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Skin tags in dogs are a type of growth comprised of fibrous tissue that can appear as a single or multiple lump or bump. This connective tissue is made up of collagen proteins, and is essential in the formation of such specialized tissues as bone and cartilage, as well as provides the connective support for the various organs and systems in the body. While some skin tags are considered to be benign cancers, termed fibromas, most are deemed non-cancerous, and can be referred to by several names. These include acrochordons, fibrovascular papillomas, collagenous hamartoma, hyperplastic or hypertrophic scar, and fibroepithelial polyp.
Just like their human owners, dogs can develop small skin lumps on the surface or just under their skin. These skin tags often appear as a dog ages, and though they can be unsightly, they are quite harmless. Very often, these growths are connected to the body by a stalk-like tissue.
Skin tags grow slowly and can take a long time to be noticeable. They are located on the skin, or just under the skin, and can vary in size and appearance. While harmless, they can cause distress if they grow too large or in a location that compromises your dog’s normal daily activity, or if they become damaged, in which case they can bleed and possibly become infected. Signs your dog may have a skin tag include:
Skin tags are often referred to as hamartomas, which are described as a nodule of redundant tissue. Two types of these are:
Fibroadnexal Hamartomas
– Also called collagenous hamartomas, these are the common skin tags seen in many dogs. Often, these are hairless growths, and form near the lower limb regions and pressure points.
Follicular Hamartomas
– This is a type of fibroadnexal hamartoma, and more rare in dogs. These growths are often found in multiples, and can be characterized by flattened masses with thick hairs.
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Skin tags are composed of fibrous tissues made up of collagen proteins. This fibrous tissue is a normal component of the body, and creates the supportive connections and tissues that hold the organs and body systems into place. The cells responsible for the production of the fibers that makes this connective tissue are called fibroblasts, and if these cells are overactive, this can cause an abundance of fibrous tissue, resulting in a slow-growing mass near or on the skin.
Though skin tags can appear on any breed of dog, there seems to be an increased risk in larger breeds. Skin tags more commonly appear in dogs that are middle-aged and older.
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If you see a growth on your dog, it will be vitally important to determine if such a growth is a harmless skin tag, or if it is a tumor or other growth that is signaling a more serious problem, such as cancer. While it is common to see growths appear on aging dogs, monitoring certain factors can be helpful to you and your veterinarian when making a determination about your dog’s condition. Once you see a bump or lump on or under the skin, take notes on the appearance, size and location of the bump. Taking pictures with an object of a fixed size next to it, such as a coin or ruler, can help to determine growth when compared to a later picture. Never use scissors or a razor to remove any hair near the growth, but instead, use electric clippers or a beard trimmer to prevent damage to the growth.
If you notice certain characteristics about the growth, you should not delay in seeking a medical opinion. These can include a rapidly growing lump, a dark colored growth, or a bump near your dog’s ear, nose, mouth, or mammary glands. Other symptoms concurrent with the growth can also cause alarm, such as changes in appetite, weight and energy levels, signs of discomfort and pain, or vomiting and diarrhea.
Be sure to tell your veterinarian details of all symptoms you’ve noticed, including any changes you’ve seen in the growth. Your vet will examine your dog and evaluate the lump. A fine needle aspirate may be performed to collect a sample to analyze. Usually, a biopsy is recommended to determine if the growth is benign or malignant, the examination of which can confirm a diagnosis of a skin tag.
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While some skin tags can shrink in size over time, most of them will remain unless they are surgically removed. Surgery to remove these growths is optional, as often skin tags cause no harm to your dog. However, removal can be recommended in certain cases, such as to confirm a diagnosis with a biopsy, or if the size or location of the growth is causing physical problems, pain, or secondary infections.
Another method of removal is through cryosurgery. Nitrous oxide or liquid nitrogen is used to destroy the unwanted tissue by freezing it. The tissue then falls off or dissolves within four weeks. This procedure can be attractive for those dogs who are at an increased risk of complications due to anesthesia, as only a mild local anesthetic may be needed. The process is only temporarily painful during the freezing with no pain during recovery. Sometimes, the first treatment is not sufficient and may be repeated within two to three weeks.
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While occasionally, skin tags can shrink on their own, more often they will be a harmless addition to your dog’s skin until removed. After any type of removal, prevent your dog from licking, chewing, or scratching at the area to prevent any further damage. An Elizabethan collar can be used. Keep the area clean and monitor it for changes. Be aware that once your dog has developed a skin tag, he may be more prone to develop others.
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Ask a Vet
Italian Greyhound
Eleven Years
Unknown severity
6 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
New skin tag like growths that look unusual
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 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
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 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
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
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
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
Jessica N. DVM
5 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
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My dog developed a black, super shiny “tag” on his lip overnight. Any idea what it is?
July 24, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 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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Joee
Great Dane
9 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
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!
Pauli
Labrador Retriever
6 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
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?
Chase
Yorkie
9 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
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?
Gifford
Chihuahua
11 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
So I have an old dog and he typically gets random pimples, moles, skin tags, weird patches of skin, etc. that don't really seem to affect him. Months ago, maybe even a year, I noticed he had a fleshy one that I first mistook to be a tick on his toe but soon realized it was just a skin tag so I let it be. Today I looked and saw that it was completely black and partially hanging off, not completely, but enough to see where it was once attached. I'm unsure if I should leave it be and let it come off by itself or pull it off. I don't want him to get hurt/infected/or bleed profusely but blood clotting is also a concern of mine.
Lady
Labrador Retriever
11 Years
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My 11 year old Lab has a skin tag on her front right leg at the bend (elbow).We took her to the vet. She said it was a rupture, shaved her leg and bandaged it. She wants to remove it surgically. We are concerned about her being put sleep for this.She has seizures sometimes.The tag has turned black on the end and pink on the rest of it. It also bleeds some. What would you recommend.
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