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Are these bumps on my dog ticks? Should I remove them myself?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Labrador | Male | neutered | 90 lbs

I can't tell if my dog has ticks or not, if so should I remove them myself?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

I don't think these are ticks from your photos. They look much more like skin cysts or growths that occur more often in older dogs. Don't attempt to remove them as if they are skin growths, you may cause your dog pain and they will bleed. Get Joey checked by your vet in the next 48hrs who will be able to determine what they are. If the type of growth is unclear, your vet may suggest a needle biopsy which is a non invasive way to determine the type of growth/ cells.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No these are not ticks! They small benign skin tumors by the look of them. Ideally these small lumps (quite common as presentation) must be tested by your vet. .Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration). Differentials include skin cysts, infections, benign or more sinister type of tumors. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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