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Pics of skin tags on dogs. Skin Tags on Dogs: Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Common Canine Skin Growths

by alexxlab

What do skin tags look like on dogs. How can you tell if a skin growth is benign or cancerous. When should you be concerned about a skin tag on your dog. What are the best ways to remove or treat skin tags in dogs.

Understanding Canine Skin Tags: Appearance and Types

Skin tags are benign growths that commonly develop on dogs as they age. These small, fleshy protrusions can appear anywhere on a dog’s body but are most often found on areas with high friction like the face, chest, armpits, and legs. While generally harmless, it’s important for dog owners to be able to identify skin tags and distinguish them from potentially more serious growths.

What Do Skin Tags Look Like on Dogs?

Canine skin tags have a distinctive appearance:

  • Small, soft, flesh-colored or pigmented growths
  • Often pedunculated (attached by a narrow stalk)
  • Range from 1-5 mm in size typically
  • Can be pink, brown, or black in color
  • Smooth or slightly wrinkled surface
  • May be hairless or have some hair growth

The most common types of skin tags seen in dogs include:

  1. Fibroadnexal hamartomas: The most prevalent type, composed of collagen and blood vessels. These tend to form in high-friction areas and are usually hairless.
  2. Follicular hamartomas: Less common, these appear as flat masses covered in hair.

Can skin tags on dogs be different colors? Yes, dog skin tags can range from pale pink to dark brown or black. The color variation is normal and not typically a cause for concern unless the tag suddenly changes color.

Causes and Risk Factors for Canine Skin Tags

While the exact cause of skin tags in dogs isn’t always clear, several factors can increase their likelihood:

  • Age – More common in older dogs
  • Breed – Larger breeds may be more prone
  • Friction – Frequent rubbing against collars or harnesses
  • Hormonal changes
  • Genetic predisposition

Do certain dog breeds get more skin tags? While any dog can develop skin tags, some breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, and Bulldogs may be more susceptible due to their skin folds and wrinkles creating more friction points.

Differentiating Skin Tags from Other Growths

One of the most crucial skills for dog owners is being able to distinguish harmless skin tags from potentially dangerous growths. While a veterinarian should always be consulted for proper diagnosis, there are some key differences to be aware of:

Skin Tags vs. Warts

Warts (papillomas) are caused by a virus and typically have a rough, cauliflower-like appearance. They’re more common in young dogs with developing immune systems. Skin tags, in contrast, have a smoother surface and are more common in older dogs.

Skin Tags vs. Moles

Moles are flat or slightly raised pigmented spots on the skin. They’re usually present from birth or appear early in life. Skin tags, however, tend to develop later in a dog’s life and protrude more noticeably from the skin.

Skin Tags vs. Cancerous Growths

While skin tags are benign, it’s crucial to monitor for signs that could indicate a cancerous growth:

  • Rapid growth or changes in size
  • Irregular shape or borders
  • Color changes or multi-colored appearance
  • Bleeding or ulceration
  • Pain or sensitivity when touched

How can you tell if a growth on your dog’s skin is cancerous? Any sudden changes in size, shape, or color of a skin growth should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Additionally, growths that bleed easily, ulcerate, or cause your dog discomfort may indicate a more serious condition.

When to Be Concerned About a Dog’s Skin Tag

While most skin tags are harmless, certain situations warrant veterinary attention:

  • Rapid growth or changes in appearance
  • Bleeding or discharge
  • Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth)
  • Constant irritation or discomfort for the dog
  • Location interferes with normal activities

Should you remove all skin tags on dogs? Not necessarily. If a skin tag isn’t causing problems, it’s often best to leave it alone. However, removal may be recommended if the tag is in a location prone to irritation or if there’s any suspicion of malignancy.

Diagnosis and Veterinary Evaluation of Skin Tags

When you notice a new growth on your dog’s skin, it’s always best to have it checked by a veterinarian. The diagnostic process typically involves:

  1. Visual examination: The vet will carefully inspect the growth, noting its size, shape, color, and location.
  2. Palpation: Gently feeling the growth can provide information about its texture and attachment to surrounding tissue.
  3. Fine needle aspirate: A small needle is used to collect cells from the growth for microscopic examination.
  4. Biopsy: If there’s any suspicion of malignancy, a small tissue sample may be taken for pathological analysis.

What tests can determine if a skin growth is cancerous? While visual inspection can provide clues, definitive diagnosis often requires cytology (examining cells under a microscope) or histopathology (examining a tissue sample). These tests can differentiate between benign growths like skin tags and malignant tumors.

