Senior Dog Comfort & Care

It can be terrifying to pet your dog and suddenly feel a lump on top or under the skin. Before panicking, it’s good to know that many lumps on dogs are non-cancerous and don’t bother them. One such type is a lipoma, which is nothing more than a lump of fat under the skin. They’re usually soft, round, and slightly moveable and can occur anywhere on the body. Even though you suspect a lump may be a lipoma, it’s always best to have it examined by your veterinarian to be 100% sure. Take photos to document how it changes over time.

Older dogs can also develop skin tags, moles, and warts. Sometimes, these are troublesome because dogs will lick or chew at them, leading to bleeding or infection. They can also get cut by grooming clippers. If it’s not cancer, there are techniques that don’t require surgical removal, anesthesia, or stitches. Before seeing your vet, you’ll want to stop your dog from licking the affected area. You can use a baby sock secured with medical or adhesive elastic bandage tape for spots on their legs or paws. Be sure that the tape isn’t so tight that it cuts off circulation. To protect their body, you can use a t-shirt or have them wear a protective cone collar (Tip #89).