Why Does my Dog Have Lumps and Bumps Under Their Fur
You’re petting your dog when you suddenly feel a strange lump under their fur. You might be thinking, “What is this? Should I be worried?” Take a deep breath—you’re not alone! Lumps and bumps are quite common in dogs, and the good news is that many of them are nothing to be concerned about.
That said, it’s always wise to keep an eye on changes in your dog’s body. Some lumps can indicate a health issue that needs attention. So, how do you tell the difference between a harmless bump and one that requires a vet visit? That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about! We’ll break down the common types of lumps, what causes them, and how to spot red flags
What Are Common Types of Lumps and Bumps in Dogs?
Dogs are just as prone to skin quirks as humans are—think of lipomas like the canine version of a “dad bod.” Quite a few types of lumps and bumps can appear on your dog, and most of the time, they aren’t dangerous. Let’s go over the usual types:
- Lipomas (Fatty Lumps): These soft, squishy lumps often pop up in middle-aged or older dogs. They usually hang out under the skin and move around when you touch them, like a jellybean. While they can get pretty big, they’re almost always harmless. Some breeds, like Labrador retrievers, seem to get them more often than others.
- Sebaceous Cysts (Blocked Oil Glands): Ever had a zit that just wouldn’t quit? Well, sebaceous cysts are sort of like that. They form when a dog’s oil glands get clogged. These lumps can swell up and sometimes burst (yuck, I know), but most of the time, they heal up without causing any real issues.
- Warts and Skin Tags: Dogs—especially seniors—can develop warts or skin tags, which are small, fleshy growths. They’re usually painless and don’t need treatment unless they’re in a spot that gets irritated, like around the collar. Your dog might not even notice they’re there, and honestly, you probably won’t either unless you’re looking closely.
- Abscesses: If your dog gets an infection from a wound or an insect bite, it could lead to an abscess. These are warm, swollen lumps filled with pus (imagine a giant pimple). Abscesses are often painful and can make your dog feel a bit under the weather. They’ll usually need antibiotics and sometimes drainage by your vet.
- Malignant Tumors (Cancerous Lumps): Now, here’s the serious stuff. Cancerous lumps, like mast cell tumours, can look like anything—hard or soft, small or large, smooth or bumpy. One key warning sign? These lumps can grow fast. If you spot something like that, don’t wait—call your vet right away. Early detection is super important.
Each type of lump has its own story to tell, and knowing what’s what is the first step to keeping your dog healthy. But why do these lumps pop up in the first place? Let’s dig into the causes next.
What Causes Lumps and Bumps on Dogs?
So, what’s the deal with all these bumps? Are they just a weird part of dog life? In a way, yes. Just like us, dogs can develop lumps for all kinds of reasons—some totally normal and others that might need a closer look. Let’s break down the most common causes:
- Aging: As dogs age, their bodies go through changes, and unfortunately, lumps are one of them. Older dogs, especially those around middle age or beyond, often get benign growths like lipomas and skin tags. Think of it like those random gray hairs you wake up with one day—they’re not harmful, just a part of getting older.
- Genetics: Some breeds are more likely to develop lumps than others. If you have a boxer, golden retriever, or lab, you might notice they’re lump-prone. Certain dogs are genetically predisposed to conditions like mast cell tumours or fatty growths. So, regular body checks are a good idea if you own one of these breeds.
- Infections or Injuries: Dogs are curious creatures. Whether they’re roughhousing at the dog park or sniffing places they probably shouldn’t, minor cuts, scrapes, or bites can lead to infections. Sometimes, these infections develop into abscesses, which can swell up quickly and get painful. If your dog’s lump is hot, red, or seems tender, it might be an abscess.
- Clogged Skin Glands: Dogs have oil glands just like we do. When these get clogged, a cyst can form under the skin. Most of the time, these cysts just sit there harmlessly, but occasionally they can rupture (hello, mess!). Keeping your dog clean and brushing regularly can help prevent buildup in their skin.
- Other Causes: Other factors like hormonal imbalances or allergies can also play a role. Sometimes, bumps form as a reaction to vaccines or medications. While these kinds of lumps usually go away on their own, mentioning them to your vet is still a good idea.
How Can You Tell if a Lump Is Harmless or Concerning?
Okay, so you’ve found a lump—now what? Is it a harmless fatty deposit, or do you need to take it seriously? The truth is, it’s not always easy to tell just by looking. But a few key signs can help you figure out whether it’s time to call the vet:
- Signs a Lump Might Be Harmless:
- Soft and squishy: If the lump feels like a marshmallow and moves easily under the skin, it’s probably a benign lipoma.
- No change over time: Harmless lumps tend to stay the same size and shape for a long time.
- No pain or discomfort: If your dog doesn’t even flinch when you touch it, that’s usually a good sign.
