Dogs / Health
Skin tags are one of the most reassuring entries in this entire series, small, soft, benign growths of skin that are extremely common, particularly in older dogs, and almost never require treatment.
Skin tags are one of the most reassuring entries in this entire series, small, soft, benign growths of skin that are extremely common, particularly in older dogs, and almost never require treatment.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but they become more common with age, and certain breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Terriers, seem to develop them more readily than others. Friction from collars, harnesses, or bedding may contribute in some cases.
A true skin tag stays small, soft, and unchanged over long stretches of time. Any growth that grows quickly, changes colour or texture, becomes firm, bleeds, or appears suddenly on an older dog is worth having checked by a vet through a fine needle aspiration, since a handful of more concerning growths can superficially resemble a skin tag at a glance.
Most skin tags never need removing. Removal is generally only considered if the tag is in a spot prone to catching, such as near a collar or in an area the dog frequently scratches, if it becomes irritated or bleeds repeatedly from friction, or if there is any uncertainty about what the growth actually is. This is a simple, low risk procedure when needed, but for the vast majority of skin tags, monitoring is genuinely all that is required.
Q: Can a skin tag turn cancerous over time? A: True skin tags essentially never do, which is exactly why correctly identifying a growth as a genuine skin tag matters.
Q: Should every new skin tag be checked by a vet? A: Not strictly necessary if it clearly matches the classic soft, small, unchanging pattern, but any uncertainty is worth a quick fine needle aspiration to confirm.
Article content © S Vejay Anand. All rights reserved.
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