Skin Tags on Dogs: How to Identify & Treat Them

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If you’ve spotted a small growth on your dog’s skin, it may be a skin tag. Skin tags on dogs are fairly common and — much like in people — they’re usually harmless.

That said, even though most skin tags aren’t cause for alarm, they shouldn’t be ignored. Their size or location may cause irritation, and growths that look like skin tags can sometimes be warts, ticks, or even tumours.

Below, learn what causes skin tags on dogs, how to identify them, and when you should speak with your veterinarian.

What Are Skin Tags & Can Dogs Get Them?

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Skin tags are benign, abnormal growths that form on a dog’s skin. They can develop anywhere on the body, though they’re often found on the neck, chest, face (including the eyelids), and legs.

Also called fibrovascular papillomas, dog skin tags can look and feel quite different from one another. Some may be soft or squishy, while others feel firm or hard. They might be flat, raised, or attached to the skin by a thin stalk. Their colouring usually matches your dog’s skin tone, although they can appear slightly darker.

Most skin tags on dogs are tiny — only a few millimetres in size — and may go unnoticed until you’re grooming, petting, or bathing your dog.

Like any skin condition, you should monitor the tag’s size, shape, and location. A skin tag itself may not bother your dog, but one positioned on the belly, elbow, or another high‑friction area can cause discomfort over time.

If a skin tag becomes irritated or damaged from pressure or rubbing, it may bleed or become infected. Avoid touching it and contact your veterinarian if you see pus or rapid changes.

What Causes Skin Tags on Dogs?

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There isn’t one specific cause of dog skin tags. They can appear in dogs of all breeds and ages, though certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing them:

Life stage

Middle‑aged and senior dogs tend to develop skin tags more frequently than younger dogs.

Breed

Large and giant breeds, along with dogs such as Boxers, English Bulldogs, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to skin tag growths.

Irritation or trauma

Skin tags commonly appear in areas where there is repeated friction — such as skin folds or under a collar. Dogs who rest on hard surfaces may also develop tags in pressure‑prone spots.

Papilloma virus

While this virus typically causes warts, it can occasionally contribute to skin tag formation.

In most cases, skin tags aren’t linked to underlying disease, but tracking them and discussing any concerns with your veterinarian is always wise.

Types of Dog Skin Tags

Yes — dogs can get skin tags, and several types exist. They cannot be identified by appearance alone; a veterinary test is required to determine the cell type.

Regardless of the type, most skin tags are harmless. A flat, pale skin tag is often just as benign as a darker, dangling one.

Common types include:

• Fibrovascular papillomas
• Hyperplastic scars
• Fibroepithelial polyps
• Collagenous hamartomas

Dog Skin Tag or Tick?

Because some skin tags resemble ticks, it’s important to be able to tell the difference. Ticks are parasites that can transmit diseases quickly.

Ticks vary from tiny (grain‑of‑sand size) to engorged (grape‑sized) and usually appear in shades of brown or red. Skin tags, however, tend to match your dog’s natural skin tone.

Ticks also have eight legs that may wiggle if touched. You might need a magnifying glass to see them clearly.

Dog Wart vs. Skin Tag

Dog warts, caused by canine viral papillomatosis, can also look similar to skin tags. Warts are typically rounder and firmer, while skin tags may protrude away from the body on a narrow stalk.

What to Do About Dog Skin Tags

Most dog skin tags don’t require immediate treatment. They’re not contagious, and they’re usually considered a cosmetic issue rather than a medical one.

It’s helpful to take occasional photos to monitor changes. If your dog begins avoiding pressure on the area or if the tag becomes irritated, book an appointment with your veterinarian.

A vet may recommend a biopsy if the growth looks unusual or changes rapidly. Testing provides a clear diagnosis and rules out more serious conditions.

Is Dog Skin Tag Removal Necessary?

Removal is usually unnecessary unless:

• the tag is infected
• it’s located in a spot that bothers your dog
• your veterinarian wants to confirm the growth isn’t something else

How to Prevent Skin Tags in Dogs

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While skin tags themselves are benign, reducing the triggers that cause them may help:

• Clean skin folds regularly. Use wipes or routine bathing to prevent irritation.
• Provide cushioned bedding. Hard surfaces can lead to rubbing and pressure.
• Check collar and harness fit. Ill‑fitting gear can cause chronic friction.
• Address dog allergies. Constant scratching or chewing can lead to skin trauma and potential growths.

Even with prevention, some dogs will still develop skin tags. Thankfully, they’re rarely dangerous, and in most cases, dogs can live comfortably with them. If you ever have concerns, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Check out our other dog health articles for tips from our experts.