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My senior dog has a new bump. Should I take her to the vet if she gets stressed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 45 lbs

My 13 year old chow chow mix developed this raised bump on the back of her neck. It is hard, round and does not seem to bother her when I touch it. She also seems to have another one on her foot. She was at the vet in July 2020 and had senior panel. All normal. Should I bring her back to the vet? She gets stressed and aggressive with them and requires sedation to be examined, so trying to avoid taking her in unless necessary. Also, she is on 4 meds: fluoxetine, gabapentin, amantadine and apoquel

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 23rd, 2020

That looks like a mole or wart that is not unusual for older dogs to get. If your vet offers the option of sending them a pic of something since your dog does get so stressed, they may be willing to tell you their opinion based on what they see in the photo. Ideally, it would be seen by your vet for a definitive diagnosis, but you may just want to keep an eye on it. If it abruptly changes size, shape. color, or texture, then you should get it checked by your vet right away.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 5th, 2018
Hello. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

This is nothing to be concerned about. It is benign wart. Just keep an eye on it and point it out to your vet at Luna's next exam.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 16th, 2017
If the bump is fairly small, not inflamed, and nonpainful then I would not worry about it. It is common for dogs to get lumps and bumps as they age. Keep a close eye on it for now. If you notice it getting any bigger or bothering Indie then you can take her into your vet to have it checked out.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 28th, 2020
Hello, again. It looks like a wart. I would not be too concerned about it unless it grows significantly & starts to bleed. Just be sure to point this out to your veterinarian at you next visit with Maisy. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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