12 Types of Growths on Dogs

Many of us love to pet and cuddle our furry friends at any given chance. Cuddling is a way to bond with our pups, but it also helps us find new lumps on their skin. So, what happens when you are petting your beloved dog, only to stumble upon a strange new growth?

Just like in humans, our canine companions can develop many different types of skin growths. These range from harmless skin tags to concerning lumps.

In this article, we discuss the 12 most common growths seen in dogs, as well as the steps you should take once you find a mysterious new lump on your pup. We want you to be informed when it comes to your dog’s new growth, so let’s dive into the details!

Should You Worry About Growths in Dogs?

So, should you worry about your dog’s new lump or bump? Growths in dogs can range in severity when it comes to their impact on a dog’s health. Many pet parents wonder how worried they should be when stumbling upon a lump on their pet’s body.

While we do not suggest assuming the worst, you should have it assessed by your veterinarian in a timely manner. Many lumps seen in dogs are benign, but it’s impossible to know just by looking at the growth. Your vet can properly identify the growth and let you know if it will impact your pup’s health.

We always suggest having all lumps properly identified by your vet. The growth may need to be aspirated or sent out for a biopsy. This is something you simply cannot do from home. Having the growth identified by a vet is the best way to stay on top of your pet’s health.

We still want you to be as informed on this topic as possible. Let’s list the 12 most common growths seen in our canine friends, the underlying factors behind them, and what their presence means.

1. Skin Tag

Skin tags are a common growth seen in many canine friends. These growths are a collection of excess tissue that is attached to the body by a stalk-like bridge. They can range in appearance from short and nodular to long and slender. Though they can develop anywhere on the dog’s body, they are most common in areas that see a high volume of friction. Pups most often develop skin tags near their collar area or where their skin rubs against the floor while resting. They can also form in their armpits where their skin rubs together and occasionally on the elbows.

Skin tags are typically only a cosmetic issue, and they rarely lead to complications for the dog affected. However, if the skin tags are in a bothersome area like the eyelid, your veterinarian may suggest removing it. This is also true if the skin tag is frequently becoming irritated or infected.

2. Abscess

An abscess is one of the more painful growths that our pups can experience. These growths are a collection of pus and infection beneath the skin, leading to a swollen, painful, lump. Some abscesses lead to a pronounced growth on the surface of the skin. Others spread across a larger region of the body and are less obvious. Most abscesses in dogs lead to pain in the affected area, swelling, redness, and even heat around the swelling.

An abscess typically occurs after an initial injury to the surface of the dog’s skin. Bacteria will be introduced to the area due to the initial injury. After this, an infection beneath the skin will begin to brew. This infection will then turn into a painful sac of pus beneath the surface of the skin. It will typically only worsen until the dog receives medical attention. Most abscesses will need to be drained and flushed, and many dogs will then need to follow up with antibiotics. While an abscess may not be cancerous in nature, it can still impact a dog’s health and comfort greatly.

3. Hives

Hives are growths that often accompany allergic reactions in dogs. These itchy welts can develop on any region of the body. They are typically a result of the dog being exposed to an allergen of some kind. Ranging from bug bites to their core vaccines, dogs can be allergic to virtually anything around them.

If your dog has hives, you will typically see a cluster of raised welts on the surface of the skin. You may also see your pup scratching in these areas, as they can be very irritating for the dog affected. Though hives themselves are not dangerous, the allergic reaction that causes them can be. If you see hives on your canine companion, reach out to your vet for guidance on what to do next. Many pups will require medical care.

4. Lipoma

Lipomas are one of the most common growths seen in dogs, and especially in older canine friends. A lipoma is a slow growing, benign tumor that is filled with fat. They are typically completely harmless for the dog affected. They are most common in overweight older dogs, but they can develop in any canine friends.

Though they rarely cause any serious issues, they can lead to discomfort if they develop in a region that hinders mobility. As long as they are not in areas that impact the dog’s movement, most are completely painless. If your dog’s lipoma is in a challenging area, your vet can typically remove the lipoma without issue.

5. Cyst

Cysts are common growths that can be found anywhere on the dog’s body. These hollow pockets contain a liquid or solidified material, ranging from bodily secretions to dead skin cells. One of the most common cysts found in dogs is a sebaceous cyst. This type contains sebum from the dog’s oil glands.

