What do allergy bumps look like on dogs skin

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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Common Bumps On Dogs Skin And What They Mean

Finding a bump or lump on your dog can immediately send you spiraling trying to figure out what it is.

Is it just a fatty tumor? Is it cancerous? Do you need to worry?

We reached out to Dr. Corinne Wigfall, a veterinarian working with SpiritDog Training, and Dr. Justin Padgett, a veterinarian at Branchville Animal Hospital, to learn more about the different kinds of bumps on dogs' skin.

Common types of bumps on dogs skin

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different types of lumps and bumps that dogs can get. Some are harmless, while others might mean something more serious is going on.

And you may even notice these bumps on your dog more often as he gets older but that doesnt always mean theyre a cause for concern!

As they age, the lumps and bumps increase as their cellular defense mechanisms break down and tumors (benign and malignant) are free to proliferate more readily, Dr. Padgett told The Dodo.

Some of the most common bumps and lumps you may find on your dog include:

1. Lipomas

These are benign fatty tumors that are typically harmless. Lipomas are usually soft and squishy and will probably move around under your fingers. They usually arent tender to the touch, so your pup likely wont even notice it.

2. Sebaceous cysts

According to Dr. Padgett, sebaceous cysts are cauliflower-looking growths that are full of gray, pasty material (this material can be liquid or semi-liquid). They arent cancerous, but you should still get them checked out (and possibly removed) if theyre bothering your pup.

3. Papillomas

Papillomas are oral warts typically found in your dogs mouth as a result of having papilloma virus. They usually grow in clusters and can sometimes become cancerous, so theyre always good to get checked.

4. Skin tags

Skin tags are pretty common on dogs (especially older pups), so youve likely seen one or two before. They arent cancerous and are often long, thin pieces of skin that hang off of your pup.

5. Haematomas

These are blood blisters under the skin most commonly seen in the ear. These arent cancerous, but your pup will have to get surgery in order to remove it.

6. Abscesses

An abscess is a painful bump or swelling that can sometimes fill up with pus. They should always be checked out (and usually drained) by a vet so that they dont rupture on their own and cause an infection.

7. Cancerous masses

These are various types of bumps that can be cancerous, like mast cell tumors (cancer of the immune system), melanoma (skin cancer) and mammary carcinoma (breast cancer).

While it can be difficult to know just by looking which bumps are cancerous or not, if a growth seems to have appeared overnight, is larger than the typical bumps your dog has had, and is painful or hard, you should get it checked out ASAP.

Dogs can have multiple bumps or lumps on the skin, and each one can have a different origin, so [they] all need testing by a veterinarian at least once, Dr. Wigfall told The Dodo.

What causes lumps and bumps on your dogs skin?

Some lumps and bumps are caused by different cancers or skin conditions, and others can be caused by skin infections or even allergic reactions.

When it comes to skin infections, Dr. Wigfall said that those can present as lots of small, raised bumps on the skin, while allergic reactions can present as big welts all over the body that come and go within 72 hours.

When to take your dog to the vet

Any lump or bump should be checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Owners should be concerned about growths that grow quickly, are firm to the touch, appear to contain a lot of inflammation and those that are bothersome/painful for the dog, Dr. Padgett said.

What your veterinarian finds will determine how the bump is treated, if at all. If it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics or surgery can resolve the issue, Dr. Wigfall said. If it is a non-cancerous growth, such as a wart [or] skin tag, you may choose to leave it alone and only surgically remove it if it is growing too big and causing a problem for the animals mobility or is getting caught and infected.

If the bump is determined to be cancerous, itll require surgical removal and be tested to figure out if any further treatment is needed.

So while many bumps on dogs' skin will be OK and nothing to worry about, its always a good idea to get them checked out by your vet just in case.

Skin Allergies or Bug Bites: What Does My Dog Have?

If your dog is scratching themselves more often than normal and you notice a rash or bump on their skin, its time to investigate the source of the itching. Symptoms related to itching could mean a variety of underlying issues, such as skin allergies, flea infestation, external parasites like fleas and mites, skin infections, or even skin cancer.

It's important to identify the cause of the scratching or bumps with the help of a veterinarian. Once you know what's going on, your vet can start treatment immediately.

