Can dog fur cause itchy bumps

Lumps and Bumps on Dogs Skin: Signs, Symptoms, Causes

What is that strange bump on your dog? Discovering a skin lump or bump on your dog can set your mind reeling and heart racing, but theres no need to panic. A bump on your dog doesnt automatically mean cancer. While skin bumps and strange lumps on dogs should always be taken seriously, certain types of bumps are more common than you might think, and theyre often harmless.

Types of Skin Lumps and Bumps on Dogs

Skin bumps that youre likely to find on your dog fall into several categories. Some of these are more common in older dogs. As a new puppy owner, youll want to file these away and keep an eye out for them as your pup ages. While some of these are non-cancerous, some can be caused by infections or other underlying conditions. Its always best to have a veterinarian examine and diagnose anychanges to your dogs skinand determine a course of treatment, if needed.

Lipomas

These fatty tumors appear as soft, round lumps of flesh beneath the skin. Theyre made up entirely of fat cells and are always benign, or non-cancerous. Lipomas are usually found in older dogs and dogs who are overweight. Larger breeds are more prone to them, although they can be found in small breeds as well. Your vet may perform a fine needle aspirate, using a thin needle to collect cells and examine them under a microscope to verify that theyre fatty tissue.

Sebaceous Cysts

These are smaller bumps that can look like a pimple or a wart. They form from blocked oil glands and may burst and release a pasty, white goo. These most commonly occur in breeds with fine hair, like the Poodle and the Bichon Frise. They may disappear on their own, although some can remain for years and have the potential to become infected. Surgical removal is an option if they irritate your dog.

Warts

These small, cauliflower-like bumps are caused by the papillomavirus. They occur most often in puppies who dont yet have fully-developed immune systems and usually disappear on their own. Although the virus is contagious between dogs, it cant be transmitted from dogs to humans.

Skin Tags

These are fibrous bumps that look like small flaps or raised stalks of skin, although they may occasionally look like small bumps. They may or may not have hair growing on them. Skin tags are caused by overactive cells called fibroblasts and can occur in dogs of any breed or any age. Theyre often harmless, although your vet might want to do a biopsy to make sure, especially if the tag changes in shape, color or size.

Abscesses

Usually caused by an infection, abscesses are swollen tissue that can form around bug bites, animal bites, infected glands, and other types of sores. If not treated early they may burst, which is painful for your dog. Antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.

Button Tumors

Also known as a histiocytoma, these are benign tumors that affect puppies and young dogs between eight weeks and three years of age. Theyre caused by an overproduction of immune cells and typically disappear on their own.

Mast Cell Tumors

These are cancerous tumors that may occur either beneath or on top of the skin. Theyre often solid to the touch and irregular in shape. The appearance of such a tumor should receive immediate attention from a veterinarian. Theyll likely want to remove the tumor, if possible, before performing a biopsy to determine if cancer might have spread through your dogs body. If surgical removal isnt possible, you may be referred to a veterinary oncologist for chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Most Common Bumps and Lumps on Puppies

Thankfully, cancer in puppies is rare. The most common types of lumps or bumps found on puppies are warts, skin tags, button tumors, and abscesses. In these cases, your dogs veterinarian may recommend a wart ointment or other skin treatment. There are also some supplements that claim to help dissolve fatty lipoma skin lumps on dogs. Its also not unusual for puppies to develop swelling at the site of a vaccination injection, caused by a conglomeration of immune cells that gather there.

Typically, this vaccination site swelling subsides within a week. However, in rare cases, this gathering of cells can turn into a malignant tumor. Contact your vet if a vaccination lump lasts more than a week. They may advise you to keep a watchful eye on it and bring your pup in for a biopsy if the lump continues past three months, is more than an inch in diameter, or continues to grow or change shape.

Although its rare, it is possible for puppies to develop certain types of cancer, so its important to have any lumps, bumps, or other changes in your puppys skin examined by a veterinarian.

When Should You Worry About a Dogs Skin Bump?

