Finding a new lump or bump on your dog can be alarming.
Maybe you were petting your dog and noticed a small, soft growth hanging from their skin. Or perhaps you've spotted a tiny flap near their leg, neck, or belly and are wondering if it's something serious.
The good news is that dogs can get skin tags, and in many cases, they're harmless. However, not every skin growth is a skin tag. Some lumps can be cysts, warts, tumors, or other conditions that require veterinary attention.
Knowing what skin tags look like, and when they should be evaluated, can help you make informed decisions about your dog's health.
What Are Skin Tags?
A skin tag is a small, benign (non-cancerous) growth of skin that protrudes from the body. Veterinarians may also refer to certain skin tags as fibroepithelial polyps or fibrovascular papillomas, depending on their structure.
Skin tags are made up of normal skin tissue and connective tissue. They are generally:
- Soft and flexible
- Attached by a narrow stalk or base
- The same color as the surrounding skin (though they may appear darker over time)
- Slow-growing
- Painless unless irritated
Many dogs develop only one or two skin tags during their lifetime, while others may develop several.
Where Do Dogs Get Skin Tags?
Skin tags often develop in areas where there is frequent friction or movement.
Common locations include:
- Neck
- Chest
- Armpits
- Belly
- Legs
- Groin
- Around the elbows
- Between skin folds
Long-haired dogs may have skin tags hidden beneath their coat, making them difficult to notice until grooming or petting.
What Causes Skin Tags in Dogs?
There isn't one single cause, but several factors may contribute.
Age
Older dogs develop skin tags more frequently than younger dogs. As skin changes with age, benign growths become more common.
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Friction
Areas that experience repeated rubbing may be more likely to develop skin tags.
Examples include:
- Harnesses
- Collars
- Skin folds
- Areas where legs rub against the body
Genetics
Some dogs simply appear more prone to developing benign skin growths than others.
Body Condition
Dogs carrying excess weight often have additional skin folds, which can increase friction and potentially contribute to skin tag formation.
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Are Certain Breeds More Likely to Get Skin Tags?
Skin tags can occur in any breed, but they appear more commonly in:
- Cocker Spaniel
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Boxer
- Poodle
That doesn't mean these breeds will definitely develop skin tags, only that benign skin growths may be seen more often as they age.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
Most skin tags are completely harmless.
They usually:
- Do not spread
- Are not contagious
- Are not painful
- Grow very slowly
Many dogs live their entire lives with skin tags that never cause problems.
However, skin tags can become irritated if they:
- Catch on brushes or combs
- Rub against collars or harnesses
- Are repeatedly licked or chewed
- Bleed after being snagged
When irritation occurs, your veterinarian may recommend removal.
How to Tell if It's Really a Skin Tag
Many different skin conditions can resemble skin tags.
A true skin tag is typically:
- Soft rather than hard
- Moves freely with the skin
- Attached by a small stalk
- Covered with normal-looking skin
- Slow to change over time
Other skin growths can look similar but may require different treatment.
These include:
- Warts
- Sebaceous adenomas
- Cysts
- Histiocytomas
- Mast cell tumors
- Melanomas
Because appearance alone isn't always enough to identify a growth, it's safest to have any new lump examined by your veterinarian.
When Should You See a Veterinarian?
Schedule a veterinary appointment if you notice a new growth, especially if it:
- Appears suddenly
- Grows quickly
- Changes color
- Becomes swollen
- Starts bleeding
- Produces discharge
- Causes pain
- Ulcerates
- Interferes with walking or movement
- Is repeatedly licked or chewed
Veterinarians may perform a physical examination, fine needle aspirate, biopsy, or recommend removal depending on the appearance of the growth.
It's impossible to determine whether a lump is benign simply by looking at it.
Can You Remove a Skin Tag at Home?
No.
You should never attempt to cut, tie off, burn, or remove a skin tag yourself.
At-home removal can lead to:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Delayed diagnosis if the growth is something more serious
Even if a growth looks like a harmless skin tag, only a veterinarian can determine what it actually is.
How Are Skin Tags Removed?
If removal is recommended, your veterinarian may perform one of several procedures.
Depending on the size and location, they may:
- Surgically remove the skin tag
- Use local anesthesia for small growths
- Remove multiple growths while your dog is already under anesthesia for another procedure
Removed tissue is often sent to a laboratory for analysis to confirm that it is benign.
Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags.
However, supporting your dog's overall skin health may help reduce irritation and keep their skin in good condition.
You can help by:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Keeping skin folds clean and dry
- Using properly fitted collars and harnesses
- Grooming regularly
- Monitoring your dog's skin during brushing and bathing
Early detection allows your veterinarian to evaluate any changes before they become more concerning.
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Supporting Healthy Skin from the Inside Out
Healthy skin starts with good nutrition.
A complete and balanced diet provides essential nutrients that help support the skin's natural barrier and maintain a healthy coat. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, zinc, and high-quality protein all play important roles in skin health.
While proper nutrition won't prevent skin tags, feeding a nutrient-rich diet can help support overall skin function and reduce the risk of other skin issues associated with poor nutrition.
Give Your Dog Nutrition That Supports Whole-Body Health
Your dog's skin is one of the first places overall health can show. Feeding a complete, high-quality diet provides the nutrients needed to support healthy skin, a shiny coat, strong joints, digestion, and everyday wellness.
Pupford Good Dog Food is made with nutrient-dense ingredients and responsibly sourced proteins to provide complete, balanced nutrition that supports your dog's health from nose to tail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do skin tags hurt dogs?
Most skin tags are painless. They typically only become uncomfortable if they are repeatedly irritated, injured, or infected.
Do skin tags go away on their own?
Usually not. Most remain the same size or grow very slowly over time.
Can puppies get skin tags?
It's uncommon. Skin tags are much more frequently seen in middle-aged and senior dogs.
Are skin tags cancerous?
Most skin tags are benign. However, many other skin growths can resemble skin tags, so any new lump should be examined by your veterinarian.
Should I worry about every lump on my dog?
Not every lump is an emergency, but every new lump deserves attention. Early evaluation helps ensure that potentially serious conditions are identified and treated as soon as possible.
Recap: Do Dogs Get Skin Tags?
Yes, dogs do get skin tags, and they're often nothing to worry about. These small, benign growths are especially common in older dogs and usually remain harmless throughout a dog's life.
The challenge is that many other skin conditions can look similar. Because it's impossible to identify every lump by appearance alone, it's always a good idea to have new or changing growths examined by your veterinarian.
Regular grooming, routine skin checks, and a nutritious diet can all help support your dog's skin health and ensure you catch any changes early.
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