Skin Tags on Dogs
By K9Reproduction.com EditorialPublished May 9, 2023
What Are Skin Tags on Dogs?
Skin tags are small abnormal growths of skin. As the name suggests, they are skin that has grown differently than normal skin and are usually located on the chest, legs, and neck. Skin tags are not considered an emergency, but having your veterinarian examine them on their next annual visit is always recommended. You can also make a “skin journal” with location and size to help you remember before your next veterinarian visit.
What Do Skin Tags on Dogs Look Like?
Skin tags are usually not noticed until they are felt while petting or bathing your dog. They are very small pieces of skin attached by a small stalk-like structure. They are usually only a few millimeters in size, movable, and not painful. They can be either pink or darker in color and can occur alone or in a group.
Skin Tag Look-alikes
Ticks, masses, warts, and cysts can look like skin tags but are different.
Ticks: If you do not notice legs extending from the body, do not try to remove it without a veterinarian assessing it first.
Masses: Some cancers, like melanoma, can appear as a black skin tag and may also be easy to confuse.
Cysts: These are usually more attached and larger than skin tags and can be firm or soft, depending on what is inside.
Warts: Slightly raised, completely attached to the skin, and usually not movable.
Be sure to monitor skin tags for any changes, and if you notice the growth changing, becoming larger, or see many of them on your dog’s body, visit your veterinarian immediately in case a biopsy is needed.
Causes of Skin Tags on Dogs
Irritation: Skin tags are usually caused by chronic irritation, often seen in pressure areas such as the chest, knees, and elbows. Collars or harnesses that rub the skin repeatedly over time can also cause skin tags. Skin conditions caused by a flea allergy, food allergy, or environmental allergy can lead to biting and scratching in one area, resulting in a skin tag.
Virus: A papilloma virus can cause skin tag lesions. Papillomas usually cause warts, but occasionally they can cause skin tags in clusters. The papilloma virus is typically of no concern and is cured by the removal of the skin tag or wart. If there are multiple skin tags that are bothersome to the dog, antiviral medications can be used.
Breed: Certain breeds, such as Boxers, hound breeds, bully-type terriers, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, are more prone to developing skin tags, though any breed can develop them.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Tags on Dogs
Examination of the lesion by a veterinarian can usually provide a diagnosis. However, if the veterinarian is uncertain of the cause, a biopsy is needed. In a biopsy, cells are removed from the lesion and sent to a laboratory for further diagnosis. The pathologist at the lab will look for certain cells under the microscope to give a definitive diagnosis. Due to the small size of the lesion, removal may be needed to have enough of a sample to submit to the lab.
Treatment of Skin Tags on Dogs
No treatment is required if your dog is not bothered by skin tags. If they are the result of a virus, antiviral drugs can be prescribed to treat the lesions.
Surgical removal is the only cure for skin tags. Removal can be performed while under general or local anesthesia (where medicine is injected under the skin to decrease feeling in the area before cutting). Using a local anesthetic depends upon the location and size of the skin tag, as well as the temperament of the dog.
Usually, skin tags are removed during another procedure such as a dental cleaning, spay, or neuter. Rarely does skin tag removal qualify for general anesthesia by itself unless a biopsy is needed for diagnosis. Surgical removal can be performed by excision or cauterization. Excision is cutting the attachment of the skin tag, and cauterization uses heat or electricity to burn the tissue attachment. A recovery cone or collar is recommended to prevent chewing of the area while it is healing.
Recovery and Prevention of Skin Tags on Dogs
Skin tags cannot be completely prevented, but some changes can help decrease the likelihood of developing them:
Use soft, supportive bedding to decrease irritation when lying or getting up and down.
Ensure collars or harnesses fit appropriately to prevent irritation.
Treat allergies that are causing irritation to the area.
Keep skin folds clean using products like MalAcetic and Mal-a-Ket wipes.
Be cautious of trauma to skin tags at the groomer or during play. If trauma occurs, treat it as a wound and seek appropriate medical care. Inform your groomer of the skin tags so they are not accidentally cut.
Monitoring is always recommended, and it is helpful to use a journal to note the description and size of the skin tag each month. Inform your veterinarian of any changes on your next visit, or sooner if you see a cause for concern.
FAQs
Q: Are skin tags on dogs dangerous?A: Skin tags are generally not dangerous but should be monitored for any changes in size, shape, or color. If changes occur, consult your veterinarian.
Q: Can skin tags on dogs be removed?A: Yes, skin tags can be surgically removed, often during another procedure like dental cleaning, spay, or neuter. Removal methods include excision and cauterization.
Q: How can I prevent skin tags on my dog?A: While you cannot completely prevent skin tags, you can reduce the likelihood by providing soft bedding, ensuring collars and harnesses fit properly, treating allergies, and keeping skin folds clean.
Q: What should I do if a skin tag changes?A: If you notice any changes in the skin tag's size, shape, or color, or if your dog develops multiple skin tags, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Q: Are certain breeds more prone to skin tags?A: Yes, breeds such as Boxers, hound breeds, bully-type terriers, English Bulldogs, and Pugs are more prone to developing skin tags, though any breed can develop them.
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