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  • You may notice a few lumps and bumps on your otherwise healthy dog, especially as it ages. While they aren't always pretty, some of these skin conditions are relatively harmless to your dog. Skin tags are one of those harmless conditions and, unless your veterinarian suggests otherwise, can usually be left alone.

    Skin Tags

    A skin tag is a small, benign (non-cancerous) growth that often affects older dogs. Skin tags are usually harmless and only cosmetic.

    Appearance

    A skin tag looks like a small flap of skin that hangs from the dog. In some cases, the tag may look like a small piece of chewed gum or an engorged tick.

    Location

    Skin tags can occur in many places on a dog's body. For example, you may see one on your dog's chin, neck or legs.

    Removal

    Usually a skin tag only needs to be removed if it is bothering your dog. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog itches at the skin tag or if it bleeds; otherwise, a skin tag is usually just a cosmetic condition that won't affect your dog's health.

    Precautions

    If you notice any skin growths, you should talk to your veterinarian to make sure it is nothing to be concerned about. This will ensure that it is a skin tag and not something more serious, such as a cancerous growth; melanomas are sometimes mistaken for skin tags. Make sure the growth is not actually a tick, which can have the appearance of a skin tag if it is attached to the dog and fully engorged with blood.

    Source:

    Vetinfo.com: Lumps, Bumps, Cysts, Tags and Odd Skin Growths in Dogs

    Forces of Nature.net: Dogs Skin Tags

    Dog Health.com: Tumours in Dogs

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