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What's this black spot on my senior dog's nipple? Is it cancer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Poodle | Female | 10 years and 6 months old | 25 lbs

Hi, I have miniature poodle 11 years old. I noticed yesterday a black spot right on top of her nipple. I just want to know if it’s a possibility that it is breast cancer. And if it is is better to put her down? And do they get worst through time ? I have never seen this on her skin and I was reading online and it was saying that it is breast cancer. And she has never had puppies.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2018

Since she is not spayed and has gone through heat cycles, she is at a higher risk of mammary cancer. These usually are nodules you can feel along the mammary chain. I would have your vet take a look at the black spot on her nipple. You can always upload up to 3 pictures when submitting a question also. Just from finding a black spot on her nipple or even if you feel a nodule or two along her mammary chain at this point if she is doing well I would not recommend putting her down. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    Hi and thank you for your post. From the picture, it is hard to tell what it is- the picture is a little blurry and I can't make out the details. However, black spots around the nipple area could be comedones or better known as blackheads. Usually they will go away on their own or a mild benzoyl peroxide wash can help clear them up. Another possibility could be a yeast infection which may appear as black or dark spots on the skin. A last possibility could be flea dirt. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 12th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is possible to know without being able to examine her. However, this could be a benign or malignant growth or even a normal pigmentation change. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

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Related Questions

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Hi I have a 11 year old miniature poodle female. I noticed a a black spot on her nipple that has never been there before. I was wondering if it can be breast cancer?
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! It is possible to know without being able to examine her. However, this could be a benign or malignant growth or even a normal pigmentation change. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
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Hi and thank you for your post. From the picture, it is hard to tell what it is- the picture is a little blurry and I can't make out the details. However, black spots around the nipple area could be comedones or better known as blackheads. Usually they will go away on their own or a mild benzoyl peroxide wash can help clear them up. Another possibility could be a yeast infection which may appear as black or dark spots on the skin. A last possibility could be flea dirt. Thank you for using Boop by Petco!
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