Dog Skin Bumps: 8 Common Causes And When To See A Vet

Identifying lumps early lets you protect your pup and spot serious conditions.

By Medha deb

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Identifying lumps early lets you protect your pup and spot serious conditions.

Why Does My Dog Have Bumps on Their Skin?

It’s common for dog owners to notice small or large bumps forming on their dog’s skin. While some of these bumps are harmless, others may signal a more serious underlying issue. Understanding what could be behind a bumpâand when you should take it seriouslyâis vital for your dogâs well-being. This guide covers the various types of skin bumps seen in dogs, what causes them, how to identify them, and when to seek veterinary attention.

Common Reasons Dogs Get Bumps on Their Skin

There is a wide range of possible causes for bumps on your dog’s skin. Some bumps develop suddenly, while others grow slowly over time. Not all bumps are dangerous, but several require swift veterinary evaluation. Here are the most frequent causes:

Allergic reactions (such as hives or papules)
Insect bites or stings
Bacterial or fungal infections
Skin cysts or blocked hair follicles (like canine acne)
Benign tumors (like lipomas)
Malignant tumors (such as melanoma or hemangiosarcoma)
Scabs or crusted pustules caused by parasites or infection
Hot spots or moist dermatitis from excessive licking

How to Recognize Different Types of Skin Bumps

Skin bumps in dogs can have a variety of appearances and textures. Knowing the distinguishing features of each type helps narrow down the likely cause and urgency.

Type of Bump	Appearance	Common Causes	Typical Urgency
Hives (Urticaria)	Flat, raised, red or skin-colored areas; may be itchy	Allergic reaction to food, medication, insect bite	Sometimes urgent, if facial swelling or breathing problems occur
Papules	Small, solid, raised bumps (usually near hair follicles)	Allergy, infection, folliculitis	Usually not urgent, but needs monitoring
Pustules	Bumps filled with pus; may crust or scab (“puppy pimples”)	Bacterial skin infection, impetigo	Needs veterinary attention for diagnosis/treatment
Nodules / Masses	Firm lumps; can be deep under skin or on surface	Benign/malignant tumor, cyst, abscess	Depends on growth rate & behavior; vet evaluation recommended
Hot Spot (Acute moist dermatitis)	Red, inflamed, moist, hairless patch; may have oozing	Self-trauma, allergies, flea bites	Treat promptly; see vet if not improving
Scabs or Crusting	Dry, raised crusts; may follow pimple or pustule	Infection, parasites, injury	See vet if persistent
Soft, movable lumps	Soft, round, moves with skin	Lipoma (fatty tumor), cyst	Usually not urgent; monitor for changes

Allergic Bumps: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

Allergic bumps, commonly referred to as hives or urticaria, often appear quickly and can be itchy or uncomfortable for your dog. These bumps are the bodyâs response to allergens and usually present as multiple raised regions on the skin.

Common allergy triggers:
- Food ingredientsâbeef, dairy, wheat, chicken
- Environmental allergensâpollen, mold, dust mites
- Insect stings or bitesâfleas, mosquitoes, bees
- Contact with chemicals or plants
- Medication and vaccines
Related: Understanding Dog Skin Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Allergy bumps can range from mild itchiness to emergency situations if facial swelling or difficulty breathing develops. If you notice your dog’s muzzle, face, or neck swelling, or if your dog struggles to breathe, call your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.

Insect Bites, Stings, and Parasite-Induced Bumps

Many dogs develop small, localized bumps after being bitten or stung by insects. These can include bumps from:

Fleas
Mosquitoes
Bees or wasps
Mites (causing mange or scabies)

In some cases, these bumps become infected, forming an abscess or widespread rash. Check for other signs like excessive scratching, redness, or hair loss.

Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections

Dogs are prone to skin infections that may cause crusty, red bumps or pustules. Common infections include:

Folliculitis: Infection and inflammation of hair follicles, often secondary to allergies or trauma. Characterized by small, crusted bumps.
Pyoderma: Bacterial skin infection, which leads to pimples and sometimes widespread crusty sores, more common in breeds with wrinkles.
Impetigo (“puppy pimples”): A mild, superficial bacterial infection seen in puppies, causing small blisters or pustules.

Treatment typically includes medicated shampoos, topical ointments, or oral antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Persistent infections may signal an underlying problem such as allergies or hormonal imbalances.

Canine Acne: Not Just for Teenagers

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from acne. This is more frequent in adolescent dogs or those with certain skin types. Acne usually appears as small, pimple-like bumps on the lips, chin, or muzzle. Symptoms include:

Bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads on face
Scratching or rubbing the affected area
Swelling, redness if the area is inflamed

Some dog breeds, especially those with short coats or wrinkled skin, are predisposed to acne. Notable breeds include Boxers, Bulldogs, Great Danes, Rottweilers, and Weimaraners. Regular skin hygiene and prompt treatment of breakouts help minimize discomfort.

