Watch your pet’s lumps for these warning signs

 
lump faq

As pets get older, they’re bound to get a little, well, lumpier. This is especially true for dogs. Lumps and bumps tend to pop up here and there over time, such that most senior dogs have at least a handful of growths to their name.

 

When these bumps first appear, it’s best to have them checked out by a veterinarian to make sure they’re okay. If they’ve received the all clear, they’ll most likely grow very slowly over your pet’s lifetime without causing any trouble.

However, a mass can occasionally start out fine and then mutate into a bad mass—a cancer. Thankfully, there are a few telltale signs that can tip owners off that this has happened:

  • Sudden change in size. It’s normal for lumps and bumps to grow a little over time, but any fast changes (growing or shrinking) signal a problem.
  • Change in texture. Hard or soft, however a mass started, it should stay that way long term.
  • Change in color. There’s no “right” or “wrong” color for growths to start as, but any shift in color can certainly be called wrong.
  • Sensitivity. Problematic lumps may become itchy or painful, causing your pet to lick, chew or rub at them.
  • Hair loss. Even if you don’t catch your pet itching a bump, you might notice the effects of itching, like hair loss on or around the bump.
  • Discharge. Any bleeding or oozing from a lump ought to be checked out promptly.

Watching your pet’s lumps can be as easy as paying a little extra attention during your regular snuggle session. Simply take a mental note of how all your pet’s growths are looking and feeling while you’re petting them. This is a great time to catch new masses as well!

If your pet has too many lumps to remember them all, you may want to keep a lump chart with sizes and locations. Your veterinarian can partner with you in this effort, keeping notes on masses in your pet’s medical record and checking for warning signs at each routine wellness appointment.

 

Still not sure if your pet’s bump needs to be checked? See what our experts say. >>