Treatment Options for Dog Skin Tags

If a skin tag requires removal, several options are available:

Surgical Excision

The most common method, involving cutting out the skin tag and a small margin of surrounding tissue. This is typically done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the tag’s size and location.

Cryosurgery

Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen can be effective for smaller growths. This method is less invasive but may require multiple treatments.

Laser Therapy

Using a high-intensity laser to remove the skin tag. This method can be precise and minimize bleeding, but it requires specialized equipment.

Electrocautery

Burning off the skin tag with an electric current. This method can be quick but may not be suitable for larger growths.

Is it safe to remove skin tags at home? It’s strongly advised against removing skin tags at home. Attempting to cut, tie off, or apply over-the-counter products can lead to pain, infection, and incomplete removal. Always consult a veterinarian for safe and effective removal.

Preventing and Managing Skin Tags in Dogs

While it’s not always possible to prevent skin tags, certain measures can help reduce their occurrence and manage existing ones:

  • Regular grooming and skin checks
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce skin folds
  • Using properly fitted collars and harnesses to minimize friction
  • Providing a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids for skin health
  • Addressing any underlying skin conditions or allergies

Can diet affect the development of skin tags in dogs? While there’s no direct link between diet and skin tag formation, a balanced diet supporting overall skin health may help reduce the likelihood of various skin issues, including excessive growth.

Living with Canine Skin Tags: Long-Term Management

For many dogs, skin tags will be a lifelong presence that requires ongoing monitoring but minimal intervention. Here are some tips for long-term management:

  1. Regular check-ups: Have your veterinarian examine any skin growths during routine visits.
  2. Photo documentation: Keep a visual record of skin tags to track any changes over time.
  3. Protective measures: Use soft bandages or clothing to protect skin tags in high-friction areas if necessary.
  4. Monitor for changes: Be vigilant about any alterations in size, shape, or color of existing skin tags.

How often should you have a veterinarian check your dog’s skin tags? For most dogs, annual check-ups are sufficient. However, if you notice any changes or if your dog has a history of skin issues, more frequent examinations may be recommended.

Understanding and managing skin tags is an important aspect of canine health care. While these growths are typically benign, staying informed and vigilant can help ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, combined with attentive at-home monitoring, provide the best approach to managing skin tags and other skin growths in dogs. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian for professional advice and care tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Pictures & What To Do (Veterinarian Advice)

This article was updated on June 3rd, 2023

Our dogs may develop various lumps and bumps on their skin over time. You may have been running your fingers through your dog’s fur and discovered a new lump, or perhaps your dog has always been prone to skin growths. While many of these growths are harmless, dogs can unfortunately also develop skin cancer, so it’s important for owners to understand the difference.

The good news is that about two-thirds of skin masses in dogs are benign (non-cancerous). Although you can’t definitively diagnose a skin mass without performing laboratory testing, there are some clues that can help identify whether a new mass should be of concern. Skin tags are one such growth that can appear on your dog, but should you worry about them?

Table of Contents

What do skin tags look like? [With Pictures]

Pink skin tag on a dog’s paw

A skin tag is a benign growth that develops on the surface of your dog’s skin. They vary in appearance with a range of different sizes, shapes and colors (From white-pink to black). Many skin tags are pedunculated – this means that they are attached to the skin via a narrow stalk leaving them dangling in space.

Pictures of skin tags on dogs:

Pink and black skin tags on dogs

Skin tags are more common in older animals and large breed dogs, although any dog can develop a skin tag.

Sometimes also referred to as an acrochordon, fibroepithelial polyp, or hamartoma (amongst other names), a skin tag is formed from an overgrowth of collagen and small blood vessels and is essentially a ball of extra skin attached to the surface of your dog. Skin tags most commonly appear on the face, chest, armpits, and legs of your dog, but they can grow anywhere on your dog.

Different Types of Skin Tags on Dogs

  • Fibroadnexal hamartoma

These are the most common type of skin tag seen in dogs and are composed of a mixture of collagen and blood vessels. They usually form in areas of high friction and are hairless. They are generally not serious unless they are constantly rubbing on the ground and causing irritation, in which case they can be removed.

WATCH: 3 Important Tips To Care For an Old Dog [VET VIDEO]

  • Follicular Hamartoma

These are a less common type of skin tag in dogs. They appear as a flat mass covered in hair. These are also benign and generally nothing to worry about as long as they aren’t causing irritation by rubbing or catching on objects. They can be removed surgically if necessary.

Can dog skin tags be cancerous?

