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You are here: Home / Puppy Health & Care / Skin Tags On Dogs – A Guide to Dog Skin Tag Removal and Identification

Skin Tags On Dogs – A Guide to Dog Skin Tag Removal and Identification

May 8, 2019 By Happy Puppy Team 12 Comments

Skin Tag

A complete guide to skin tags on dogs. Including what they are, what causes them, and how to remove skin tags on dogs safely.

Did your veterinarian tell you that your dog has skin tags?

Are you worried that your dog’s skin tag might be cancerous?

These are all common concerns for dog owners, especially as dogs get older, but luckily the answers are pretty straightforward.

What Are Skin Tags on Dogs?

Skin tags are fibrous tissue masses called fibromas or acrochordons. There are a variety of types with more technical medical names, so your vet might call them something else. They’re commonly called skin tags because of their appearance.

In dogs, these growths have elongated stalks that grow out from the skin and have a wart-like, lumpy layer of skin over them. They are not warts but rather a growth of collagen and other fibrous tissues that are present throughout a dog’s body (and ours).

They don’t spread, but they can grow in more than one place and can occur anywhere. Sometimes skin tags on dogs are confused with ticks, so always examine any suspected ticks carefully before trying to remove them.

Can Dogs Get Skin Tags?

Skin tags are common in people, and dogs can get them too. Your dog might have just one, or you may find that she has quite a few distributed over her body.

Most types of skin tags occur more frequently in older dogs, although they can occur in younger dogs. Any breed of dog can develop skin tags.

Large breeds may be more prone to skin tags than smaller breeds, and certain breeds, like Cocker Spaniels, seem predisposed to developing them.

Skin tags are the color of skin where they occur. This coloring can be different from dog to dog, especially with dogs with different skin pigments on different parts of their body. A black skin tag on a dog, for instance, is perfectly normal if the dog has black skin.

skin tags on dogs

If your dog’s skin tag begins to change color, however, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What Causes Skin Tags on Dogs?

Skin tags have several possible causes and are often the result of a wide range of factors, not all of which are fully understood.

What we do know is that skin tags develop as a possible result of past damage, chronic trauma, skin infections or genetic factors. Pressure points are a common area for skin tags, such as where your dog’s body meets the ground while she’s lying down.

There are some locations where skin tags could be problematic.

Are Skin Tags Cancerous?

Skin tags are usually benign. However, there are other types of growths that can look like skin tags but are potentially cancerous.

  • Cancer In Dogs – Symptoms!
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Cancerous growths can start out as small lesions resembling skin tags. This is confusing because skin tags can also grow with time. Although skin tags typically grow much slower than cancer.

The safest way to make sure that your dog’s lumps and bumps are actually skin tags is to take your dog to see the vet. Your veterinarian may take a sample, called a biopsy, to examine or test in the lab to make sure that the growth does not contain any cancerous cells.

Skin tags that grow or change color over time should raise some red flags. If your dog is prone to skin tags, talk to your veterinarian about what is normal and what is not, and give them a call if your dog’s skin tags begin to change in shape, size or appearance.

My Dog Has a Skin Tag. What Should I Do?

If you have dogs, chances are you will encounter a skin tag at least once in your life.

If you find something on your dog that appears to be a skin tag, make sure you mention it at the next veterinary checkup. In the meantime, keep an eye on it.

Skin tags that grow quickly or change shape or color could potentially be a type of cancerous growth.

If you are at all concerned about your dog’s skin tag, call your veterinarian. They can help you determine if your dog should be seen immediately or if it can wait until their next regular appointment.

Skin Tags vs. Warts on Dogs

Skin tags and warts can look very similar to the untrained eye.

The most common type of dog wart is a papilloma. These warts are viral, which means they are contagious, and different types of papillomas affect both young and old dogs.

Papillomas appear around and in the mouth, around the eyes and on the abdomen, depending on the type of papilloma. In rare cases, these warts can progress to cancer, so it is a good idea to get them checked out by a vet.

It can be hard to tell warts and skin tags on dogs apart. An easy way to tell the difference is to look at the base. If the growth has a thin “stalk” attaching the growth, chances are it is a skin tag. If the base is broad, it is probably a wart.

However, most of us lack the training and experience to accurately diagnose our dog’s conditions, so the safest way to make sure your dog’s bumps are normal is to have your veterinarian take a look.

Skin Tags on a Dog’s Lips or Eyelids

Although skin tags usually are nothing to worry about, any growth on your dog’s lips or eyelids requires a vet’s attention.

A skin tag on a dog’s eyelid, for example, can rub or scratch the cornea, causing ulcers and irritation, and it can interfere with your dog’s vision. These usually require removal.

