My 6-year-old Shih Tzu has small bumps on her skin. Should I worry?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! 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 him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello. Dogs can get a variety of cysts & small benign tumors that can be totally normal. Hugo is only 4, so he is quite young to be worried about anything malignant. Still, any new lumps, bumps & nodules should be pointed out to your vet at your next visit. If these 2 lumps should suddenly change by enlarging, changing color, or bleeding, then have them looked at quickly. Otherwise, just monitor them for now. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It can be concerning when you find a lump/bump on your pet. This one in particular could be a bug bite based on its appearance, but a growth can't be completely ruled out. If it is somewhat squishy, then a cyst like growth is more likely. I would certainly get it examined by your vet who can palpate the area and make a better determination here. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much about this skin lesion for now. I do hope that your appt goes well with Beamer on tomorrow. Best wishes and take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. 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!

Hello. While I cannot diagnose your pet, it does appear that we have a case of bacterial seborrhea here. There may be an undiagnosed underlying cause, such as hypothyroidism or he has developed an allergic response/sensitivity to something, so I would make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can bathe your pet in a medicated antibacterial shampoo if you can find one. One that contains chlorhexidine ( 2-4% ) or benzoyl peroxide should work well. You can bathe your pet 2-3 times a week. I would also start an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Bayer's Freeform snip tips. Hopefully, this will help to clear things up, but try to see your vet soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is impossible to say definitively thwt the lumps are benign without examining and aspirating the masses. If we obtain cells from the lump and they are non-cancerous, I would not be concerned. However, even benign lumps can cause issues if they become ulcerated or continue to grow. Discuss removal vs. aspirated with your veterinarian.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is hard to see the photos but I am glad that WInston is not bothered by the bumps at all. They look very small and I would not be concerned at this time. They may be small bug bites, an allergic reaction to something, or something else. If they get bigger, become red or have any discharge or if they become bothersome to Winston, I would get them checked out by a veterinarian. For now, I would just continue to monitor them as long as Winston is comfortable!