My dog has a white bump on her lip that's growing. Should I worry?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kona does have what appears to be a small, round, red and slightly bloody bump on her lip margin. This can be caused by an infection, which may have resulted from a small cut. While Kona is pretty young, it is possible that the bump is a small tumor, and it can be removed to determine if it is benign (not harmful) or malignant (likely to spread). It is concerning that the bump has gotten bigger over time, so I recommend having her seen by a vet. You can get her an E-collar or "cone" to prevent her from scratching or rubbing the area. I hope this helps!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Is that supposed to be the same growth in both photos? The growth if the first photo looks suspicious for a malignant tumor. The tissue around the mass is swollen and the mass itself is raised and ulcerated; both can be signs of a malignancy. I cannot tell you for sure though just by looking at a photo. The second photo looks like a benign wart. In general, any new lumps/bumps should be examined by your vet. The first photo looks worrisome and I think you should have it checked in the next few days.

I am sorry that Kylie has developed this lump on her lip. Dogs can get viral lesions, though this does not appear to be one. From the pictures you have sent the "bump" appears to be a skin growth. There are several types off masses that can grow in the skin of dogs such as cysts, lipomas, allergic reactions and even some type of cancers. Some are benign and some are malignant, so careful observation is important, as well as having a vet examine it if you are concerned. Since you only just noticed the lump, I would 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 weeks time. Rapidly growing masses are more concerning. I hope that this answer was helpful and more importantly that Kylie feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Even young dogs can develop growths. This can be a viral wart or another tumor type like a mast cell tumor, histiocytoma, among many others. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Ouch! That is a concerning sign, especially since the bump is a different color from the regular skin, and is growing in size. Since it's hard to tell what a bump is without an exam and sample (biopsy, fine needle aspirate), it's best to bring Coco into your vet to have it looked at. They can take the sample, check what kind of growth it is, and safely remove it if needed. In the meantime, keeping an eye on how fast it's growing/size, and keeping Coco from pawing at it or rubbing it can help keep it from getting infected or more irritated.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Teddy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!