What you think are skin tags on a dog’s lip or in their mouths could be papilloma warts or even cancerous growths, so make sure you get any bumps in or around your dog’s mouth checked out.

So, now that we know a bit about skin tags, what about dog skin tag removal?

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Dog Skin Tag Removal

There are several reasons why you might want to have your dog’s skin tag removed, even if it is benign.

Sometimes, dogs lick, bite or scratch at skin tags they can reach. This can lead to irritation, bleeding and infection. In these cases, and your veterinarian may recommend removal.

Other times, the location of the skin tag could cause a problem.

Skin tags on dogs that require frequent clipping, like Cocker Spaniels or Poodles, pose a potential risk at the groomers. Clipping blades can nick skin tags, making them bleed and hurting your dog. To reduce this risk, some owners put a dab of nail polish or indelible marker on the tags to make them easier to see, but sometimes removal is the safest option.

Skin tags also pose an aesthetic conundrum. They might be harmless, but many owners do not like the way they look. While this is not necessarily a good reason to put your dog through an elective procedure, talk to your veterinarian about removal if your dog has to go under anesthesia for another reason.

Skin Tags On Dogs

However, skin tags do tend to grow back and pop up again in other places, so removing skin tags for aesthetic reasons can end up costing you money and putting your dog through unnecessary discomfort.

Methods of Dog Skin Tag Removal

There are a few ways veterinarians remove skin tags on dogs. Skin tags can be excised (cut out), removed using electrosurgery or frozen during cryosurgery.

You may be able to have the skin tags removed when your dog is under general anesthesia for another procedure, like a dental cleaning.

In other cases, your veterinarian may recommend an outpatient procedure like cryosurgery to remove your dog’s skin tags. Cryosurgery essentially freezes the skin tag or wart, destroying it and slowing its regrowth. This typically less expensive than traditional surgery.

The benefits of cryosurgery are that in most cases, the dog does not have to be anesthetized or even sedated, and the recovery is less painful than traditional surgery. There are no stitches needed, either. Instead, the dead tissue sloughs off painlessly over a few weeks.

Dog Skin Tag Removal Cost

The cost of removal can vary widely, depending on the location of the clinic, the procedure, potential complications and your dog’s size and general health.

For instance, cryosurgery for a calm, well-behaved small dog might cost less than the same procedure for a large, energetic or aggressive dog. The larger, excitable dog might require sedation, and the larger the dog, the more anesthesia that’s required.

Keep in mind that removing a skin tag from a sensitive location like an eyelid can be more complicated than removing a skin tag from your dog’s paw. In addition, sending the removed skin tag to a specialist to make sure it’s not cancerous will cost as well.

Welcome to our complete guide to skin tags on dogs.

The best way to get a quote for your dog’s skin tag removal is to speak with your veterinarian. If you think the cost is too high, call other clinics in your area to get a feel for what the rates are, and don’t be afraid to ask about alternatives.

Since most skin tags on dogs are harmless, removing them is often done on a case by case basis for specific reasons. However, if your veterinarian does express concern about your dog’s skin tag, it is a good idea to take their advice.

Considering the expense of having a veterinarian remove your dog’s skin tags, some people are tempted to try home removal. Let’s consider whether that’s a good alternative.

Dog Skin Tag Removal at Home

If you’ve done an internet search for skin tag removal in dogs, then you’ve probably seen several sites that claim that skin tags can be removed at home. This is not a good idea.

Depending on the method, it can open your pet up to infection, and removing skin tags without anesthetizing the affected area can be unnecessarily painful for your dog.

   

The other thing to keep in mind if you are considering removing a skin tag yourself is that not all skin tags on dogs are the same–and not every lump on your dog’s body is a skin tag. Removing all or part of a pre-cancerous growth yourself, for instance, prevents your veterinarian from catching a cancer early on.

Just because the person on the other end of the YouTube video had no issues removing their dog’s skin tag (that you know of) does not mean that your DIY surgery will be successful.

If you’re tempted to try a homeopathic remedy, keep in mind that there is no evidence that it will work. If probably won’t do any harm either, but it’s still best to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

Play it safe and do not try to remove your dog’s skin tags at home. Instead, talk to your veterinarian about your options.

Skin Tags on Dogs – Summary

Skin tags are benign (non-cancerous), slow-growing fibrous tissue masses. They’re easy to confuse with ticks, warts and cancerous growths, so consulting a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis is important.

Skin Tags On Dogs - A Complete Guide

There’s no simple answer to what causes skin tags since both environmental and hereditary factors are involved. Generally, they seem to be caused by repeated trauma or pressure on the tissues where the skin tag forms. They occur more often in older dogs and certain breeds, but any dog can develop a skin tag.

