My dog has a skin tag - should I be worried?

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Accepted Answer

Skin tags (fibrovascular papillomas or acrochordons) in dogs are generally benign growths. They're soft, fleshy, and hang off the skin by a thin stalk - similar to skin tags in humans. They're more common in middle-aged to older dogs and can appear anywhere on the body.

When a skin tag is probably fine: It's soft, moves freely, is the same colour as surrounding skin or slightly pigmented, grows very slowly or not at all, and doesn't bother your dog.

When you should get it checked promptly:
It changes size, shape, or colour rapidly
It bleeds without being traumatised
It ulcerates or develops a crusty surface
Multiple new lumps appear in a short time
Your dog is excessively licking or chewing at it
It's located where it could be caught on something and traumatised

The reason veterinary evaluation matters is that other growths - particularly mast cell tumours - can look deceptively similar to benign skin tags but behave very differently. Mast cell tumours are the most common malignant skin tumour in dogs and early detection significantly improves outcomes. A vet can perform a quick fine needle aspirate to identify cell type in minutes.

Never attempt to remove a skin tag at home - even if it appears benign.

My dog has a skin tag - should I be worried?

When a skin tag is probably fine

When you should get it checked promptly

Still worried about your pet?

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