Have your dog examined immediately if you discover a lump thats hard or firm to the touch, irregularly shaped, or if you notice a change in any existing lumps or bumps regarding size, texture, or color. Your vet should also immediately take a look at any bumps that ooze fluid. But again, while some lumps and bumps are harmless, its best to let your vet take a look at any new bumps or lumps on your dog and let your veterinarian make that determination.

Dealing with the possibility of tumors or infections in your dog or puppy can be costly as well as emotionally stressful for both you and your pet. Pet health insurance can help cover some of the cost, giving you one less thing to worry about and letting you focus on the best treatment options for your companion.

Bumps Under A Dogs Fur: 5 Likely Reasons & What to Do

This article was updated on March 14th, 2024

As a veterinarian, I understand the worry pet owners face when they find unexplained bumps under their dogs fur. But not all lumps are harmful. In this post, well explore the most common reasons for lumps under your dogs fur and what steps you should take if you discover a new bump.

If you notice a lump on your dog, its important to monitor it for any changes in size, shape, or appearance. Its also important to pay attention to any signs of discomfort or illness in your dog. Its also always a good idea to have your vet examine any new lump, especially if your dog is older, to make sure that the lump is not cancerous.

Most Common Reasons for Bumps Under Your Dogs Fur [with pictures]

Here are some of the most common reasons why your furry friend might develop these bumps and how to best identify them:

1. Allergy lumps or bumps

Just like humans, dogs can also develop allergies to various elements in their environment or their food. When your dog has an allergic reaction, it can manifest as small bumps on the dogs skin (sometimes hidden under the fur), known as hives. These can very easily be hidden under a dogs fur; owners may only notice these bumps when stroking their dog.

The appearance of these lumps varies, but they are usually red and inflamed. Allergies will also often make your dog intensely itchy.

Allergies in dogs are common, affecting a significant percentage of our canine friends (up to 10-20%). Although not life-threatening, if left untreated they can lead to severe discomfort for your pet, causing incessant itching all over their body. If left unchecked, itchiness can lead to your dog causing serious damage to themself.Learn more about bumps caused by allergies.

Home remedies for allergies

If you suspect that your pet is suffering from an allergy-induced skin condition, there are several steps you can take at home before seeking veterinary intervention:

• Avoid exposing your dog to potential allergens once identified environmental allergens can be hard to avoid but switching to a veterinary prescription hypoallergenic diet can help exclude possible food allergens.
• Bathe them regularly with hypoallergenic shampoos designed for sensitive skin caused by allergies
• Add Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to their diet, which soothe inflammation and promote good skin health.

Veterinary treatment for allergies

If, despite taking measures at home, theres no improvement within a few days or if symptoms worsen (such as increased itchiness), then its time for a visit to your local vet clinic. The veterinarian may recommend blood tests and skin samples be analyzed to determine the source of your dogs irritation. Based on the diagnosis, veterinarians may prescribe antihistamines, steroids, antibiotics (if a secondary bacterial infection occurs), or immunotherapy shots depending upon severity.

2. Lipomas

Lipomas are one of the most common tumors in dogs (Source). These tumors are benign (not cancerous) and are typically seen in middle-aged and older dogs. Lipomas on dogs typically appear as soft, movable lumps under the skin that feel like fatty tissue. They usually dont need to be removed unless they start bothering your dog because of their size or location. Learn more about lipomas.

3. Skin tumors

One possible cause of bumps under a dogs fur is skin tumors. These can be benign lumps such as sebaceous cysts, warts, and skin tags, as shown in the pictures below:

It could also be a more sinister malignant growths that indicate skin cancer. Therefore, recognizing these small lumps on your dogs body early is crucial.

Skin tumors can take a range of different shapes and sizes. If your dog has a lump or bump under their fur, but you are not sure what it is, talk to your veterinarian.

Before calling your vet, you can also review our page featuring most common lumps and bumps in dogs or dog tumors. Benign fatty lumps are often soft and mobile, warts tend to stick out from the skins surface and have an irregular surface and sebaceous cysts can be anything in between. While many skin lumps are harmless, some could be more sinister especially those that grow rapidly or change shape/color over time.