It’s still smart to keep track of any lump by checking it regularly. Write down the date you found it and its size. If anything changes later, you’ll have a record to share with your vet.
- Red Flags to Watch For:
Sometimes, a lump can indicate something more serious. Here are the warning signs:
Rapid growth: A lump that seems to grow overnight or expands significantly within a few weeks can be concerning.
Hard and immovable: If the lump feels stuck in place or has an irregular shape, it could be a tumour.
Pain or sensitivity: If your dog flinches, growls, or whines when you touch the lump, it might be infected or inflamed.
Changes in appearance: Look out for lumps that become red, start bleeding, or develop an open sore.
Keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour, too. Are they acting sluggish, losing their appetite, or not quite themselves? That could be a sign the lump is part of a more significant issue. - The “When in Doubt” Rule:
Here’s the golden rule for dog owners: if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call the vet. It’s always better to play it safe than wait and see if things worsen. After all, early detection can make a huge difference when it comes to serious conditions like cancer.
When Should You Visit the Vet?
When it comes to lumps, knowing when to head to the vet can save you a lot of stress (and possibly some unnecessary panic). So, when should you make that appointment?
- If a Lump is Changing Quickly: Rapid growth is one of the most significant signs that you need a vet’s help. If you notice a lump that’s grown noticeably within a week or two, it’s time to get it checked out. While fast-growing lumps aren’t always dangerous, they can sometimes indicate serious issues, like mast cell tumours.
- If the Lump Feels Unusual: Here’s a simple test: Gently press and move the lump between your fingers. Does it feel soft and loose, or is it hard and stuck in place? Hard, immovable lumps can indicate tumours that grow deep into the surrounding tissue.
- If There’s Pain or Infection: If your dog shows discomfort when you touch the lump—yelping, pulling away, or acting tense—it might be infected or inflamed. Signs of infection can include redness, warmth, or even pus(gross, but necessary to check!) Abscesses, for example, can cause a dog to feel run-down or even feverish. If you spot anything like that, a vet can drain the abscess and prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
- If Your Dog’s Behaviour Has Changed: Sometimes, the lump itself isn’t the main problem—it’s how your dog is feeling overall. Pay attention if your dog seems tired, stops eating, or doesn’t want to play like they usually do. Changes in behaviour could meant the lump is part of a larger health issue.
- If Your Just Not Sure: Let’s be honest: It’s better to be safe than sorry. You might still feel uneasy even if the lump doesn’t tick any of these warning boxes. And that’s totally okay! Your vet can quickly assess the situation, which might give you peace of mind. Plus, early detection is key for managing any serious condition.
What Will the Vet Do to Diagnose and Treat the Lump?
So, you’ve scheduled a vet visit—what happens next? Don’t worry, your vet has seen it all before. They’ll do a complete exam to figure out what’s going on and recommend the best course of action. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: The Physical Exam
First, your vet will take a close look at the lump. They’ll check its size, shape, and how it feels when they move it around. They’ll also ask you some questions, like:
When did you first notice the lump?
Has it changed in size, colour, or texture?
Is your dog showing any other symptoms?
The answers help your vet better understand what might be causing the lump.
Step 2: Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA)
If the lump looks suspicious, your vet might perform a quick test called a fine-needle aspiration (FNA). It’s pretty simple: they use a small needle to collect cells from the lump, which are then examined under a microscope. This can often tell whether the lump is benign or something more serious, like a tumour.
Don’t worry—most dogs handle this procedure just fine. It’s over in a few seconds and doesn’t require sedation.
Step 3: Biopsy (If Needed)
In some cases, especially if the FNA results aren’t clear, your vet might recommend a biopsy. This involves taking a larger tissue sample from the lump, usually under sedation or anesthesia. Biopsies provide more detailed information and can confirm if the lump is cancerous.
Step 4: Treatment Options
Once your vet knows what they’re dealing with, they’ll discuss treatment options. For harmless lumps, they might suggest simply keeping an eye on it. For cysts or abscesses, your vet might drain or remove them. If it’s a tumour, surgical removal may be necessary, sometimes followed by further testing or treatment.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Even if a lump doesn’t need immediate treatment, you’ll still want to keep an eye on it. Regular checkups and monitoring for changes will help ensure your dog stays in tip-top shape. And remember, your vet is always there to answer questions—no need to wait for the next appointment if something seems off.
Lumps and bumps can be nerve-wracking, but with a little knowledge and regular check-ins, you can stay on top of your dog’s health. Many lumps are harmless, but it’s always a good idea to watch for changes and reach out to your vet when in doubt. After all, no one knows your dog better than you!
Keep giving your pup those belly rubs (and maybe a few extra treats) as you check for any new bumps. You’ve got this!