Most cysts are not a cause for concern, and many will even go away on their own. However, some cysts can become infected. Keep an eye out for any redness or swelling around the cyst. If you notice this, then we suggest reaching out to your vet.

6. Warts

Just as warts can be passed to kids in a school setting, the same can happen to our canine friends. Warts in dogs are due to a wart virus coming in contact with skin. It most commonly infects young or immunocompromised dogs. Warts are often passed along in environments such as doggy day care, the dog park, and other public settings.

Many warts in dogs will go away on their own. However, if the wart is in a bothersome area, you can always have it removed by your vet. There are a few different options for wart removal in dogs, so we suggest trusting your vet’s guidance.

7. Histiocytoma

Histiocytomas are a fairly common growth found in our canine companions. They are most often found on the legs of the dog affected, and they typically are red and round in shape. These growths are believed to be a result of an overgrowth of immune cells. They frequently go away on their own without medical intervention. However, if your pet does have a red and raised lump, have it assessed by your vet. Other less-benign lumps can have this appearance as well.

8. Perianal Adenoma

Similar to a sebaceous cyst, a perianal adenoma develops around the anus when a sebaceous gland in the area becomes blocked. This leads to a pronounced growth filled with sebaceous oil, and it can develop anywhere around the dog’s anus.

While the growth itself is benign, dogs can develop complications due to the growth’s location. Perianal adenomas are known for becoming irritated and infected. Many vets suggest removing the growth from the moment irritation develops.

9. Granuloma

A granuloma in dogs often appears as a small red lump on the surface of the skin. These granulomas can be dry or crusted at times, and they will often range in size. A granuloma is typically a result of an underlying skin disorder but can develop from excessive licking.

10. Soft Tissue Sarcoma

A soft tissue sarcoma in dogs is a type of cancer that involves the connective tissues and nervous tissues. This type of growth often appears as a firm lump that protrudes from under the skin. It can even feel like it’s a part of the dog’s muscle. They most often appear on the legs, but they are also seen on the chest and abdomen as well. These tumors cause pain in the affected area, and even cause lameness when they appear on the leg.

These tumors are known for being highly invasive, and even having long roots that branch them to the connective tissue. Surgery is the most common treatment for soft tissue sarcomas, but some vets will recommend radiation as well. Due to how unique each case can be, we suggest trusting your vet’s guidance.

11. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A squamous cell carcinoma in dogs is a type of skin cancer that develops from the skin cells. Due to the fact that it originates from skin cells, these tumors can be anywhere that skin cells are present. This includes on the skin, beneath the skin, in the nail beds, within the mouth, and in the nose.

These tumors are known for being locally invasive, but they are still considered to be fairly slow growing. If your vet is able to diagnose this type of cancer early on, many dogs can find remission with surgery. Though it is not as common, this type of skin cancer can turn into a multicentric condition.

12. Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cell tumors are the most common form of skin cancer in dogs. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most dangerous. These tumors are made up of mast cells, which play a major role in the dog’s immune response. Not only is the cancer invasive and dangerous, but manipulation of the tumor can lead to the excessive release of the allergic reaction chemical known as histamine.

These tumors can range in appearance, which is why we suggest having all growths assessed by your veterinarian. The only way to know if your dog has a mast cell is by having your vet perform identification methods. Tumors can develop in any furry friend, but they are most common in dogs over the age of eight.

I Found a Lump on My Dog. What Should I Do?

If you have just found a strange new lump on your dog’s body, you are likely wondering what you should do next. Though many growths are harmless in nature, it is impossible to know without having the growth assessed by a vet. Because of this, we always suggest scheduling a vet appointment immediately.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can monitor on your own at home! We suggest taking a photo of the lump from the moment you notice it. Also, make a mental note of just how large the growth is. Continue to do this every few days, as this can help you determine whether or not the growth is changing.

In addition to watching the growth closely, keep an eye out for any signs of pain or infection. This can include sensitivity when the growth is touched, swelling, redness, heat around the growth, and changes in your pet’s behavior. If you notice any of these signs, let your vet know as soon as possible.

Summary of 12 Types of Growths on Dogs

Here’s a recap of the dozen types of growths that can be present on dogs that we took a look at:

Final Thoughts

As you can see, our pups can fall victim to many different forms of skin growths. While some of these growths are completely harmless, others pose a great risk to your dog’s health. Due to the range in severity, we always suggest having your dog’s growth assessed by a vet. Your vet can determine the best plan of action once they identify the growth!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/herraez