Your dog’s skin tag probably caught your eye during a bath or while petting them. That small, dangly growth made you pause and wonder: “Is this normal? Should I be worried?” The good news? Most dog skin tags are completely harmless. But like any growth on your pup’s body, understanding what you’re dealing with matters. A dog skin tag is a benign skin growth—think of it like a tiny mole on your own skin—and while it won’t hurt your dog, knowing how to care for it (and when to call the vet) is part of responsible pet ownership. Let’s break down everything you need to know about dog skin tags, from identification to removal options.
What Is a Dog Skin Tag?
A dog skin tag is a small, benign growth that hangs from the skin, usually connected by a thin stalk. It’s made of loose, excess skin tissue—basically a harmless blob of skin that your dog’s body decided to grow. Vets call these “acrochordons” or “fibromas,” but the practical name is way simpler: skin tag.
These growths are super common in older dogs, but they can show up at any age. They’re typically flesh-colored or slightly darker, and they range from the size of a pinhead to a small pea. Most dogs have one or two, but some—especially senior dogs—might develop several over time.
Here’s the thing: a dog skin tag is nothing like a tick. If you’re worried it might be a parasite, check out our guide on how to remove a tick from a dog to learn the difference. Ticks are dangerous; skin tags are just cosmetic annoyances.
Key characteristics:
- Benign (non-cancerous)
- Usually painless
- Doesn’t spread or grow rapidly
- Can be flesh-colored or pigmented
- Often found on neck, armpits, and belly
How to Identify a Skin Tag vs. Other Growths
Not every bump on your dog’s skin is a skin tag. Here’s how to tell the difference between a dog skin tag and other common growths:
Skin Tag vs. Wart: A skin tag hangs from the skin on a stalk. A wart is flat or bumpy and sits flush with the skin. Warts are also more likely to cause itching or irritation.
Skin Tag vs. Mole: Moles are flat and embedded in the skin. A dog skin tag protrudes and moves slightly when you touch it. Moles are also usually darker.
Skin Tag vs. Tick: Ticks are hard, round, and will move if you try to brush them. They also have legs (you can see them with magnification). A skin tag is soft, stationary, and has no legs.
Skin Tag vs. Cyst: A cyst is a fluid-filled bump under the skin. A dog skin tag is solid tissue hanging from the surface. Cysts can rupture and leak; skin tags don’t.
Skin Tag vs. Tumor: This is the big one. Tumors grow quickly and can be hard or ulcerated. A dog skin tag grows slowly (or not at all) and has a smooth surface. When in doubt, ask your vet to biopsy it—peace of mind is worth the cost.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of any new growth and monitor it for changes. If it grows noticeably, changes color, or becomes irritated, schedule a vet visit. Most of the time, it’s nothing, but documentation helps your vet make the best call.
Why Dogs Get Skin Tags
The exact cause of a dog skin tag isn’t fully understood, but vets have identified several risk factors:
Age: Senior dogs are way more prone to skin tags. As your dog ages, their skin loses elasticity, and excess skin tissue can form these growths. If your dog is entering their senior years, expect the occasional skin tag to appear.
Breed Predisposition: Some breeds are genetically more likely to develop skin tags. Boxers, cocker spaniels, and older mixed breeds seem to get them more often. It’s not a big deal—just a quirk of their genetics.
Obesity: Overweight dogs develop more skin tags, especially in skin folds where friction occurs. The extra skin and rubbing creates an environment where these growths thrive.
Friction and Rubbing: Areas where skin rubs together—neck, armpits, groin, inner thighs—are hotspots for skin tag development. The constant friction irritates the skin, and a dog skin tag can form as a result.
Genetics: If your dog’s parents had skin tags, your pup is more likely to develop them too.
The bottom line: a dog skin tag isn’t caused by anything you did wrong. It’s not a sign of poor hygiene or bad diet (though maintaining a healthy weight helps). It’s just something that happens, especially as dogs age.
Are Dog Skin Tags a Health Risk?
Here’s the reassuring part: in the vast majority of cases, a dog skin tag poses zero health risk. It won’t turn into cancer. It won’t spread. It won’t hurt your dog. But there are a few scenarios where a skin tag could become problematic:
Irritation from Scratching: If your dog scratches or licks at a skin tag repeatedly, they can cause it to bleed or become infected. This is the most common issue. If you notice your dog fixating on a skin tag, distract them or consider a soft cone collar temporarily.
Infection: A skin tag that’s been scratched open can get infected. Signs include redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul smell. This needs vet attention.
Bleeding: If a skin tag gets caught on something—a collar, a toy, rough play—it can bleed. It’s usually not serious, but you should clean it and monitor for infection.
Mobility Issues: Rarely, a skin tag in a sensitive area (like between the toes or near the genitals) can cause discomfort or mobility problems. This is uncommon but worth noting.
Misdiagnosis: The biggest “risk” is mistaking a skin tag for something serious. That’s why photo documentation and vet checkups matter. A malignant tumor might look like a skin tag initially, so professional eyes are invaluable.
According to the American Kennel Club’s resource on canine skin conditions, skin tags are among the most benign growths seen in veterinary practice. They’re essentially cosmetic.
Removal Options: When and How
Do you need to remove a dog skin tag? Not always. But if it’s bothering your dog, catching on things, or you just want it gone, there are options.
Veterinary Removal: This is the gold standard. Your vet can remove a skin tag in a few ways:
- Surgical Excision: The vet surgically cuts out the skin tag under local or general anesthesia. This takes 10-15 minutes and costs $100-$300 per tag (varies by location and vet).
