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Found lumps on my dog's back. Are they fleas/ticks? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi my dog is a 10 year old caviller King Charles spaniel. Today I found has 3 lumps on her back. They are tiny and like on the surface of the skin but one of them (the first photo) appears to be bigger under the skin which I can feel through her skin but not see. I am planning to take her to the vets on Wednesday if need be as that is when I get paid but I was wondering if it was ticks/ fleas/ lice etc. incase I can buy a treatment over the counter and start treating it before Wednesday.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on April 11th, 2020

I can't really tell from the picture what it is. If you dog isn't on a flea or tick preventative, that could be part of the issue. Skin infection, sebaceous cyst, or other masses would be possible, as well. I would wait and see what happens. You can get her started on a flea preventative, and use a medicated shampoo like Dechra MalAcetic Ultra Shampoo for mild skin infections.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on February 28th, 2019
These look like either cysts or a skin infection but I cannot say for sure without seeing her in person. Cysts aren't usually painful but may bother her a little. Skin infections can be itchy but not always. Skin infections are commonly secondary to allergies. You may want to try to put her on benadryl twice a day and bathe her in a medicated shampoo like miconahex-triz shampoo. If this doesn't help, she gets worse or she seems painful, I would have your vet take a look at them . Your vet will be able to determine the cause and the best treatment for her if needed. I hope this helps!

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/#
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 7th, 2017
She could have an infection or an allergic dermatitis. If you can't take her to a vet than you could bathe her with a dog shampoo, like Epi-soothe and see if that helps. If not, she needs to be seen by a vet as she may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid to treat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2018
It could be a cyst or a small pustule. You could bathe her with a shampoo like Duoxo Calm and see if that helps. Otherwise, have your vet take a look at it so see if she needs treatment or if it should be removed. She may need an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory to help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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The pictures are too blurry and not close up enough for me to tell exactly what you are talking about. If they are ticks they will have legs if you look closely. If you see ticks you can remove them. If you are not sure how to do that you can watch YouTube videos on how to do it properly. Red mange (or demodecosis) is unlikely in a dog this age unless she is very immunocompromised or stressed. If she didn't have it as a puppy then she is unlikely to have it now. There is no way to tell if it is mange for sure without a deep skin scraping. I honestly think the most likely thing going on is a bacterial skin infection. If you are unsure of what is going on you can always take her to your vet for an exam. If you want to wait and see since it is not bothering her you can always try a medicated shampoo like this one: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Veterinary-Formula-Clinical-Care-Medicated-Shampoo-for-Dogs-Cats-Antiseptic-Antifungal-16-0-FL-OZ/24893142 Lather, let sit on her coat for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. You can do this 2-3 times per week. If after a couple weeks there is no improvement then she should definitely see your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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