What Is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a small, fleshy skin growth that can appear on any area around a dogs body. Known medically as acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps, these growths are typically composed of collagen and blood vessels covered with skin. In most cases, skin tags on dogs are benign growths (meaning that theyre non-cancerous), and they only cause a dog discomfort if theyre located in an area that bothers your pet. For example, a skin tag located in the armpit could make walking uncomfortable.
Your dogs skin tag might appear as a small, raised bump on the skin, or it could be dangling from a small “stalk.” (You’ll see the main round part of the skin tag protruding away from the body on a small “stalk” of skin.) Some skin tags remain the same size forever, while some grow or change in shape and size over time. They most commonly appear on your dogs chest, stomach, legs, armpits, face, eyelids, and nose.
Veterinary professionals dont know exactly why skin tags on dogs occur. They often appear on areas of your dogs body where skin rubs against skin, so some believe that friction plays a role in their development. Parasites, lackluster skin care, skin irritation, or over-grooming may also play a role.
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When can dogs skin tags become a problem?
Due to the fact that they are benign growths, skin tags are not generally of great concern beyond the cosmetic appearance. However, in some cases they may get caught on objects or get pulled when grooming, causing them to bleed or cause your pet pain and discomfort — in these cases, surgical removal may be advisable.
What causes a skin tag on dogs?
Why skin tags appear on dogs is not fully understood, but they do often form in areas of friction, such as:
Skin Tags on Dogs How to Prevent and Remove Them
You’re probably familiar with them on people, but can dogs get skin tags? Yes, our canine companions do get skin tags — and just like with humans, it’s usually not a serious health concern. But it’s still important to know the difference between skin tags and other growths and what to do about them. In some cases, skin tags do require treatment. Table Of Contents
Skin tags are benign (non-cancerous) growths of fleshy tissue that appear as small lumps or bumps. They occur more often in middle-aged and senior dogs. And they seem to be more prevalent in larger breeds and certain breeds, like Cocker Spaniels and Boxers. Veterinarians use various medical terms to describe skin tags: acrochordon, fibrovascular papilloma, fibroepithelial polyp, or soft fibroma.