My dog has a large skin tag. Is it safe, or should I get it checked?

Yes, it is a tumour. I would have it rechecked and have it sampled to see what kind of tumour it is. All skin lumps are tumours, but some are completely harmless, some can spread locally, others can spread to different parts of the body. A small test, such as a fine needle aspirate, might give you more of an idea. Good luck !

Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. I'd give Bella's vet a call to make her an appointment. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree that they do not sound like skin tags. These could be benign or malignant growths. 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 night!

Hello! The short answer is yes it is still safe, however you need to be very clear with the groomer; letting them know that your pet has a skin tag and to please be mindful. I would also physically show the groomer where it is located. With that said, I have seen some groomers, despite being told zip right over it. If that does happen it can usually be managed fairly easily by your veterinarian. I think if you just let them know and continue to remind them they will be receptive and heed your instructions. A good groomer should be mindful about your pets health and safety as well as their role in it. Thank you for your question, I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Hello. Skin tags are rarely dangerous to the pet, but can become a nuisance. They can get snagged, irritated & torn so yes, it is really worth the very, very small risk to remove one. It should be a relatively quick procedure & very little down time, other than caring for the area while the skin heals. Once the stiches or staples come out, the skin tag will never come back in the same area. So if Taurie seems bothered by it now, have it removed while she is young & the tag is relatively small. She should be just fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. You are correct, this is a skin tag, but a bit bigger than a tag. At this point, you have a pedunculated mass. About 99% of these are totally benign, but we do recommend removal just because they can continue to grow & become traumatized. Removal is curative. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, and thank you for your question. I agree with your family vet that the lump looks like a skin tag. I would only consider further workup if the lump grows significantly in a short period of time, if it changes shape or texture, or if Timmy starts bothering at it (scratching, licking). At that point, a fine needle aspirate can be done to confirm the nature of the lump, and decide whether surgery is necessary to remove it. I hope this helps, and that Timmy is happy and healthy!