Because they are usually benign, removing skin tags is not always necessary or advised. However, skin tags in certain places on your dog’s body may require removal, so veterinary advice is important. It is not recommended to try to remove them at home.

Have you dealt with skin tags on dogs or dog skin tag removal? Tell us about it in the comments.

This article has updated and revised for 2019.

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Further Reading and Resources

  • Animal Hospital of Sussex County. “Cryosurgery for Pets.”
  • Biros, D., “Eyelid Margin Masses in Dogs: To Cut or Not To Cut?” MSPCA-Angell.
  • Pinnard, C., “Benign Fibrous Skin Tumors.” VCA.
  • Villalobos, A. E., “Connective Tissue Tumors.” Merck Veterinary Manual.
  • Villalobos, A.E., “Epidermal and Hair Follicle Tumors.” Merck Veterinary Manual.
 

Comments

  1. Paul Shaw says

    January 8, 2021 at 21:04

    my dog has a skin tag coming out of her tear duct and it looks like you could just tug at it . pieces come off it . could i just tie some thread around it and pull like underarm skin tags . someone suggested clear nail polish as well ….but being near the eye im unsure

    Reply
  2. Sonz says

    November 12, 2019 at 15:56

    Removed my boys myself with cotton tied at base then sterilized scissors a few days later and plenty of iodine and a small amount of hydrogen perixode only once along with a skin tag removal pen to help freeze cells and removal

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    July 25, 2019 at 04:53

    I have a Shi tux and just recently I notice it looked like a moles on the middle of his neck line then a week ago I was rubbing his back and there was something I thought was a black tick but no because tonight I spread his hair and it looked not like a tick but I touch and he is a gentle small dog I think I will take him to his vet. He has an appointment Aug. 2nd I am going to call because he was slow eating and scratching and biting his legs can I get some advice please this is my heart and I love him

    Reply
    • Patti Patterson says

      February 16, 2020 at 19:47

      My poodle has a montage on his right leg he lick any nd chews on it constantly how can I clean his leg and stop this behavior?

      Reply
      • Patti Patterson says

        February 16, 2020 at 22:46

        My dog has a skin tag that I he licks and chews how can I clean and treat the area?

        I wrote skin tags on the post somehow it changed to montage…not sure why…

        Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    June 19, 2019 at 03:46

    My Iris has more than several skin tags. Vet has diagnosed non- cancerous. Altho, each one develops a black scab-like “cover” ontop of each . Sooner this flakez off. Any idea what this might be. She also doez not lime them to be touched; so ard they painful?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      July 25, 2019 at 04:50

      I have a Shi tux and just recently I notice it looked like a moles on the middle of his neck line then a week ago I was rubbing his back and there was something I thought was a black tick but no because tonight I spread his hair and it looked not like a tick but I touch and he is a gentle small dog I think I will take him to his vet. He has an appointment Aug. 2nd I am going to call because he was slow eating and scratching and biting his legs can I get some advice please this is my heart and I love him

      Reply
  5. Marion says

    August 30, 2017 at 11:26

    My dog has a skin tag, does anyone know if it is safe to use the H-skin tag homeopathic formula on her

    Reply
    • Lucy says

      August 30, 2017 at 12:39

      Hi Marion, There is no evidence that homeopathy has any effect at all. It is therefore perfectly safe, but will not help with your dog’s skin tag. Best wishes, Lucy

      Reply
  6. Ruth Leblanc says

    July 30, 2017 at 18:13

    My 13 y/o rescue, Molly Ann, is completely black until now her gray is spreading around her mouth and nose. I love her as if I gave birth to her (I have no children). Molly Ann is covered with skin tags; on is large right at the top of her face, which is unsightly to say the least.. some of the skin tags are spread from paws, legs, and body & belly. She seems very sensitive there. The big one and many of the older small ones bleed so that in massaging her I have to keep a clean cloth to clean it up. She is groomed every 1-2 months. She has been described as a spaniel, possibly cocker or king charles. Recently after grooming by the best groomer in New Orleans each of the tags got very “hot” and were all so inflmed that her skin was red and weepy at times. Has anyone else experienced this?

    Reply
    • Lucy says

      July 31, 2017 at 13:52

      Hi Ruth, It sounds like your veterinarian needs to take a look at Molly Ann asap. I hope she’s feeling better soon.

      Reply
  7. Harvey Lee says

    May 26, 2017 at 07:07

    Thanks for the informative post, I will keep in mind if ever find anything on our pup.

    Reply

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