Skin tags are benign and therefore not cancerous by definition. As long as a skin tag isn’t changing in shape, size, or color, then it is generally nothing to worry about. However, that isn’t to say that cancer can’t develop in or around the area of the skin tag. All cells have the possibility of mutating into cancer and therefore just because a skin tag once looked benign doesn’t mean that a different type of skin cancer can’t develop in the same area. It’s always a good idea to have any suspicious lumps tested by your vet, especially if they are changing in appearance: read our veterinarian article about Cancerous Lumps and Lesions in Dogs & What They Look Like.

When should you worry about a skin tag on a dog?

While skin tags are non-cancerous masses that generally don’t cause any harm to your dog, this doesn’t mean that they should be completely ignored.

Skin tags often develop on areas of your dog’s skin where there is high friction, such as areas that are in contact with the ground or their collar. Over time, constant rubbing of these skin tags will lead to irritation and may be painful for your dog. Damage to the surface of a skin tag also leaves it prone to infection. If your dog keeps rubbing or knocking a skin tag, then it might need to be surgically removed by your veterinarian.

It’s very important to monitor and detect any change in size or color. Even benign skin masses have the potential to become malignant and so any sudden change in appearance should be examined by your veterinarian; so should ulcerated or bleeding masses.

Other signs of malignancy include:

  1. Your dog seems more irritated by their skin tag than before.
  2. Your dog’s skin tags appear to be painful when touched.

In the vast majority of cases, skin tags will remain the same for your dog’s lifespan and usually aren’t anything to worry about, but if you have any concerns then have your veterinarian test your dog’s lumps. 

How do you remove a skin tag from a dog?

If you think that a skin tag needs to be removed because it is bothering your dog or repeatedly getting caught on objects, then there are right and wrong ways to do so.

  • How do you get rid of skin tags on dogs naturally?

Some skin tags may shrink over time, but very rarely will they disappear completely. So, there is no ‘natural’ way to remove a skin tag.

  • Can I remove my dog’s skin tag myself?

It is not a good idea for an owner to try and remove a skin tag themselves at home. Not only will it be painful for your dog, but it will likely create an open wound that is susceptible to infection. Skin tags should only be removed surgically under sedation or a general anesthetic. This ensures that the skin tag won’t come back and allows the skin to heal properly.

Disclaimer: This content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your vet for health decisions. Learn more.

  • Can I cut off a skin tag with nail clippers?

Absolutely not. For the same reasons mentioned above, this will create an open wound for infection and be extremely painful for your dog. It is also highly likely that the skin tag will grow back.

  • Do skin tags grow back once removed?

If removed surgically by your veterinarian, it is unlikely that a skin tag will grow back as the surgery aims to remove all the cells that make up the lump. If a skin tag is removed at home, however, the likelihood of recurrence is higher as it is unlikely that all of the mass is removed successfully.

  • How will my vet remove a skin tag?

Your vet will remove the skin tag in its entirety by cutting it off with a scalpel blade. The remaining incision will then be carefully stitched back together. It is also possible to cryogenically freeze a skin tag until it drops off.

Is It Really a Skin Tag? Things that Look Like Skin Tags but Are NOT

There are many other things that can masquerade as a skin tag in dogs. It is therefore important to be able to recognize what is and what isn’t a skin tag, as the treatment may be very different.

  • Ticks

A tick is a parasite that buries its head into your dog’s skin in order to feed on blood, gross! As the tick feeds, its body swells up to the point where, to the untrained eye, it can look suspiciously similar to a skin tag. However, when you look closely at a tick you may notice small legs coming from the body; ticks are often whiter in color also. Furthermore, it’s often painful for your dog to have a tick – if they react when they touch the ‘skin tag’ it is more likely to be a tick. It’s important to have ticks professionally removed as if you try to do so yourself you may leave the head buried in the skin, resulting in extreme irritation.

  • Warts

Dog warts, like skin tags, are benign lumps on your dog’s skin. They are caused by an infection with a virus known as canine papillomavirus, and while they generally won’t cause any harm to your dog, they can be easily mistaken for cancerous tumors. Therefore, it’s always important to have them checked by your vet. If you are not sure if your dog has a wart or a skin tag, make sure you read our article: Is it a Wart or a Skin Tag?

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  • Nipples

While the difference may be obvious to many, skin tags can be easily mistaken for your dog’s nipples. Both male and female dogs have nipples, and females’ nipples will often enlarge when they are in heat. This is often the time that owners will mistake a nipple for a skin tag. Think about where the ‘skin tags’ are. Are they symmetrical on each side of your dog’s chest? If so, it’s likely a nipple, and so it certainly shouldn’t be removed!