Veterinary Treatments

Treatment depends upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant: A veterinary pathologist typically examines biopsy samples to make this determination. Benign tumors may not require removal unless they bother your dog. Cancerous lumps necessitate immediate intervention, which could include surgery/radiation therapy/chemotherapy depending upon severity, location and type of cancer involved.

4. Bumps and scabs as a result of bacterial Infections or abscesses

When your dogs skin is affected by bacterial infections, you may notice small bumps or abscesses under the fur. These lumps are usually a result of bacteria entering through a break in the skin caused by an insect bite or scratch. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, and sometimes pus-filled lesions.

The seriousness of these issues varies; while some minor infections might resolve on their own with proper hygiene and care at home, others could lead to severe complications if left untreated.Learn more about skin infections in dogs.

Home remedies

For mild bacterial infections, good hygiene and regular cleaning may be enough to get on top of the issue. Antibacterial wipes can also be effective.

However, its important not to underestimate a skin infection. If your dogs condition isnt improving within 48 hours or worsens rapidly then its time to consult your vet immediately.

Veterinary Treatment

If your dog has developed serious symptoms like fever, loss of appetite alongside painful lumps under their fur this signals that immediate professional attention is required.

In most cases involving bacterial infections on dogs skin, antibiotics are typically prescribed after thorough cleaning of wounds (if any). For abscesses specifically, vets often perform an incision and drainage procedure before starting antibiotic treatment.

5. Skin parasites

One of the most common causes for small bumps on your dogs skin is parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mites can all burrow into your dogs skin, causing lumps to appear under their fur. These bumps are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, flaky skin, or hair loss.

Home Remedies

If you suspect that your furry friend has fallen victim to these tiny invaders, start by regularly grooming your dog with flea combs and tick removal tools. You can also try flea shampoos such as this one.

However, in some cases home remedies are not effective and so its crucial not to delay professional help too long; unchecked parasite infestations can lead to more serious health problems, including allergic reactions and secondary infections due to constant scratching.

Veterinary Treatment

Your vet will conduct a thorough examination, possibly even microscopic tests, for an accurate diagnosis. Following that they might recommend treatment options depending on the severity of your dogs condition; this often includes medicated shampoos, spot-on treatments and oral anti-parasite medication.

Visit Your Vet if the Bump is Growing, Changing or Causing Discomfort

Its important to figure out if you should see your vet or not. Some bumps can be harmless or treatable at home (or left alone benign neglect). However, lumps or bumps also often indicate an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention.

You should see your vet asap if:

• the bump grows rapidly
• changes shape or color,
• causes discomfort or pain, or
• bleeds or oozes pus

Keep an eye on your dogs overall behavior too. If theyre showing other signs of illness (such as loss of appetite, lethargy, unexplained weight loss, etc), its time for a check-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bumps under fur be a sign of something serious?

While many bumps are harmless, others can indicate more serious conditions like skin tumors or bacterial infections. Always get new or changing lumps checked by a vet.

Should I be concerned if my pet has a single bump?

This depends on the bump and whether it changes over time. Some solitary lumps may be harmless cysts or warts, but others could be more severe issues like abscesses or tumors. Just because its one lump, it doesnt always mean its harmless.

How can I determine if the bump is an emergency or can wait for a vet visit?

If your dog is scratching or licking excessively, or if the lump grows rapidly in size, becomes red/hot/painful/oozing pus/bloody these are signs that veterinary attention is needed as soon as possible. If your dog is also unwell in other ways such as having lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or breathing issues then you should see the vet for an emergency appointment.

Are there any specific breeds or types of pets more prone to bumps under their fur?

Certain breeds are more susceptible due to genetic predispositions and breed-specific skin conditions. For example, Boxers and Golden Retrievers often develop tumors (benign and malignant) as they age, while English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs tend towards developing skin fold dermatitis which might lead to abscesses developing under the skin.

• Alex Crow, VetMed MRCVS, is an RCVS accredited Veterinary surgeon with special interests in neurology and soft tissue surgery. Dr Crow is currently practicing at Buttercross Veterinary Center in England. He earned his degree in veterinary medicine in 2019 from the Royal Veterinary College (one of the top 3 vet schools in the world) and has more than three years of experience practicing as a small animal veterinarian (dogs and cats).

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Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.