My dog has a red lump on her side. Is it a bruise or something else?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like a bruise or a hot spot. If it does not bother Diesel at all and he is well in himself you could monitor him at home for 1-2 days. If it is a bruise or allergic reaction, it should go down without treatment. However, if it starts to bother your dog, please make an appointment with your local vets.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry that Sophie is having this issue. This looks pretty serious to me. I would be worried about an injury as the area is very bruised and the lump is possibly a herniation. Regardless, of what this may be, especially at her age, I would be concerned enough to get her examined by a veterinarian in person. Please do that as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This looks like a possible bug bite based on how quickly this came about, and also the color and area that it is located. If it doesn't seem to bother Gracie, then I would recommend monitoring it for now to see if this resolves on its own within the next few days. You can apply a cold compress on the area (if needed) for 5-10 minutes to help with some of the swelling, and a very thin layer of Neosporin once every 12 hrs as needed; however, this is likely to resolve on its own as long as Gracie doesn't bother it and it doesn't spread. If the bump does appear to get worse over the next 24-48 hrs, then its best to get Gracie seen by your vet for stronger medication to get this to resolve. There is a slight chance that this is an infected pocket (abscess) that will require a short course of antibiotics and treatment to get this to heal well. I hope that everything works out well for your fur baby Gracie. Best wishes and take care.

This looks like a benign skin growth that got scraped. It is now irritated and bloody from the injury. I’m glad you took a photo. I would measure it also and then check it weekly to see if it’s enlarging or appears more irritated. If it changes it should be surgically removed and biopsied. It looks like it’s only in the skin so it should be easy to remove as there is plenty of loose skin in the area to close the incision. You can clean it with hydrogen peroxide and then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it to prevent infection. From the photo it doesn’t look like anything to be overly concerned about. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chloe.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The area looks bruised and angry. You should clean the skin with antiseptic solution twice daily for 3-4 days (for example 4% chlorhexidine). If the bump / blister ( it almost look like inflamed nipple on the picture you posted) does not get better or if it starts to bother Apollo, you should take him to your local vets for an appointment

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. 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. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Lucy was in an altercation with another dog and that area was injured then it is very likely a bruise. Bruises will fade on their own over time and do not need any treatment. I would check it daily and be sure it has faded away over 5-7 days. If the area increases in size, she starts scratching the area then it may be a hot spot or the start of a skin infection. I wish Lucy the best!