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Ask a question, get an answer ASAP!

Skin Tags Q&A with Dr. Alex Crow, Veterinarian

What about black skin tags?

Skin naturally contains a pigment known as melanin, which gives skin its darker color. Since skin tags are composed of skin cells, it’s possible that skin tags can appear darker or even black. While this generally isn’t of too much concern, if an old skin tag has recently turned black, it might be a sign of something more sinister. A type of cancerous tumor known as a malignant melanoma can easily be mistaken for a black skin tag, therefore it’s better to be safe and have any new dark lumps tested by your vet.

Close up picture of a black skin tag on a dog

What causes skin tags in dogs?

While the exact causes of skin tags are not completely understood, there are a few factors that may be involved. These include previous trauma to that area of skin, genetic factors, parasitic infection, poor skin hygiene, and skin infections. However, these causes are up for debate, and so the development of skin tags is out of our control.

Should I be worried about dog skin tag bleeding?

Skin tags may bleed if your dog keeps catching them on objects around the house. This can become irritating for both you and your dog, and so is a valid reason to have an otherwise benign skin tag removed. However, if a skin tag spontaneously bleeds or appears ulcerated, without any apparent trauma, then it may be a sign of malignancy; cancerous masses often ooze blood, so get any bleeding lumps checked out by your vet.

What about skin tags on my dog’s eyes?

One location where skin tags can develop is on or around the eyelids. While these masses are benign, they can impede your dog’s vision or even rub on the surface of the eye resulting in eye ulcers and conjunctivitis. If your dog has a lump near their eye that is bothering them, then it might be a good idea to have it surgically removed by your vet.

Other types of lumps and bumps

If you are not sure if your dog’s lump or bump is a skin tag, wart, tumor, cyst, or something else, view our picture gallery or read our article: is it a wart or a skin tag? Remember that it can be challenging to determine the true nature of a bump or lump just by looking at it. A veterinary examination is required in most cases.

Read More About Dog’s Lumps and Bumps:

Expert Tips and Advice for Dog Owners

If you are anything like us, you love your dog and have built an incredible bond with your favorite companion over the years. We are here to help: we are a team of veterinarians and dog trainers who provide expert advice to keep your dog healthy & happy.

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Read Articles from Our Certified Dog Trainers

Our Senior Tail Waggers team includes professional dog trainers and certified dog behaviorists, including Julie Burgess, CPDT-KA and Mindy Waite, Ph.D, CAAB, CPDT-KA. Discover some of their articles below:

Read our articles about dog behavior & training.

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In the Spotlight: Caring for Senior Dogs

At Senior Tail Waggers, we specialize in senior dog care! More dogs are reaching ‘senior-citizen’ status every year. This is down to ongoing advances in veterinary care and pet nutrition, plus the love and money we lavish on them. This is great news for them, and for us, because it means we get to enjoy more years with our furry best friend. But age can also bring a whole slew of changes and challenges for everyone.

And of course, there are so many great things to celebrate about our older dogs. They can be loving, patient, loyal, goofy, funny, sweet, tolerant, empathetic. Fido understands your moods, routine, emotions – and you understand his. It’s pure and unconditional love at it’s very best.

How can I make my old dog more comfortable?

Diet, medication and simple changes in the household environment can have a massive impact on how dramatically your dog feels the effects of getting older. The earlier these changes are implemented, the more comfortable your dog’s transition into retirement will be. This article will provide owners with some simple tips for caring for an elderly pooch and will bring to light the warning signs of serious disease to look out for.

Old dog proof your house: Arthritis and mobility issues are among the most common complaints owners have as their dog gets older. Stiffness first thing in the morning, muscle weakness and a reluctance to jump are just a few of the symptoms of aging joints. The household furnishings that once served as a playground for your younger dog may now seem more like an unnecessary obstacle course. Consider moving your dog’s bed and feeding bowl close together to limit the distance they need to travel for the essentials, and you might even want to block off the stairs to deter them from overexerting themselves. Elderly dogs also have a tendency to become more easily confused so the fewer objects they have to navigate around the better.

The goal is to reduce the risk of accidents and increase comfort levels while still allowing your dog to maintain independence. Comfy beds and elevated feeding bowls, are some of the essentials here. Dog ramps are fantastic for helping them get in and out of the boot of the car, steps to get to their favorite spot on the couch, and grip pads on slippery surfaces can all hugely improve their quality of life.

