Skin Tags in Dogs

Even though skin tags sometimes reach a few inches in length, they are small benign masses that are not dangerous. Although they are primarily a cosmetic concern, injuries to skin tags can be annoying to deal with.

Surgical removal is curative, but a dog who develops one skin tag is likely to grow more.

The term “skin tag” is often used non-specifically to refer to many different types of superficial skin tumors. Skin tags are medically categorized as acrochordons, cutaneous tags, soft fibromas, and fibrovascular papillomas. The different tumor types are differentiated by examining cells from the mass under a microscope.

It’s easy for owners to mistake ticks for skin tags and vice versa. In addition, nipples may be mistaken for skin tags, especially on male dogs since it’s a common misconception to think male dogs don’t have nipples.

Skin tags may be solitary or appear in patches of multiples. Patches of skin tags are most common on the parts of a dog’s body that bear weight when they are lying down, such as the chest and elbows.

Dogs that grow one skin tag are likely to develop more over time.

Skin tags are common, especially on older, large-breed dogs.

Very little is known about what causes skin tags. Chronic irritation from friction may play a role, since clusters of skin tags are often observed on the weight-bearing part of the chest in large, short-haired dogs. Some breeds appear to be predisposed, so a genetic component may be present.

Skin tags are cutaneous lumps arising from a small spot on the surface of the skin, have a stalk, and may grow a few inches long.

The skin on the tag itself may look identical to the surrounding tissue, or may be darker or have a warty surface.

The diagnosis of a skin tag is often based on the dog’s breed, history, and the physical appearance of the growth, although other types of skin tumors may have a similar appearance.

Confirming the diagnosis requires a biopsy. In situations where confirmation is recommended, the entire tag is removed and submitted for evaluation. Since dogs who get one skin tag often grow more as they age, confirmation of the diagnosis is most common for the first occurrence.

Skin tags are primarily a cosmetic concern and no treatment is necessary.

Since removing a skin tag is usually an elective procedure, it may be delayed until the dog is under anesthesia for some other reason (e.g. a dental procedure). In some cases a skin tag may be removed under local anesthesia.

Skin tags never go away on their own, but they may be injured or even ripped off during activity which may lead to surgical removal as a recommendation to prevent or treat injury and skin damage, especially for very large tags on working or otherwise active dogs.

Surgical removal of a skin tag is usually minor and straightforward. Depending on the location of the skin tag, the dog may need to wear an e-collar during recovery.

When a skin tag is removed from a weight-bearing surface, like the chest of a large dog with short hair, healing may be delayed and more complicated. This may impact a decision to have a tag surgically removed.

Short-haired, deep-chested, large dogs like dobermans who are prone to develop skin tags from lying down on their chests may benefit from soft bedding.

Skin tags are not contagious, but they look similar to viral papillomas (warts), which are contagious.

Skin tags are common in older dogs. Large breeds appear to be at higher risk for developing them.

• Benign neglect
• Surgical removal