What Are Skin Tags on Dogs?

Skin tags are tiny, benign skin growths that develop when skin tissue grows abnormally. Typically found on areas like the chest, legs, and neck, these soft protrusions stand out as small flaps connected by a narrow stalk. While skin tags are generally harmless and don’t require immediate attention, it’s a wise idea to have your veterinarian check them during your dog’s next annual checkup. Keeping a “skin journal” with notes on their size and location can be very helpful to track any changes over time before your vet appointment.

What Do Skin Tags on Dogs Look Like?

Often unnoticed until you run your hand over your dog during petting or bathing, skin tags are minute, movable bits of skin that dangle from a slender stalk. Usually only a few millimeters across, they’re painless to the touch and can appear as flesh-colored pink or darker spots. Skin tags can be solitary or appear in clusters, subtly blending in with your dog’s coat until you examine closely.

Skin Tag Look-alikes

Several skin abnormalities can mimic the appearance of skin tags, including ticks, warts, cysts, and masses, but they differ significantly upon closer inspection.

Ticks can be tricky; if you don’t see tiny legs protruding from the bump, avoid removing it yourself and consult your veterinarian first. Some skin cancers, like melanoma, may resemble dark skin tags, making professional evaluation essential.

Cysts tend to be larger and more firmly attached than skin tags, possibly feeling firm or soft depending on their contents. While some cysts may present with a small stalk, they typically grow over time. Warts, in contrast, are slightly raised, fully attached to the skin’s surface, and generally immobile.

Keep a close eye on any skin tags, especially if they grow, multiply, or change in appearance. If you notice these changes, take your dog to the veterinarian promptly, as a biopsy may be necessary to rule out serious conditions.

Irritation

Chronic irritation is the primary culprit behind skin tag formation. This explains why skin tags commonly appear on pressure-prone areas such as the chest, knees, and elbows. Repeated rubbing from a collar or harness can also trigger their development. Allergic skin conditions caused by fleas, food sensitivities, or environmental factors may lead to persistent scratching and biting, increasing the chance of skin tags emerging in affected spots.

Virus

Papilloma virus infections sometimes cause skin tags, although they more frequently result in warts. When the virus manifests as skin tags, it often appears in clusters. Fortunately, papilloma virus-related skin tags are generally harmless and can be treated effectively by removing the growths. In cases where multiple skin tags cause discomfort, antiviral medications are available to help manage the condition.

Breed

Certain breeds are more predisposed to skin tags, including Boxers, various hound breeds, bully-type terriers, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. However, it’s important to note that any breed can develop skin tags regardless of genetic background.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Tags on Dogs

In most cases, a veterinarian can identify skin tags through a physical examination. However, when uncertainty exists, a biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. This involves removing a sample of cells from the growth and sending them to a laboratory for microscopic analysis.

A trained pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to detect characteristic features, confirming whether the lesion is a benign skin tag or something more concerning. Because of the growth’s small size, complete removal may be necessary to obtain an adequate sample for testing.

Treatment of Skin Tags on Dogs

If skin tags aren’t bothering your dog, treatment might not be necessary. When caused by viruses, antiviral drugs can be prescribed to reduce lesions.

Surgical removal remains the only guaranteed way to eliminate skin tags permanently. This can be done using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, where numbing medication is injected under the skin to minimize sensation before removal. The choice depends on factors like the size and location of the skin tag, as well as your pet’s temperament.

Often, skin tag removal is conveniently performed during other procedures, such as dental cleanings or spay/neuter surgeries. It’s uncommon for a skin tag removal to require anesthesia by itself unless a biopsy is needed for diagnosis. The surgery itself involves either excision—cutting the skin tag’s connection—or cauterization, which uses heat or electricity to destroy the tissue stalk. To aid healing, your veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar or recovery cone to prevent your dog from licking or chewing the site.

Recovery and Prevention of Skin Tags on Dogs

Although it’s impossible to prevent all skin tags, several measures can lower the chances of their development or reduce irritation.

Effective prevention and care include:

• Providing your pet with soft, supportive bedding to cushion pressure points when lying down or getting up
• Ensuring collars and harnesses fit properly to avoid repeated rubbing against the skin
• Managing allergies proactively with veterinary guidance to reduce itching and scratching
• Keeping skin folds clean with gentle products such as MalAcetic or Mal-a-Ket wipes to prevent bacterial buildup and irritation

Skin tags may sustain trauma during grooming or play, which should be treated like any wound by seeking appropriate veterinary care. Make sure your groomer knows about existing skin tags to avoid accidental cutting.

Consistent monitoring is crucial. Maintaining a journal with descriptions and sizes of each skin tag every month helps track changes. Always report any new development or concerns to your veterinarian during visits—or sooner if something seems abnormal—to ensure your furry friend stays comfortable and healthy.