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Dog has a new lump under jaw. Is it urgent or can I wait for vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

I just noticed that my dog has a lump under her jaw- it seems like it just appeared- planning to take her to the vet in the am- should I be concerned about the evening?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 11th, 2018

This could be a tooth root abscess or a swelling from an insect bite or a salivary gland problem. Unless you think this is very painful, there is really nothing you can or need to do. If Chelsea appears in a lot of pain you may want to take her to a vet tonight, but if she is comfortable, then there is nothing you need to do.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Rachel

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 5th, 2017

    Hi there. A lump in this area could be an abscess, a lymph node swelling, or edema. It's difficult to say from a photo what the most likely possibility is. I recommend taking him into a vet for an exam. The lump may be able to be sampled with a needle in order to obtain a diagnosis.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 14th, 2019

    Hi there. It's hard to see exactly what's going on from the photo, but it looks like Maria may have some type of swelling under her jaw. This could be an enlarged lymph node, a growth or tumor of some kind, an abscess, or a salivary mucocoele. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam. He/she can examine the area more closely, and may recommend a needle aspirate or other testing if needed to help determine what the swelling is and what kind of treatment is needed.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 19th, 2016

    It sounds like this swelling could be an infection, which could be caused by a dental problem or an abscess, among other causes. What you are describing from before sounds like an allergic reaction, which can be treated with antihistamines. Allergies would typically cause symmetrical swelling, not just on one side, which is why I'm lead to believe she has an infection. Because I can't see Sophia in person, I can't say for certain that it's an infection, but I would recommend listening to your vet who has seen her in person.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 13th, 2018

    Yes, it's possible this could be related to the insect bite and subsequent allergic reaction. Without seeing Lilly in person, however, I can't say for certain. Given that she has recently experienced an allergic reaction and now has a swelling, a visit to the vet is recommended. I would take her into the vet today to get this examined and treated. Best of luck.

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