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My dog has bleeding, sore bumps on her lip. Is it serious or acne?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 54 lbs

Hi there my female dog who is Boxer/German Shepherd. She started with a bump on her lip but over the last two weeks she has gotten allot more and they bleed and look really sore. I don't know what has/is causing them or how to get rid of them. I can't afford a trip to the vet either unless it's something serious. I hope you can assist me in finding out what is bothering my sweet baby. Thank you so much for your time.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 30th, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Aurora is adorable! Even though these could represent cancerous nodules, it could likely be something like dog acne. The cause of this is usually exposure to perhaps a dirty water or food bowl so a good way to prevent exacerbation of this or to prevent it from happening is by making sure her water and food bowls are clean. Sometimes, this resolves on its own by keeping her food and water bowls clean. However, if it does not resolve on its own in the next week or so, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for therapy which may include steroids and a topical antibiotics and diagnostics if on further examination, it appears to be something other than simple acne. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on December 11th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely abscesses from infections. However, benign or malignant growths cannot be ruled out and it would be very helpful to have Minnie evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment.

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. If it is determined to be an infection, antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on December 20th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to dog acne. This sometimes happens from drinking or eating from bowls that have bacteria or are not clean. You can ensure that her bowls are clean and in most cases when the inciting cause is taken away, this tends to resolve on its own. If there is no resolution in the next 1-2 weeks, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as this could also be due to an infection which may require antibiotic therapy. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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