performing a biopsy to determine if the cancer may have spread.
If surgical removal of the mast cell tumor isn’t possible, then your vet may refer you to a veterinary oncologist for chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
When Should I Worry About Skin Growths on My Dog?
As mentioned earlier in this article, whenever you see any changes in your pup’s skin, it’s best to have them examined by a vet.
However, if you discover a lump that’s hard or firm to the touch and irregularly shaped — or if you notice any changes in the size, texture, or color of existing lumps or bumps on your dog — seek veterinary attention immediately. You should also call your vet ASAP if your pup has a bump on their skin that’s oozing fluid.
Again, while many bumps and lumps on dogs are harmless, it’s best to have your vet take a look so they can diagnose and treat your pup’s skin growths swiftly and accordingly.
Diagnosing Bumps and Lumps on Dogs
To diagnose the type of lump or bump on your dog, and determine the required treatment, your vet will most likely perform one of the following tests:
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Your vet will first determine if this procedure can be performed during your dog’s consultation without the use of sedatives. If so, a small needle will be inserted into the lump on your dog. The needle will suck out cells from the lump, which will then be deposited onto a slide. The slide will be viewed under a microscope to examine the cells. Your vet may also send the slide to a specialist for examination. About 95% of lumps and bumps on dogs can be diagnosed via an FNA.
Impression Smear
If the lump on your dog discharges fluid, your vet may rub a slide onto the lump, then examine the fluid under a microscope to determine the type of skin growth.
Biopsy
If your vet performs an FNA and still isn’t able to diagnose your dog’s skin lump (or if the FNA only contains blood and fluid), they might take a biopsy of the lump. To do this, your dog will usually receive a sedative or anesthetic, and a small part of their lump — or the entire lump — will be removed. The lump will then be placed in formalin and sent to a lab, where thin sections of it will be examined under a microscope.
Lab Test
If the lump on your dog contains fluid, the fluid could be withdrawn and sent to a lab to check for infectious agents like fungi or bacteria.
Empowering Your Dog's Wellness Journey
Feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet can help support the health of their skin and coat. That said, skin growths on dogs are common, especially as dogs age. If your pup has a lump or a bump, play it safe and get it checked out by your vet right away. They can tell you whether or not the lump on your dog is dangerous, and determine the best way to treat it.
You should also check your dog’s skin on a regular basis to see if any changes have occurred. Run your fingers through their fur — if you feel a new lump or bump, or notice any changes to any existing skin growths, take your pup to the vet for an exam.
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