- Cauterization: The vet burns off the skin tag using heat or a laser. Faster than surgery, less bleeding, similar cost.
- Ligation: The vet ties a thread around the stalk of the skin tag to cut off blood supply. The tag falls off in 1-2 weeks. Cheapest option ($50-$150), but takes longer.
Home Removal (Not Recommended): I get it. Vet costs are real, and you might think you can just tie it off or cut it yourself. Don’t. Here’s why:
- Risk of infection without sterile technique
- Excessive bleeding if you hit a blood vessel
- Pain and stress for your dog
- Possibility it’s not actually a skin tag (what if it’s something that needs professional removal?)
- Scarring or improper healing
If cost is a barrier, talk to your vet about payment plans or ask if they recommend waiting. Most skin tags don’t need removal anyway.
Safety Warning: Never use human skin tag removal products on your dog. These are designed for human skin and can be toxic or cause severe irritation on dogs. Always consult your vet first.
Home Care and Prevention
While you can’t prevent skin tags entirely (genetics and age play huge roles), you can minimize your dog’s risk and keep existing skin tags healthy:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for skin tags. Keep your dog at an ideal body condition through proper diet and exercise. Ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your specific pup.
Regular Grooming: Brush your dog regularly, especially in areas prone to skin tags (neck, armpits, groin). Good grooming improves circulation and reduces friction.
Keep Skin Folds Clean and Dry: If your dog has deep skin folds (like a bulldog or shar-pei), keep them clean and dry to prevent irritation and secondary skin tag formation.
Monitor for Irritation: Check your dog’s skin tags weekly. If you notice redness, swelling, or signs your dog is licking/scratching, contact your vet.
Prevent Trauma: Make sure collars and harnesses fit properly and don’t rub. Proper harness sizing prevents unnecessary friction and irritation.
Nutrition Matters: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy skin. Talk to your vet about adding fish oil or other supplements if appropriate.
Regular Vet Checkups: During annual exams, your vet can monitor existing skin tags and spot new ones early. This is especially important for senior dogs.
When to See Your Vet About a Dog Skin Tag
Not every skin tag needs immediate vet attention, but certain situations warrant a call:
Schedule a Regular Appointment If:
- The skin tag is new and you want confirmation it’s actually a skin tag
- It’s growing noticeably or changing color
- Your dog is licking or scratching it excessively
- It’s in a location that might cause mobility issues (between toes, near genitals)
- You want it removed for cosmetic reasons
- Your dog is a senior and developing multiple new growths
Call for an Urgent Appointment If:
- The skin tag is bleeding heavily or won’t stop bleeding
- There’s discharge, pus, or a foul smell
- The area around it is swollen, red, or warm
- Your dog is in obvious pain or won’t stop bothering it
- The skin tag has changed dramatically in size or appearance
What to Expect at the Vet: Your vet will examine the skin tag, ask about when it appeared and if it’s changed, and possibly recommend removal or monitoring. If there’s any doubt about what it is, they might do a fine-needle aspirate (a quick needle sample) or biopsy. This costs extra but gives definitive answers.
Remember, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends having any new skin growth evaluated to rule out serious conditions. It’s better to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dog skin tag fall off on its own?
– Yes, occasionally. If a skin tag gets caught on something or is repeatedly traumatized, it might bleed, dry out, and fall off. But don’t count on it. Most skin tags stay put unless removed by a vet. If one does fall off, clean the area and watch for infection.
Is a dog skin tag the same as a wart?
– No. Skin tags hang from the skin on a stalk; warts are flat or bumpy and sit flush with the skin. Warts are also more likely to be contagious and cause itching. A vet can tell the difference with a quick look.
Can I tie off a dog skin tag at home?
– I don’t recommend it. While ligation (tying it off) is a legitimate vet procedure, doing it at home risks infection, improper technique, and stress to your dog. If you want ligation, ask your vet to do it.
How much does it cost to remove a dog skin tag?
– Removal typically costs $100-$300 per tag, depending on your vet and location. Ligation (the cheapest method) might be $50-$150. Some vets offer discounts for removing multiple tags at once. Call around for quotes.
Are dog skin tags hereditary?
– There’s a genetic component. If your dog’s parents had skin tags, your pup is more likely to develop them. But it’s not a guarantee, and it’s not something you can prevent entirely.
Can a dog skin tag become cancerous?
– No. A skin tag is benign and won’t turn into cancer. That said, a growth that looks like a skin tag could actually be something else, which is why vet confirmation matters. But a true skin tag is harmless.
Why is my dog’s skin tag bleeding?
– Most likely, your dog scratched or licked it, or it got caught on something. Clean it gently with warm water, apply light pressure to stop bleeding, and monitor for infection. If it won’t stop bleeding or looks infected, call your vet.
Do senior dogs get more skin tags?
– Yes. As dogs enter their senior years, skin loses elasticity and skin tags become more common. It’s a normal part of aging, like gray fur.
Should I be worried if my dog has multiple skin tags?
– Multiple skin tags are common in older dogs and usually nothing to worry about. Just monitor them during grooming and vet checkups. If they’re causing irritation or you’re concerned, discuss removal options with your vet.
Can I use apple cider vinegar or other home remedies on a dog skin tag?
– Don’t. Home remedies like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or other substances can irritate your dog’s skin, cause infection, or be toxic if ingested. Stick with vet-approved options.