Benign and Malignant Tumors

Not all lumps on your dogâs skin are caused by trauma or infection. Some represent benign or malignant growths. Here are the most important types:

Lipoma: Soft, movable fatty tumors, common in older or overweight dogs. Typically harmless but may be removed if they impede movement.
Melanoma: Skin cancer originating from pigment-producing melanocytes. Can appear as dark or non-pigmented bumps. Oral melanoma is especially aggressive and needs urgent care.
Hemangiosarcoma: Aggressive cancer from the lining of blood vessels, can appear as a fast-growing skin bump or internal tumor. Requires urgent surgical intervention and chemo.
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs caused by blocked glands. Usually benign but can become infected.

Any new, rapidly growing, or changing lumpâespecially one that bleeds or causes discomfortâshould be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hot Spots and Scabs: Secondary Consequences

Hot spots are moist, red, inflamed patches that develop due to self-trauma from licking, chewing, or scratching. They are common in warm months and in dogs with thick coats after swimming or heavy rain. Scabs or crusts can develop after pustules burst, and may also be a sign of underlying infections or parasites.

Keep hotspots clean and dry; clip fur around the area to allow air flow
Treat with mild antimicrobial solutions (diluted chlorhexidine)
If the spot is spreading or doesnât improve, see a vet for further treatment

Persistent scabs require veterinary attention, as they might signal chronic infection, parasites, or auto-immune problems.

What to Do If You Find a Bump On Your Dog

Any time you notice a new bump on your dog’s skin, follow these steps:

Observe size, color, location, and texture. Does it move under the skin or feel attached?
Monitor for changes. Note if the bump grows rapidly, bleeds, ulcerates, or causes pain.
Check your dogâs overall health. Is your dog eating, drinking, and behaving normally? Are there signs of itching, licking, limping, or distress?
Do not squeeze or cut the bump. This can worsen infections or delay proper diagnosis.
Schedule a veterinary visit for any unexplained, persistent, or fast-growing bump.

When Is a Bump on My Dogâs Skin a Veterinary Emergency?

Many bumps can be monitored at home until your next routine veterinary appointment. However, some scenarios require emergency care:

Rapid swelling of the face, muzzle, or neckâcould indicate a severe allergic reaction
Difficulty breathing, drooling, or collapse
Sudden, painful lumps after trauma
Bumps that bleed excessively, ooze pus, or cause severe discomfort
Any mass that ulcerates, grows rapidly, or affects mobility

How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Bumps

Your veterinarian may employ several techniques to diagnose the nature and cause of your dogâs bump:

Physical examination to evaluate size, shape, location, and potential pain
Fine needle aspiration to collect cells for microscopic analysis
Skin scraping or cytology to identify infections or parasites
Biopsy for deeper or suspicious lumps
Blood tests, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) if an internal or systemic problem is suspected

Based on findings, treatment may include antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, steroids, surgical removal, or oncology referral.

Preventing Bumps and Maintaining Skin Health

Feed a balanced, allergen-free diet appropriate for your dogâs breed and age
Keep up with parasite preventionâfleas, ticks, and mites are common culprits
Practice good grooming; remove excess hair and keep skin clean
Rinse your dog after swimming or exposure to irritating substances
Inspect your dogâs skin regularly for changes, particularly if they are prone to allergies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: My dog got stung by a bee and now has a lumpâshould I worry?

A: Most small lumps from stings or bites resolve within a day. Monitor for difficulty breathing or rapid facial swelling, which is an emergency.

Q: Are all bumps on a dogâs skin cancerous?

A: No. Many are benign (such as lipomas or cysts), but any new or changing lump should be seen by a veterinarian to rule out cancer.

Q: Can dogs get pimples or acne?

A: Yes, especially on the chin, lips, or muzzle. Bacterial infections, clogged hair follicles, or trauma can all trigger canine acne. Some breeds are more prone than others.

Q: How do I tell if my dogâs bump is an emergency?

A: Seek immediate care if your dog has facial swelling, trouble breathing, a rapidly growing mass, a bleeding lump, or any sudden change in behavior or health.

Q: What should I avoid doing if I find a bump?

A: Do not squeeze, cut, or apply over-the-counter creams without veterinary guidance. Home remedies can make things worse.

Q: Is it normal for senior dogs to develop lumps?

A: Older dogs often develop benign masses like lipomas or sebaceous cysts, but cancer risks rise with age. All new lumps should be properly checked.

Key Takeaways

Many bumps on a dogâs skin are harmless, but some can indicate serious problems.
Lumps that grow quickly, bleed, or cause symptoms should be evaluated by a vet as soon as possible.
Prevention, regular skin checks, and prompt veterinary care help keep your dog healthy and comfortable.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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