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My dog has a skin lump that swells, looks like a pimple, and has pus.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years and 4 months old | 35 lbs

Hello My dog has had a small skin color lump for awhile now and every now and then it would swell a little and look like a large pimple. Always thought it was some sort of irration from outside or allergic reaction and it never seemed to bother her and I never see her trying to itch or anything. We just noticed last night that it looked very swollen and seemed like it was full of white puss. Today more reddish now more skin color but larger size maybe swollen

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very hard to say without seeing Safire. It sounds like it could be a cyst (a large pimple). It is common for them to fill and burst. I recommend showing it to your vet at your next visit. They will stick a needle in it and look at the cells under the microscope to determine. Good luck and kisses to Safire!

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Other Answers

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 4th, 2017

    That is probably a little skin cyst (with cellular debris in it) or a small spot of infection. I would recommend to monitor it at this stage and to keep it clean with salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking (if any). If getting bigger or you notice more of them, a check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics are needed. 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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