Key Takeaways

Skin allergies and bug bites can often have similar symptoms on a pup.
It's important to identify what your dog has to treat the issue effectively.
If a skin allergy is left untreated, it may lead to a bigger issue or even an infection. Consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure what your dog has.

Types of Skin Allergies in Dogs

The most common types of skin allergies in dogs are:

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Dogs with FAD are hypersensitive to flea saliva, and even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching and skin irritation. All dogs are essentially allergic to fleas, so staying proactive on flea control preventative medication is critical to a dogs health.

Food Allergies

Certain proteins like chicken, beef, and pork in your dog's diet can cause an allergic reaction, resulting in skin problems such as itching, redness, and a rash. Your vet can help determine the source of the food allergy and recommend a food prescription diet.

Atopic Dermatitis

Also known as environmental allergies, atopic dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to triggers like plant pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or other environmental allergens. The most common symptom is profound itchiness of the face, ears, paws, armpits, and abdomen.

Contact Dermatitis

A contact dermatitis allergy occurs when your dog's skin comes into direct contact with irritants like certain plants, chemicals, or certain materials, leading to localized itching and inflammation. Eliminating the allergen source will usually resolve skin allergy symptoms.

What Do Skin Allergies Look Like on Dogs?

When dogs have skin allergies, pet parents may notice various symptoms, including:

Excessive scratchingDogs with allergies often scratch themselves excessively, especially in areas like the armpits, belly, and rump.
Redness and inflammationAllergic reactions can cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and visibly irritated.
BumpsRaised bumps or hives may develop on the dog's skin, resembling mosquito bites. These can be small, red, itchy spots or pimples that may be scattered across the body.
Hair lossExcessive scratching and chewing can lead to hair loss or thinning of the coat in specific areas. Bald patches or uneven fur growth might also be noticeable.
Sores and hot spotsDogs may develop sores or hot spots, which are inflamed and infected areas of the skin. These can be moist, red, and painful, often accompanied by oozing of pus or crusting.
Itchy earsEar infections can cause your dogs ears to be red and itchy. You may notice yellow, tan, or brown discharge in their ear canals.

Skin allergies in dogs typically require a trip to your veterinarian.

Symptoms of Skin Allergies on Dogs

In addition to physical symptoms, behavioral signs could indicate a skin allergy issue, including:

Constant licking or chewing, particularly the ears, paws, and rear end.
Rubbing themselves against furniture, carpet, or other surfaces to relieve itching and irritation.
Frequently changing positions, pacing around due to discomfort, or having difficulty sleeping.
Becoming irritable or exhibiting signs of aggression, such as yelping or growling, when a sensitive area is touched.

While skin allergies are one potential cause of excessive itching in dogs, its important to determine if a bug bite is actually the culprit.

Types of Bug Bites on Dogs

The most common types of bug bites on dogs include the following.

Fleas

Fleas are a common external parasite that can bite dogs and cause itchy, red bumps. Dogs with flea infestations may exhibit excessive scratching, hair loss, and inflamed skin.

Ticks

Ticks will attach themselves to a dog's skin and feed on their blood. Tick bites can be identified as small, raised bumps, and the tick may still be attached to the skin.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can bite dogs, causing small, itchy bumps similar to mosquito bites on humans. Dogs may scratch or bite at the affected areas. Mosquito bites can also transmit diseases such as heartworm disease, which is why heartworm preventative medication is so important.

Ant Bites

Ant bites may result in bright red papules on the skin that can cause itchiness. They are usually found on the belly or on the inside areas of the rear legs.

Spider Bites

Spider bites, depending on the type of spider, can affect dogs, leading to localized swelling, redness, and pain.

Mites

Mites such as sarcoptic and demodex mites can result in red, scaly, and crusty patches of skin, along with hair loss.

Other Insects

Stings by bees, hornets, or wasps usually result in localized swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the sting.

What Do Bug Bites Look Like on Dogs?

Bug bites on dogs can vary in appearance, but general characteristics may look like:

Raised bumpsThe size and color of the bumps can vary depending on the type of bug and the dog's individual reaction. They may be small, red, or slightly swollen.
Small red dots or clustersUsually found where the bugs tend to bite, such as the abdomen, groin, or armpits.
A raised, circular rashIn some cases, this can mean a tick bite. It can show up within 30 days of the bite. In other cases, a tick bite will not leave a lesion.

