If you have a dog, you know that health issues arise. Sometimes they have a funny limp, or they are just acting off. Other times, you might find a small bump or lump on their skin. Sometimes these issues resolve themselves within a few days, but at other times, they do not go away. While you might feel yourself begin to panic if you find a lump on your dog’s skin, not every bump requires an emergency veterinarian visit. Here’s what to know about lumps on dogs:

6 Common Causes of Lumps on Dogs

Quite a few things can cause a lump to form on your dog. Some of these are benign, while others can be cancerous and a major cause for concern. These common causes of lumps and bumps on dogs can include:

1. Infections: If your dog has a common skin problem in dogs, such as an infection, it can cause an abscess under the skin. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms under the skin, causing a bump to appear. These are often caused by insect bites or other wounds.
2. Benign Tumors: There are a few types of benign tumors that may form on your dog. These include:
   • Lipomas: These fatty tumors are soft and movable. They will also feel round.
   • Sebaceous Cysts: When an oil gland is blocked, it will form a tumor that looks similar to a pimple. These may sometimes rupture.
3. Warts: Otherwise known as a viral papilloma, warts will often form around the mouth of younger dogs. These are usually benign.
4. Allergic Reactions: If a dog has an allergic reaction, it can cause a lump due to swelling under the skin. It may also be why your dog’s face is swollen.
5. Insect Bites or Stings: If your dog is bitten by an insect, the area may swell, causing a lump to form.
6. Cancerous Tumors: There are a couple of types of cancerous tumors that can form on a dog. These include:
   • Mast Cell Tumors: This type of tumor is one of the most common skin cancers in dogs.
   • Soft Tissue Sarcomas: These are tumors of the connective tissue in a dog’s body.

What to Do If You Find a Lump on Your Dog

If you find a lump on your dog, it’s important not to panic! A lump doesn’t immediately mean a cancerous tumor. However, there are some things to look out for that may require a trip to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Here’s what to do if you find a lump on your dog:

1. Keep a “Lump Log.”
2. Check for concerning signs or changes.
3. Follow your vet’s instructions.

1. Keep a “Lump Log”

If you find a lump, start a “lump log”. Keep track of the date the lump was found, an approximate size and texture of the lump, as well as the location. You can take a picture of the lump if possible.

Photos are helpful because you can easily send them to your vet if you have any questions. Take note of any other detail, such as if your dog is experiencing pain around the area, and of course, track any changes over the next few days.

What to Include in a “Lump Log”

A good “lump log” will include the following information:

1. Date discovered: When did you first find it?
2. Location: Where exactly is it on the dog’s body?
3. Size: Measure with a ruler and take a photo for reference and scale.
4. Appearance: What shape and color is it? Is there redness? Is there any discharge?
5. Texture: What does it feel like? Movable or fixed? Soft or hard?
6. Pain: How does your dog react when you touch the lump? Do they flinch, yelp, or show other signs that dogs are in pain?
7. Dog Behavior: How does your dog act with the lump? Do they avoid touching it, lick it or bite it, ignore it, etc.?
8. Tracked and Recorded Changes: Monitor the lump and track any changes, including updated photos.

2. Check For Concerning Signs or Changes

Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you find a lump that is hard to the touch, has an irregular shape, or if the lump has changed at all. This could include a change in size, texture, or color. Your vet should also be notified if the bump has any fluid oozing from the area. These are some symptoms you should never ignore in your dog.

While some lumps are harmless and may not need any medical attention, be sure to stay in contact with your vet about any new lump. Sending them photos can be helpful and help them determine if your dog needs to come in or not.

3. Follow Your Vet’s Instructions

Once you’ve been in contact with your vet, be sure to follow any instructions they give you. They may ask to see your dog in the office, or they may want you to monitor the area for a day or two before bringing your dog in.

If your vet can assess the lump and finds it is benign, continue to monitor the lump with their input. You may need to send them pictures regularly of the area. Other lumps may need to be removed, and your vet will determine the best course of action.

What Types of Lumps on Dogs Are Benign?

Thankfully, some tumor types of lumps on dogs are usually benign. Here are some of those benign lumps you may find:

1. Lipoma
2. Skin abscess or blocked oil gland
3. Histiocytoma
4. Papilloma
5. Skin tag
6. Sebaceous gland tumor
7. Meibomian
8. Epulis
9. Follicular cysts
10. Hemangiomas
11. Basal cell tumors

1. Lipoma

Lipomas are soft, fatty tumors that feel movable under the skin. These can be found on any area of a dog’s body and tend to be found in older or overweight dogs. It’s important to keep an eye on lipomas because there is a chance they can turn into a cancerous tumor.

