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My dog's snout mole is growing, purple, with a hole. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 9 months old | 40 lbs

This mole appeared on are dog’s snout about 8 months ago. It seemed normal because she has other moles just like it since she was born. She is a rescue half chocolate Labrador and the other half unknown (could be pit or German Shepard mix). Well it has been growing larger over the past few months. Today we just notice a slight purple tinge to it with almost a hole like center. Any ideas as to what this could be? It does not bother or hurt her if you touch or press on it. We are very scared.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2018

Hello, sorry to hear about Nala. Most often, those slow growing moles are typically benign, just that some may grow larger than others. However, rarely, some of these moles may become or turn into something more aggressive. Dark colored bumps can be melanomas or hemangiosarcomas amongst other types of tumors. The best way to tell wether this bump is something you should worry about is to have it sampled or removed before it gets too big.

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to have the lump sampled and potentially removed. Once removed it can be submitted for biopsy to confirm that it is either benign or malignant. Hope this helps and best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 9th, 2017
I am sorry to hear that Figaro has developed this mass on his snout.
From the pictures you have sent the "bump" appears to be a skin growth. Though it could also be within the nasal passages itself. There are several types off masses that can grow in the skin of dogs such as cysts and lipomas. Some are benign and some are malignant, so careful observation is important.

Since the mass has grown to that size in only a month I would advise a trip to veterinarian. The vet will be able to take a sample of the mass using a technique called fine needle aspiration. The analysis can identify what type of mass it is and make a treatment plan from that information.

In the meantime continue to monitor it for growth, ulceration, changes in texture or color. Measure the mass with a ruler so you can compare its growth in a couple weeks time. Rapidly growing masses are more concerning.

I hope that this answer was helpful and more importantly that Figaro feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on June 10th, 2017
This looks like a mass of some sort. From the picture it looks like a mole but if it is getting bigger and/or bothering her I would recommend to have your vet doing an exam on her to ensure that it doesn't need to be removed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on November 1st, 2019
I recommend to have your dog examined by his veterinarian. Skin masses can be many things but red raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examine under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. Have this checked out soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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