Discovering a lump on your dog’s skin can be alarming, but not all lumps are dangerous. Many are benign and harmless, while others may require medical attention. Knowing how to identify different types of lumps can help you determine whether a vet visit is necessary.

Common Types of Skin Lumps in Dogs

1. Lipomas (Fatty Tumours)

   • Soft, round, and movable under the skin

   • Common in older and overweight dogs

   • Usually benign and painless

2. Sebaceous Cysts

   • Small, fluid-filled lumps under the skin

   • Can rupture and release a thick, white substance

   • Typically non-threatening but may become infected

3. Histiocytomas

   • Raised, red, and firm lumps

   • Often found in younger dogs

   • Usually resolve on their own

4. Warts (Papillomas)

   • Cauliflower-like growths

   • Common in younger dogs and caused by a virus

   • Typically harmless but can spread or become irritated

5. Abscesses

   • Swollen, painful lumps filled with pus

   • Often caused by infections or bites

   • Require veterinary drainage and antibiotics

6. Mast Cell Tumours

   • Can vary in size and appearance

   • May be red, swollen, or ulcerated

   • Can be cancerous, requiring medical evaluation

7. Melanomas

   • Dark, pigmented lumps

   • Can appear anywhere, including the mouth and paws

   • Some may be benign, but malignant melanomas can spread

8. Fibro-sarcomas and Other Soft Tissue Sarcomas

   • Firm, deep-seated tumours under the skin

   • Often slow-growing but can be invasive

   • May require surgical removal

How to Examine a Skin Lump on Your Dog

1. Check the Size, Shape, and Texture

   • Measure the lump’s diameter and note any changes over time

   • Soft and movable lumps are often benign, while hard, irregular ones may need medical attention

2. Monitor for Changes

   • Rapid growth, colour changes, or ulceration can indicate a problem

   • Persistent itching, bleeding, or oozing may suggest an infection or malignancy

3. Look for Multiple Lumps

   • Some conditions cause multiple lumps, such as warts or lipomas

   • The presence of multiple hard lumps may require immediate vet assessment

4. Assess Your Dog’s Behaviour

   • Signs of pain, discomfort, or frequent licking at the lump can indicate an issue

   • Loss of appetite, lethargy, or weight loss alongside a lump may suggest a serious condition

When to See a Vet

• A lump that grows rapidly

• A firm, fixed, or irregular mass

• Bleeding, ulcerated, or inflamed lumps

• Signs of pain, infection, or discharge

• Lumps in sensitive areas like the mouth or paws

Your vet may perform a fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy to determine whether the lump is benign or cancerous. In some cases, surgical removal or additional treatment may be required.

Conclusion

Regularly checking your dog for skin lumps can help detect potential health issues early. While many lumps are harmless, it’s essential to monitor for changes and consult your veterinarian for a professional evaluation when needed.