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My dog has a skin bump. Is it a tick, skin tag, or something serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Akita | Male | 7 years and 5 months old | 60 lbs

Hi I have just discovered something on my dogs skin. Not to sure to as what is it. Possible a tick or skin tag. As this is what it looks like. If you could give me your opinion of be grateful

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It's great that you posted pictures because they can be very helpful. The only thing I can't tell from the picture is where the skin bump is located on Arny's body. If it is on his belly it could be an irregular nipple. Otherwise to me it doesn't appear to be a tick. Skin tags are more dangly. It looks like a dermal (on top of the skin) bump. There are many types of skin bumps that can affect dogs- a lot are harmless: skin tags, hair follicle cysts, sebaceous adenomas, etc. And some are more concerning. Sadly a lot of the time we can't tell from just looking at them. If it suddenly appeared or grows rapidly, having it aspirated by your Veterinarian can give you a better idea of what it might be. An aspirate is a quick procedure where your vet uses a needle and syringe to suck cells from the bump. Then slides are usually sent to the lab for a pathologist to look at. If it comes back concerning then it could be removed. I hope I could help! Have a great day!
Vote Icon6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 5th, 2017

    Hi there! This doesn't appear to be a tick but some sort of small cyst (from what I can tell in your picture). Your doctor will likely palpate (feel very delicately) on the area and perhaps take a sample to see what is inside. No emergency, generally speaking. I hope this helps!

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    12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 6th, 2017

    Hello, it doesn't sound like what you are describing is a tick. It sounds more like a cyst or mass with pigmentation on the skin. Just like any bump or lump, it should be checked to make sure it isn't something that needs to be removed. Good luck with Jack.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 19th, 2017

    Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach! Unfortunately it is too difficult to determine what the small bump is with your photo and description. Bandit is a young dog so the good thing is that this is likely benign and nothing to be concerned about. It may be a cyst or benign inflammation from something puncturing that area. If you are at all concerned, I would have your veterinarian take a look at this as he / she can perform additional diagnostics to determine what it may be. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text based consultation.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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