2. Skin Abscess or Blocked Oil Gland

Blocked oil glands (known as sebaceous cysts) can form a lump, which is typically benign. Warts are also often harmless. While these areas, while these issues start as benign, they can become troublesome down the road.

Sometimes, these areas can have a smell, especially if there is discharge. If your dog smells really bad, it can be a sign of infection. If these areas become infected, they can become an issue. If you have any questions, talk to your vet. Skin abscesses will often require a visit to your vet. Treatment often includes draining the area and antibiotic treatment.

3. Histiocytoma

Histiocytomas are benign skin growths that are usually found in dogs younger than 2 years. These are usually found on a dog’s head or legs. They are not usually found on older dogs, but it is possible.

4. Papilloma

These are present in younger dogs as a wart-like growth that is contagious and is located in or around the mouth area. In older dogs, this benign growth is seen around the eyes or on other parts of the body. They are caused by a virus spread by infected dogs, and contaminated toys or bowls. This is why it’s sometimes not recommended for dogs to drink out of shared water bowls.

5. Skin Tag

Skin tags often grow in areas where the skin rubs. These are an overgrowth of the connective tissue. They tend to be the same color as the dog’s skin, but stick out almost like a little stalk. Skin tags tend to be more common in older dogs and certain breeds.

Because skin tags can form in areas where skin is rubbed, it’s important that your dog’s collar fits correctly. Making sure you get the proper size and the right material is helpful when you go to choose a dog collar.

6. Sebaceous Gland Tumor

These are another type of tumor commonly found in older dogs. These tumors are often smaller than a pea and can be found in any location. Sometimes these tumors will bleed or be filled with fluid that crusts over.

This kind of tumor tends to develop on the heads of larger breeds, sometimes even on their eyelids. They can be black in color. They do tend to be benign, but if they are irritating your dog, you can talk to your vet to see what can be done to help manage them and make your dog more comfortable.

7. Meibomian Gland Tumor

Meibomian glands are located along the inner edge of the eyelid and interact with the tear gland. They are a type of specialized sebaceous gland that produces meibum, an oily substance that protects the eyes and lubricates them.

Because this gland produces tear film, a growth can form if it gets clogged or malfunctions. Clogged ducts are a common eye problem in dogs, so it’s important to stay vigilant. These tumors are often cystic and can be filled with fluid.

They can stick out or poke into the eyelid. They may also cause the cornea and conjunctiva to become inflamed. Although they are usually benign, they can be irritating and annoying, and will cause issues if they become infected.

8. Epulis

Epulis is another common benign growth that can be found in the mouth of a dog. These often form if a tooth rubs against their gums. This is more common in dogs that have underbites, such as flat-faced breeds. This is something to know about flat-faced dogs before bringing one home. It is also one of the reasons why good dental care and monitoring your dog’s mouth are important.

9. Follicular Cysts

Follicular cysts are a type of benign lump that grows on the skin and begins in the hair follicle. If you push on them, you may see a substance that is white, yellow, or brown in color. If they grow too large, they often become itchy or painful. If these cysts become infected, they will require antibiotic treatment. Surgical removal may also be necessary.

10. Hemangiomas

Another benign tumor that occurs in adult dogs is a hemangioma. These are typically seen where there is little hair growth, such as on a dog’s belly or their legs. These can look like blood vessels or a blood blister. Some of these can grow too large and rupture. If this is the case, surgical removal is recommended.

11. Basal Cell Tumors

Although not always, basal cell tumors can be benign and tend to develop in areas of the dog, including the neck, ears, head, and forelimbs of older dogs. They look like a swollen area that is firm and dome-shaped, and often small. Sometimes the area is hairless and the tumor is dark in color.

They can form cysts that burst open and drain pus or other fluid. Surgical removal is necessary, especially if the dog is in pain. It’s important to get basal cell tumors checked and then monitor them. They can be benign and non-cancerous, but some of them can develop into cancerous lumps that require removal and treatment.

This is an overview of what to know about lumps on dogs. Not every lump is cause for panic, but you should be in contact with your veterinarian if you find a lump. Your veterinarian will be able to help determine the best course of action so your dog can get the care they need!