What are Skin Tags?
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.
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Symptoms of Skin Tags in Dogs
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.
Causes of Skin Tags in Dogs
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.
Diagnosis of Skin Tags in Dogs
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.
Treatment of Skin Tags in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Skin Tags in Dogs
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.
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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.
Skin Tags Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Italian Greyhound
Eleven Years
32 found this helpful
32 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Tag
New skin tag like growths that look unusual
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
32 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Without being able to see the lumps, or be able to examine your dog, it is difficult to say whether you should be worried. If you are concerned, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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Yorki-pom
Four Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Lump
Not sure what this on my dogs nose. Looks like a skin tag. Seemed to show up overnight. Seems painful for the dog.
Aug. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. From your description, it is possible that this is an infection, a fungal disease, or a tumor that needs to be paid attention to. Since it seems to have come on suddenly, and it seems to be bothering him, it would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, see what this lump might be, and give you treatment options. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Aug. 29, 2020
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ygarris07@gmail.com
13 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Tag Bleeding
Muppet has had this skin tag on his leg for a few years it was pi k and white turned partially black now its bleeding
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without being able to see the skin tag, unfortunately, it is hard to say what might be going on. It would probably be a good idea to have Muppet seen by your veterinarian, to see what options there are for treatment or removal so that it does not continue to cause problems. Hope it all goes well for him.
Aug. 5, 2020
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Beagle
Ten Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Tag
Our dog had a large pink skin tag on her cheek for over a year. Today, I noticed it was black. I touched it and noticed that it was loose and then fell off. Should I be concerned?
July 31, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello-
If the skin appears healthy and not irritated or infected I wouldn’t be concerned. I would recommend just monitoring the area for a reoccurrence of the growth and if it occurs have it checked out by your vet. Have a great day!
July 31, 2020
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French Bulldog
1.5 Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin“Tag” On Mouth
My dog developed a black, super shiny “tag” on his lip overnight. Any idea what it is?
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If it came up overnight, suddenly, it may be an infection, or a tick, or a growth of some kind. It would be a good idea to monitor him closely and see if it resolves or if it gets larger. If it does not resolve or it is causing him to bother with it, it would be a good idea to have your veterinarian look at it to see if any treatment may need to be given.
I hope that all goes well for him!
July 24, 2020
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Great Dane
Joee
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort
Our " Joee " has had a skin tag for about 4 yrs. Recently, it has grown and she is inclined to chew it. It turned black overnight. The vet will not remove it due to age. It is bleeding & we have it wrapped. HELP!
Labrador Retriever
Pauli
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Redness
My dog developed a skin tag on her eye lid a few months ago. In January she had it surgically removed however now, early March, it is back and bigger than before. Each time her eye stays bright red and gets awful eye boogers. Is this something that she is going to need repetitive surgery for or what is the best next step for her?
Yorkie
Chase
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Skin Tag
Skin Tag Bleeding
I have a Yorkie named Chase who loves to rub his head on our carpet. He has a skin tag on his head that has bled several times and caused matts in his hair. The skin rag doesn't seem to bother him but I am worried about the bleeding. What should I do?
