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My dog has a new red bump on his ear. What is it and should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 5 months old | 14 lbs

My dog has a red bump on his ear that just appeared yesterday and I'm very concerned what could it be?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If it truly was not there yesterday, this is most likely to be a bug bite (tick, mosquito, spider, bee, other), dog/cat bite (if he was wrestling with any other friends lately), or some other random trauma (crashing through a spiky bush or catching it on something).

If you're unsure how long it's been there, add cyst, benign or malignant tumor, and others to the list of possibilities.

I'd slap some neosporin on there twice daily and watch it. If no improvement in 3 days (or if worsening at any time), it's time to see the vet. This goes for any accompanying facial swelling, vomiting, or diarrhea, as these could be signs of serious allergic reaction.

Best of luck to you and Lucky!

17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 14th, 2018
I do see the redness there and what looks like a center scab. Give it another week to see if this resolves on its own, especially since it isn't bothering Lola. It could very well be a bug bite that is just taking a bit longer to heal. However, if it doesn't resolve, doesn't go down in size, or seems to be getting bigger, its best to have your vet sample this to ensure it isn't a skin mass/tumor, and if it is, what kind of mass it is. You can continue to put a thin layer of Neosporin on this twice a day for the next week. I hope things work out well for your pet Lola. Best wishes and take care.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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