While skin allergies are one potential cause of excessive itching in dogs, its important to determine if a bug bite is actually the culprit.

While bug bites and allergies can share some similarities in terms of itching and redness, there are a few differences to consider:

Allergic reactions tend to be more generalized, affecting larger areas of the body, but bug bites are often localized to the site of the bite.
Allergies can have a more widespread impact on the dog's skin, causing rashes, hives, or other allergic dermatitis symptoms. Bug bites, on the other hand, usually result in smaller, distinct bumps at the bite locations.
Allergies can be triggered by various allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, while bug bites are caused by insects or spider bites.

Symptoms of Bug Bites on Dogs

Insect bite reactions can range from mild to severe and include:

Itching and local inflammation
Hives
Swelling of the ears, eyelids, or muzzle

Pale gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Collapse

Additional behavior and symptoms may include a dog becoming restless and agitated due to the discomfort and itching caused by the bites. They may struggle to find a comfortable position and may appear more anxious or irritable than usual. Dogs may also excessively lick or bite at the affected areas to relieve itching and discomfort caused by bug bites. This behavior can lead to further skin irritation and potential secondary infections.

Treatment of Skin Allergies and Bug Bites on Dogs

Skin allergies in dogs typically require a trip to your veterinarian. Your vet will do a thorough examination of your dog, paying particular attention to their skin and hair coat. They will also take a sample of fur and material on the surface of the skin to examine under a microscope.

Allergy testing can identify the specific allergens causing the reaction. This can be done through blood or skin tests to determine what is triggering your dog's skin allergies. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan may include medications (antihistamines, steroids), medicated shampoos, topical sprays, dietary changes like a prescription diet, or immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Typically, minor bug bites can be managed at home, following these steps:

Gently clean the affected area with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
If there is swelling or inflammation, a cold compress (a clean cloth soaked in cold water) can help decrease swelling and soothe the area for 510 minutes at a time.
Putting on an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking or biting at their skin.
With bee or wasp stings, an oral antihistamine like Benadryl can usually be given after you have talked with your veterinarian.

If the bug bite causes severe symptoms, such as excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.

While over-the-counter (OTC) products like topical creams or ointments may provide some relief for bug bites, it's best to consult with a veterinarian before using them. Some ingredients, like lidocaine and zinc oxide, can be toxic to dogs if ingested, or they may not be suitable for specific situations.

Keeping Your Dog Itch-Free

To keep your dog itch-free, there are several preventative measures you can follow:

Regularly groom your dog. Bathing and brushing their coat can help prevent matting and remove loose fur.
Provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet to support their overall immune system and skin health. Research suggests that omega 3 fatty acids (from fish oil) are beneficial to a dogs skin and coat.
Use veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention products like spot-on treatments, oral medications, and flea collars. Regularly check your dog for fleas and ticks, especially during peak seasons.
Regularly vacuum carpets, wash bedding, and treat indoor and outdoor areas with pet-safe insecticides.
Managing your dogs allergies may involve dietary changes, using hypoallergenic bedding, minimizing exposure to specific environmental triggers, or considering allergy shots (immunotherapy).
Limit your dog's outdoor time during peak activity periods, such as dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are more prevalent. Avoiding areas with high insect populations, tall grass, or stagnant water can also help reduce the chances of bug bites.

Dog Skin Allergies or Dog Bug Bites FAQs

Are certain dog breeds more predisposed to bug bites or skin allergies?

Some dog breeds may be more prone to skin allergies, such as English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Labrador Retrievers, due to their genetics and skin characteristics. As for bug bites, all dogs are susceptible, but those with shorter hair or lighter skin may be more affected.

Can dogs have an allergic reaction to bug bites?

Yes, dogs can have allergic reactions to bug bites. Certain dogs may be more sensitive to the venom or saliva injected during a bite, leading to an exaggerated immune response. This can result in symptoms such as intense itching, swelling, hives, or even anaphylaxis, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Featured Image: iStock.com/dimarik

References

Diaz, S. Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. 2022.

Atopic Dermatitis (Canine). Veterinary Information Network. 2020.