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My dog has a slow-growing lump. Vet says skin tag, should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 3 months old | 53.5 lbs

Last January I noticed a small blemish on my dog’s arm. Our vet has examined numerous times at check ups and does not seem worried about it (refers to it as a skin tag/wart). It has grown imperceptibly slowly since last year and while it is slightly bigger than a year ago, it’s not much (still about .5cm). So just looking at other opinions as well. 3 pics attached: 2 within last 4 months 1 from about 8 months ago, dog doesn’t bother it, superficial, skin colored to pink

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. I agree with your family vet that the lump looks like a skin tag. I would only consider further workup if the lump grows significantly in a short period of time, if it changes shape or texture, or if Timmy starts bothering at it (scratching, licking). At that point, a fine needle aspirate can be done to confirm the nature of the lump, and decide whether surgery is necessary to remove it. I hope this helps, and that Timmy is happy and healthy!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 10th, 2018

    Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If your vet has diagnosed Timmy with warts or skin tags, these are typically not a cause for alarm. These are typically growths that are relatively small and are slow growing. Rapidly growing is growing larger than 1 cm in 1 month. Any mass or lump that has been present for one month and is larger than 1 cm should be evaluated by a veterinarian and have a fine needle aspirate sample of the mass taken to determine what it is and if it needs to be removed. I hope this helps!

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