My puppy has a painless, hard, red bump on her head. What is it?

One of the most common causes of these harder swellings, particularly in rambunctious puppies, is a subperiosteal hematoma (aka "coffee table bump"). The vet will likely recommend skull x-rays for Nala to assure that there is no damage to the bones of the skull. If a subperiosteal hematoma is diagnosed, these fortunately tend to improve over time without any significant intervention. In the future, avoid using aspirin in Nala because it can cause bleeding issues and stomach ulcers in dogs. If Nala needs pain medications, her vet will be able to prescribe safer alternatives. I hope that all goes well!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for the pictures! My hope, since Sophie is young, that the bump is a histiocytoma. These are benign bumps that are button-like, red, and hairless that can be seen in young dogs. They usually go away on their one in 2-3 months. Sometimes they ulcerate as they regress. If it gets larger, starts bothering Sophie or doesn’t go away in 2-3 months then you should have Sophie looked at by a Vet. There are other skin masses that can look like that, some are benign but there are ones that are also cancerous. I hope this helps and I wish Sophie the best!

Hello. This could just be an odd looking cyst or wart, but it does not look overly aggressive or worrisome to me. Just point this out to your veterinarian at Chainz's next veterinary visit so it is documented in the record. At some point, removal may be recommended, but definitely not at this point in time. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Even young dogs can develop growths like histiocytomas and mast cell tumors, among many others. 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 him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. The treatment for it will really depend on what it is so there is no general cream or ointment to put on these types of growths. If he has been scratching at it, you can consider using an e-collar while you wait to take him to your veterinarian and this will prevent any selft-trauma if that is currently an issue. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Although you cannot say for certain what a mass is without taking a sample and sending it away for histopathology, the mass in the picture looks most likely to be wart. This also fits with the history of bleeding once and a while, not growing in size, and not causing any pain or discomfort. Sometimes these can become annoying if they bleed frequently and can be removed, but mainly they don't cause any problems. Best of luck with your little one!

It looks almost like a cyst. I would recommend monitoring it and if it gets larger or she is uncomfortable discussing this with your veterinarian. To know definitively what it is you would need either an aspirate or a biopsy of the growth. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, This bump could be caused by a hematoma (a type of bruise and collection of blood), an abscess (a local infection), or a growth. I recommend having Bella seen by her veterinarian. They can best guide you after a physical exam. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.