Skin Tags in Dogs

For any pet parent, finding a new lump on your dog can definitely be concerning. Is it a fatty skin tumor? Could it be a sebaceous cyst? Your mind can easily run wild with worry. One common, potentially less harmful type of growth you might come across is a skin tag. Let's explore what skin tags are, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery steps to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

First of all, dogs can (and do) get skin tags. They’re simply benign growths made up of fibrous tissue, appearing as lumps or bumps. This tissue, composed of collagen proteins, is crucial for forming bones, cartilage, and supporting various organs. 

Other, more formal names for dog skin tags include acrochordons, fibrovascular papillomas, collagenous hamartomas, hyperplastic scars, and fibroepithelial polyps.

Taking care of your dog’s health starts with a great diet. Our partner, Dog Food Advisor, has hundreds of tips and great advice that suits your dog’s needs - discover your pup’s new favorite meal today! 

Wondering if that’s a skin tag you see on your dog’s lip or chest? Usually, skin tags can take time to become noticeable because they’re slow growers, so it’s normal to be unsure what you’re looking at. 

But what does a skin tag look like on a dog? They tend to vary in size and appearance, and are usually located either directly on the skin or just beneath it. While harmless, large skin tags, or the ones that sit in awkward locations, can cause discomfort for your pup — especially if they get damaged and infected. 

Skin tags on dogs usually look like an extension of the skin itself into an outer lump that sits on your pup’s skin, usually attached by a thin piece of ‘stalk-like’ skin. 

Here are some signs your dog may have a skin tag:

• Stalk-like growths on their skin
• Wart-like surface on their skin
• Single or multiple growths
• Growths with hair follicles
• Flattened, plaque-like growths
• Bleeding growths (if damaged)
• Secondary infections as a result of growths

Types of skin tags in dogs

Skin tags are sometimes referred to as hamartomas, redundant tissue nodules. Two types are:

• Fibroadnexal Hamartomas: Also called collagenous hamartomas, these common hairless growths usually form near the lower limbs and pressure points.

• Follicular Hamartomas: A rarer type, these often appear in multiples and are characterized by flattened masses with thick hairs.

The collagen proteins that form the fibrous tissue which makes up skin tags provides supportive connections for organs and systems. Overactive fibroblasts, the cells producing this tissue, can lead to excess fibrous tissue, resulting in a slow-growing mass.

While skin tags can appear in any breed, larger breeds and middle-aged to older dogs are more prone to them. Friction and irritation in areas like the collar, chest, and underarms can also lead to skin tags.

Diagnosing this issue is the next step in keeping your dog healthy. If you notice a growth somewhere on your dog’s skin, it's important to check if it's a harmless skin tag or something more serious, like a tumor — which is where your vet comes into the picture. 

Monitoring the growth's appearance, size, and location helps your vet assess the situation. Take photos with a coin or ruler for scale. Never use scissors or razors near the growth; another tip is to use clippers to avoid damage.

Since these growths are known to develop slowly, you should definitely seek medical advice if you see the skin tag is rapidly growing, dark-colored, or near sensitive areas like the ear, nose, mouth, or mammary glands. Changes in appetite, weight, energy levels, discomfort, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea are also red flags to look out for.

Your vet will examine your dog and may perform a fine needle aspirate to collect a sample. A biopsy might be also recommended to determine if the growth is benign or malignant, possibly involving removal.

If you’re wondering how to remove a skin tag from your dog yourself — the best advice is to not. This can lead to infection and more pain/discomfort for your pup. While some skin tags can shrink over time, most remain as they are unless surgically removed. Surgery is optional, unless the growth causes problems — then it’ll need to be removed. 

Removal can confirm a diagnosis, alleviate discomfort, or even prevent infections for your furry friend. Cryosurgery (performed by a professional) is another option: using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the tissue, causing it to fall off within weeks. This method is less painful and doesn't require general anesthesia, though it may need repeating.

After removal, it can be helpful to prevent your dog from licking, chewing, or scratching the affected area to allow it time to properly heal. An Elizabethan collar can help this. Keep the area clean and monitor for changes. The thing is, once a dog develops a skin tag, they may be prone to more — keeping an eye out is key in managing this issue.

Insuring your dog early helps manage vet costs. Start comparing plans with Wag! Compare today from top insurers to save on pet care.

By keeping a close eye on your pet's skin and knowing what to look for, you can ensure they stay comfortable and healthy, skin tags and all!

FAQs about skin tags in dogs

What should I do if my dog has a long pink skin tag?

Long pink skin tags are usually benign, but you should monitor them for changes in size, shape, or color. Consider getting them checked by a vet if any changes do happen.

Is a skin tag on my dog that's a black, blood-filled bump dangerous?

A black, blood-filled bump may indicate a damaged or infected skin tag, so it’s best to consult a vet for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Could a black growth on my dog that looks like a tick be harmful? 

A black growth that resembles a tick could be a harmless skin tag or something more serious; it’s important to have it examined by a vet to rule out any potential health issues.