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What is this new bump on my dog's ear? Tick, pimple, or cyst?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 2 months old | 16 lbs

I have just noticed a little bump on the back of my dog's ear. It looks to me like a pimple/white head under the skin but I just want to check that it's not a tick, it wasn't there yesterday as far as I'm aware and she hasn't been in the woods. I can't get down to her vet until tomorrow afternoon. She's a 4 year old Terrier mix.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2017

Hi there! This doesn't appear to be a tick but some sort of small cyst (from what I can tell in your picture). Your doctor will likely palpate (feel very delicately) on the area and perhaps take a sample to see what is inside. No emergency, generally speaking. I hope this helps!

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12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 24th, 2018

    Hello. It is definitely not a tick. It looks like a small cyst or blister like lesion. We can see a number of very benign "bumps" pop up on dogs & most are not dangerous. Do not try to pop or squeeze on this & watch for further development. Just make sure you point this out to your vet the next time Mishka is seen, sooner if anything changes. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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