{"id":38372,"date":"2025-04-10T09:25:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T13:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com?p=38372&preview=true&preview_id=38372"},"modified":"2025-04-10T20:02:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T00:02:25","slug":"skin-tags-on-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topdogtips.com\/skin-tags-on-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Tags on Dogs: How to Prevent and Remove Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Skin tags are small, benign growths<\/strong> that can appear on any dog of any breed, gender, and age.<\/p>\n

Some breeds are more susceptible to them, and certain environmental factors can also play a role.<\/p>\n

Even if these growths are harmless, there are a few things all pet owners must know about skin tags on dogs and what to do (or not do) about them.<\/p>\n

Skin Tags on Dogs: What Are They?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Skin tags are also known as papillomas<\/a>, skin polyps, and acrochordons.<\/p>\n

They are benign tumors that can appear as fleshy growths anywhere on your dog\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

Occurring in different shapes and sizes, they are usually only millimeters long.<\/p>\n

This is what a skin tag on a dog looks like:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"This<\/a><\/p>\n

A dog's skin tag most often appears as a small circular growth, a long, thin growth, or a flat growth alongside the affected area.<\/strong><\/p>\n

These lumps can be worrying for a pet owner to find, with many owners immediately fearing the worst.<\/p>\n

However, they are not cancerous<\/strong> and are completely harmless<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These growths are not contagious; <\/strong>you\u00a0don't need to worry about your pooch contracting skin tags from another dog.<\/p>\n

A skin tag won\u2019t show outward signs other than the lump itself.<\/p>\n

However,\u00a0you'll need to keep an eye on that growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Monitor the tag for how it's developing and growing, its discoloration, and its inflammation status.<\/p>\n

You should also look for any other lumps that are growing on your dog's body.<\/p>\n

If any unusual thing comes up, talk to your vet!<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a09 Common Dog Skin Problems (How to Prevent and Treat Them)<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Causes of Skin Tags on Dogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There is not enough scientific research on the causes of skin tags on dogs; however, some studies with people have found a few culprits.<\/p>\n

For example, a\u00a02008 study<\/a>\u00a0found that\u00a0human papillomavirus,<\/a> or HPV, may cause their development.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 2010 study<\/a> found that high levels of triglycerides in the body, large body mass index, and insulin resistance may also cause skin tags to develop.<\/p>\n

Any dog of any age, gender, breed, and health can develop skin tags on its body.<\/p>\n

Still, some outside factors can increase or decrease its likelihood of developing them, including the following:<\/p>\n

1. Parasites<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"External<\/a>Fleas, ticks, and mites are horrid little blighters that result in an itchy dog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The corresponding scratching will leave your dog's skin inflamed, raw, and susceptible to infection.<\/p>\n

This weakening of that skin area makes it easier for a skin tag to develop.<\/p>\n

2. Skincare<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Neglecting a dog's skincare routine can cause dry, itchy skin, which can easily become inflamed and infected if your pet begins to scratch.<\/p>\n

This is when the risk of developing skin tags increases.<\/p>\n

Sticking to a proper skincare routine is important, no matter how hardy your dog may appear.<\/p>\n

As a rule of thumb, professional groomers recommend that you bathe your dog once per month.<\/a><\/p>\n

This allows your dog's skin time to build up the natural oils that help keep the skin and coat healthy.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0How To Bathe A Dog 101: A Step-By-Step Video Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n