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My old dog's breast skin is soft, bleeding when licked. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Tibetan Mastiff | Female | unspayed | 48.5 lbs

I have a Tibetan Mastiff female dog and she her age is 14+. The skin around her breasts have become very soft and while she licks that area it starts to bleed. I have been putting ointments to make the areas heal but it doesn't help. Please suggest what needs to be done. Thank you!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2017

This is concerning, as this could be a sign of either an infection due to the licking or a tumor spreading out over her abdomen. You will need to take Tasha to a vet for an exam. Tasha will need to wear an e-collar to prevent her from licking and she will need to get prescription antibiotics if it is a bacterial skin infection. In case of a tumor, your vet may decide to take a biopsy to send in to pathology or decide to schedule surgery ASAP to remove it. Tumors are not always lumps, they can also appear just as a thickening of the skin.
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