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My senior dog has a pink gum bump. What is it and how to treat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 11 years and 8 months old | 50 lbs

My 11 year old beagle has a pink "bump" below her tooth. Doesn't seem to bother her eating food or treats. Had one removed, tested not cancer. Not sure how to treat.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 24th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think you are talking about something called gingival hyperplasia. If it looks very similar to the one that was removed and tested, it’s probably the same thing. (Though we can never guarantee as some kids of cancer can look similar.) Usually there is nothing to do treatment or prevention-wise except remove them at routine dental cleaning. And I do recommend routine dental cleaning as tartar can build up dramatically under that gum tissue. Best of luck to you and Lilly!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 5th, 2019

    Hello. This is really difficult to evaluate from a distance, so I really think you should have this looked at soon. This could just be some benign gingival hyperplasia, but papillary squamous cell carcinoma has been described in puppies this young & should be treated aggressively. I hope you can have Arlo seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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