How to deal with skin tags on dogs without stress or surgery
Skin tags on dogs are small, soft, often flesh-colored growths that can appear anywhere on your pup’s body. They might look a little strange or concerning, but most of the time, they’re harmless. Still, they can bother your dog or get irritated by collars, harnesses, or grooming tools. Knowing what skin tags are and how to manage them can help you keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Understanding Skin Tags in Dogs
Skin tags, also called acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps, are benign (non-cancerous) growths that hang off the skin. They’re made up of fibrous tissue and are usually soft and moveable when you touch them. You might find them under your dog’s armpits, on the chest, near the legs, or around the neck—anywhere there’s friction or loose skin.
They can look like a small piece of wrinkled skin or a tiny lump. Some grow on a little stalk and dangle, while others are flatter and more raised. While skin tags aren’t dangerous on their own, they can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, like warts, cysts, or even tumors. That’s why it’s always good to get new or changing growths checked by a veterinarian.
How Skin Tags Form on Dogs
Skin tags develop from an overgrowth of skin cells. Over time, certain areas of the skin may thicken or stretch, especially where there’s movement or rubbing. This can create small skin folds or flaps that grow outward. They don’t spread or multiply like infections, and they aren’t caused by viruses like some other skin lumps.
Older dogs tend to get them more often, and some breeds are just more prone than others. The tags don’t usually hurt unless they become irritated. Think of them like harmless skin overgrowths that show up with age or wear-and-tear on the skin.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
There’s no single cause of skin tags in dogs, but a few things may play a role:
- Age: Middle-aged to senior dogs are more likely to develop them.
- Breed: Breeds with loose or wrinkly skin (like Bulldogs, Boxers, or Cocker Spaniels) can be more prone.
- Friction: Areas where skin rubs against skin, collars, or harnesses are common spots.
- Hormonal changes: Hormones can affect skin cell growth, especially in older dogs or those with thyroid issues.
- Genetics: Some dogs may be naturally more likely to develop skin tags.
- Obesity: Extra skin folds can increase the chances of skin irritation and growths.
If your dog has one or two tags, it’s usually no big deal. But if you notice a sudden increase in number or changes in appearance, it’s worth bringing up with your vet.
What to Watch For: Symptoms and Signs
Skin tags are easy to miss at first, especially if your dog has a thick coat. As they grow, you might notice:
- Small, soft bumps on or under the fur
- Growths that move easily when touched
- Redness or irritation around the tag, especially if scratched
- Bleeding or crusting if the tag is damaged
- Dogs licking or chewing at the tag site
Most of the time, your dog won’t even notice the tag. But if it’s in a sensitive area or gets snagged, it could cause discomfort or even become infected.
When to See a Vet
Even though skin tags are typically harmless, some bumps can look similar to more serious issues. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, play it safe and get it checked out. Call your vet if you notice:
- Fast-growing or changing lumps
- Tags that bleed, ooze, or develop a foul odor
- Discoloration or signs of infection (redness, swelling, heat)
- Your dog frequently scratching or licking the area
- More than one new lump appearing at the same time
Vets can usually identify a skin tag by examining it. In some cases, they may recommend a biopsy to rule out cancer, especially if the growth looks unusual or behaves differently than a typical skin tag.
How Skin Tags Are Treated
Not all skin tags need treatment. If the tag isn’t causing problems and your vet says it’s benign, you can usually leave it alone. But if the tag is bothering your dog or in a bad spot, removal may be recommended. Common removal methods include:
- Surgical removal: The vet cuts off the tag under local anesthesia, especially if it’s large or in a tricky location.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the tag off with liquid nitrogen—used for small or surface-level tags.
- Electrosurgery: Burning off the tag with an electric current—fast and effective for certain types.
Never try to remove a skin tag at home. Cutting it off or tying it with string (a method called “ligation”) can lead to infection, pain, or worse. Let your vet handle it safely.
Home Care Tips for Skin Tags
If your dog has a skin tag that’s been cleared by the vet and doesn’t need removal, a few simple steps can help keep it from becoming irritated:
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Use a soft collar or harness to reduce rubbing
- Check regularly for changes in size or color
- Trim hair around the tag (carefully) to reduce pulling
- Don’t let your dog scratch or chew the area
If the tag becomes red, swollen, or starts to bleed, call your vet to get it looked at again. It’s always better to be cautious.
Preventing Future Skin Tags
It’s not always possible to prevent skin tags completely, especially in older or genetically prone dogs. But a few healthy habits can help lower the chances of skin irritation and growths:
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight to avoid excess skin folds
- Groom regularly to catch skin changes early
- Use well-fitting collars and harnesses
- Feed a balanced diet to support skin health
- Check your dog’s skin during baths or brushing
Most skin tags are just a cosmetic concern, but staying on top of your dog’s skin health helps catch anything serious early. And that peace of mind is worth it.
When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out
Skin tags in dogs are common and usually nothing to worry about. They might look odd, but they’re typically harmless. Still, it’s a good idea to have any new or changing growth checked by your vet. That way, you can be sure it’s just a skin tag—and not something more serious.
Your dog counts on you to notice the little things. If you spot a lump, stay calm and get it checked. With a little care and attention, your furry friend can stay happy, healthy, and skin-tag-free.
