Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What to do if my dog has a swollen red bump on her bum and licks it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

my dog has an enlarged red bump on her bum and it is very swollen and looks irritated, she also keeps liking it

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on February 28th, 2019

Poor girl! This could be a number of things from a benign tumor, an infection, a cancerous tumor and much more. I would first put a cone collar on her to prevent her from licking it or it will only get worse. Since the bump is really swollen and obviously bothering her, I would have your vet take a look at it. Your vet will be able to determine what it is and recommend the best treatment for her. They will likely put her on antibiotics and may or may not recommend to have it surgically removed. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on August 25th, 2021
Unfortunately, growths like this can't be determined if they're cancerous or not without an actual biopsy or sample of the spot to check what cells it is made of. That said, many other things can cause growths like this, such as cysts, blisters, infections of the skin, benign tumors, etc. I would have it checked out by your vet in person so they can take a sample if needed, and can also help clean or remove the spot if needed.

If the spot is bothersome, an Elizabethan (cone) collar can be used to keep Princess from licking and chewing at it, as letting her lick at it can lead to irritation and secondary infection taking hold (which can make it even redder and more irritated). Keeping the area clean and dry and monitoring it for any changes in size, shape, color, or discharge can also be useful in helping your vet determine what is going on.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my dog licking a red lump near her anus and losing hair?

It looks like Betsy has a skin infection. If it feels like there is a lump underneath, it could indicate a skin tumor that now has a secondary infection. I would recommend to take her in for an exam. In the mean time, make her wear an Elizabethan collar to protect the area as licking it will make it worse. Wash it with an antibacterial soap and apply a topical antibiotic. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a big red bump on his butt. What are the possible causes?

This could be a severely abscessed anal gland/sac or a tumor or a perineal hernia. This can only be diagnosed with a hands-on exam. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a hernia may have to be fixed surgically. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's a recurring red bump on my dog's leg that he keeps licking?

I would recommend that Spoko have this bump checked out. It could be anything from a skin tag or wart that gets irritated because he licks, to an infection or foreign body (something stuck under the skin), to a small tumor. After examination, a vet may decide to collect a small sample of cells to look at under a microscope to hopefully determine the cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. While you wait for his appointment, try to keep Spoko from licking the bump; he may need to wear an e-collar/cone to prevent this.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have red swollen bumps near her private area?

Swollen red bumps on the belly or near the private parts are most often caused by a bacterial skin infection called [pyoderma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/staphylococcal-pyoderma-1/). This often happens in dogs that have underlying [allergy issues](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference) or other skin problems. If the bumps aren't bothering her much and she is acting normal otherwise, you can get a [topical antibiotic spray](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs) labeled for dogs at Petco or online. Use this on the affected area 2-3 times daily until the bumps are gone. If there is no improvement in the rash in the next 3-5 days, or if she is itchy or painful or having any other symptoms, then I would recommend having her examined by a vet as she may need oral antibiotics or other prescription medication to treat the problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's paw has a painful, swollen lump with pus. What to do?

The bump you are seeing could be a mass, or it could be a skin lesion caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, or could be a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have your dog seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the bump you’ve noticed and to make sure it is treated appropriately. The vet will likely want to look at a sample from the area under the microscope to determine what is causing the bump and to provide treatment. . In the meantime, if he is licking the area, I recommend putting an e-collar/cone on him to help prevent licking and reduce the risk of infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red lump or blister near his anus. Is it serious?

It's a little difficult to tell from your picture alone - being able to examine and touch a lump in person makes it much easier to determine what it is. This could be a skin tumor, a small abscess or inflammatory nodule, or a lesion from something like contact hypersensitivity. I would recommend having this lump examined by your veterinarian since it looks red and possibly like there is discharge. If he is licking or chewing at the lump you should put an e-collar on him until you can see a veterinarian. They may know what it is after being able to examine it or may recommend taking an aspirate sample using a small needle to look for cells under the microscope.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have a painful red bump on their anal area?

It could be an [anal gland abscess](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs). This occurs when the anal glands do not fully empty during the act of defecation resulting in inflammation, impaction and infection. Have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation and treatment. This may include sedation followed by lancing, draining and flushing the abscess. Antibiotics and pain management will likely be indicated. Topical treatment may not be sufficient. An e-collar (cone) can be used to prevent licking until she sees the doctor. Afterwards, you can have her glands expressed (emptied) regularly and add additional [fiber](https://www.petcoach.co/article/high-fiber-diets-anal-gland-disease-in-dogs/) to her diet to[ prevent recurrence](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-prevent-impacted-dog-anal-glands).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share