Watch for hot and cold temperatures: As dogs age, their metabolism slows down and generally isn’t as quick to respond to changes in their external environment as it once was. They are much more prone to feel the effects of extreme heat and cold so be sure to take extra precautions to keep them within their optimal temperature range. Protect against heat stroke by always taking plenty of water, icepacks and don’t stay out in the sun for too long with your elderly dog. Similarly, hypothermia is a threat in low-temperature conditions so it would be wise to provide a doggy jacket in areas of colder climates.

Moderate exercise for old dogs: Your elderly dog may not be as athletic as they once were; heart and lung functions deteriorate over time and while it’s important for your dog to stay active, you must be aware not to overdo it. Rather than long periods of exercise, the senior dog will prefer shorter periods of moderate exercise more frequently. What does ‘moderate’ exercise actually mean?  No matter what ‘issues’ he has, there are exercise options and games that your senior dog will be able to enjoy.

Senior dog fun: Senior dogs also want to have fun. View our selection of the best senior dog toys.

Learn More About Caring For a Senior Dog

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Why do dogs have tags on their ears, which means green, yellow and red colors

For some time now, people have been noticing stray dogs with tags in their ears on the streets of cities. Many consider animals to be victims of vandals, others simply wonder why dogs have such a “decoration”. Let’s look into this issue.

Contents

  • 1 Why do dogs have ear tags

    • 1.1 How to tag dogs in their ears

    • 1.2 What do the different color clips mean

    • 1.3 Video: What does a dog’s ear tag mean

Stray dog ​​ear tags are an identification mark indicating that the individual has been spayed, vaccinated against rabies, treated for parasites and released back into the habitat.

Previously, stray dogs were simply shot, thus regulating the number of stray dogs and reducing the spread of infectious diseases among them. The method is cruel from any point of view, but apparently they did not see an alternative.

In the US, dog trapping and subsequent neutering has been around for decades. In Turkey, this experience was adopted 10 years ago. In our country, this practice is no more than 5 years old.

It is now forbidden to shoot homeless animals. They are supposed to be caught, sterilized (more precisely, castrated, that is, completely deprived not only of the opportunity to have offspring, but also of the manifestations of sexual hunting), vaccinated and released back into the habitat. This is a humane way to deal with the uncontrolled reproduction of “tramps”, who, after the above procedures, simply live their lives (short or long, more or less happy – as it happens), leaving no unfortunate offspring behind.

But so that the same individual does not have to be caught twice, dogs are marked – a tag is inserted into their ear, on which the identification number of a particular dog entered in the municipal database is registered. Ideally, the further fate of animals is tracked by this number.

Each clip is individually numbered

All these activities must be carried out by the City. But in fact, volunteers often do this, usually with their own money.

In our city, this is mainly done by volunteers, I am subscribed to their group in social networks. There is also a kind of private shelter, the head of which has a tender from the city for this type of activity. I know that at first she kept these dogs with her, but now she is letting them out into the street after 10 days after the castration operation, since the shelter is simply overcrowded. And the city, to be honest, releases the money in a minimal amount, they are only enough directly for the operation, and the dogs are vaccinated and treated already for income from charitable contributions, which, unfortunately, are also catastrophically small.

How to tag dogs in their ears

Many people find the tag to be uncomfortable or painful for the dog. In fact, this is not so (no more painful than women wear earrings). The procedure itself takes place simultaneously with sterilization while the animal is still under anesthesia.

The only possible consequence is suppuration of the skin at the puncture site if an infection gets there. But since, after sterilization, the dog still needs suture treatment, the puncture in the ear is also treated at the same time, so that by the time it is released into the street, the clip no longer bothers it.

What do the color clips mean

The most common ear tag color for a stray dog ​​is yellow. But there are individuals with red and green clips. In fact, there is no difference between them. It’s just that the veterinary service of the city bought tags of a certain color, so the dogs walk around the city with the same clips. But among them there may be signs of a different color if the dog was sterilized in another clinic (for example, volunteers).

The dog’s ear tag can be any color, it doesn’t matter

But regardless of the color of the tag, you can be sure that this dog is relatively healthy, sterile and non-aggressive, so it does not pose any danger to people.

Video: what does a dog’s ear tag mean

Now there is a practice of trapping and sterilization of stray animals by city services with their subsequent return to the street. So that such a dog is not caught twice, and people are sure that there is no danger from it, animals are marked with special ear tags. The clip contains the dog’s number entered into the general database.

  • Author: Veronika Eremenko