Do Dogs Get Skin Moles? Understanding Canine Dermatology (2024)

Dogs can develop moles, and while they are usually benign, they can occasionally develop into a type of skin cancer known as melanoma. Moles, also known as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that can appear on the skin of both humans and animals. They can be flat or raised and may be black, brown, or pink in colour. As a dog owner, it is important to be able to distinguish between moles and other skin lesions, such as skin tags, mast cell tumours, sebaceous adenomas, and warts, and to monitor your dog's skin for any new growths or changes in existing moles. While most moles are harmless, some can develop into cancerous growths, so if you notice any changes in size, shape, or colour, it is important to consult a veterinarian.

How to identify a mole on a dog

Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that can occur in dogs. They are usually benign and harmless, but it is important to distinguish them from other skin lesions to ensure proper treatment. Here is how you can identify a mole on your dog:

Appearance

Moles can be flat or raised, and they may have hair growing from them. They are typically small, less than a quarter of an inch in diameter, and have a smooth surface. They can be pigmented or non-pigmented, and their colour can range from light pink to dark brown or even black.

Distinguishing Moles from Other Skin Lesions

It is important to differentiate moles from other skin lesions such as skin tags, mast cell tumours, sebaceous adenomas, and warts. Skin tags are usually soft and hang from the skin, while mast cell tumours can be raised or ulcerated and vary in colour. Sebaceous adenomas are typically small, round, and raised, with a yellowish colour, and warts are usually small, rough, and found on the face, mouth, and paws.

Characteristics of Malignant Moles

While most moles are benign, some can be malignant melanomas, a type of skin cancer. Malignant moles are typically larger than benign moles (greater than 6mm in diameter) and have a raised or lumpy texture. They can grow rapidly and change in appearance over a short period of time.

Monitoring and Consulting a Veterinarian

It is important to regularly monitor your dog's moles for any changes in size, shape, or colour. If you notice any abnormalities or suspicious moles, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A veterinarian may perform a biopsy or a fine needle aspirate to determine whether the mole is benign or malignant.

What to do if you find a mole on your dog

Moles on dogs are fairly common and, in most cases, harmless. However, it's important to know what to do if you find one on your dog to ensure that it isn't something more harmful.

Firstly, it's crucial to determine whether the spot on your dog is indeed a mole. Moles, or melanocytic nevi, on canines are typically well-defined, slightly raised lesions that are brown in color. They are usually small, less than a quarter of an inch in diameter, and have a smooth, hairless surface. The skin around the mole should not be red or inflamed, and the mole should not change significantly in appearance over time.

If you notice any skin growth on your dog, it's always a good idea to have it checked by your veterinarian to ensure it isn't something more serious. Your veterinarian may take a sample using a fine needle aspirate to rule out any malignancies. This is especially important as some cancerous skin lesions, such as mast cell tumors and malignant melanoma, can initially look like moles.

Additionally, it's important to distinguish between moles and ticks, as they can look very similar. Before attempting to remove what you think is a tick, look closely to see if there are any legs sticking out, as this would indicate a tick.

Once it has been confirmed by a veterinarian that the skin growth is a mole, there is typically no need to have it removed. However, careful monitoring is advised. Keep an eye on the mole and watch for any changes in color, size, or texture, as these could be causes for concern. If you notice any irregularities, consult your veterinarian immediately.

In some cases, you may want to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, or because it is frequently being nicked by a groomer, licked by your dog, or is prone to bleeding. In such cases, your veterinarian may be able to quickly and painlessly freeze the mole off using cryotherapy, or surgically remove it using local anesthesia.

In summary, while moles on dogs are usually benign, it's important to have any skin growth checked by a veterinarian to rule out more serious issues. Once a mole has been confirmed, monitor it for any changes, and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Are moles harmful to dogs?

Moles, or nevi, are small bumps on the skin that are usually brown, black, or bluish in colour. They are typically benign and harmless, but they can occasionally be malignant. Moles are caused by skin cells growing in close proximity to each other, resulting in a dense tissue with a high concentration of melanin. While moles themselves are not harmful to dogs, they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue. It is important to monitor moles and seek veterinary advice if there are any changes in their appearance, such as rapid growth, irritation, or bleeding.

Moles in dogs are usually benign, but they can occasionally be malignant. Even if a mole is confirmed to be benign, it is still important to monitor it for any changes. Some benign moles may develop into tumours, which can be cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it is crucial to have any suspicious lumps or bumps checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment improve the chances of successful treatment.

Veterinarians can diagnose moles by performing a physical examination, blood tests, and taking a sample of the mole for microscopic analysis. If a mole is cancerous, veterinarians typically offer three treatment options: surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Surgical removal involves cutting away the growth with a scalpel, and it is most effective when performed in the early stages of cancer. Radiotherapy uses beams of radiation to target and kill cancerous cells, while protecting healthy cells. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to destroy cancer cells but can have severe side effects such as vomiting and weight loss.

It is important to distinguish moles from other skin growths, such as skin tags and warts. Moles are typically flatter with a broader base, while skin tags protrude more and are connected by a slender stalk. Warts have a cauliflower-like surface, unlike the smooth surface of moles. Ticks can also be mistaken for moles, but they can be identified by their small legs.

In summary, moles themselves are not harmful to dogs, but they can indicate a more serious issue. It is important to monitor moles and seek veterinary advice if there are any changes in their appearance. While most moles are benign, some can be cancerous and require prompt treatment. Early detection and veterinary care are crucial for the health and well-being of your dog.

How to distinguish a mole from a wart

Yes, dogs can have moles on their skin. Moles, also known as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that can appear on the skin of both humans and animals. They are usually benign and harmless, but they can occasionally develop into a type of skin cancer known as melanoma.

It is important to distinguish between moles and warts in dogs to ensure proper treatment. Here are some key differences between the two:

Appearance: Moles are typically round or oval in shape, while warts often have an irregular shape. Moles usually have a smooth surface, whereas warts tend to have a rough, cauliflower-like surface.

Colour: Moles are typically pigmented and can be black, brown, or pink in colour. Warts, on the other hand, are usually flesh-coloured or light pink.

Hair: Moles may have hair growing from them, while warts typically do not.

Location: Warts are usually found on the face, mouth, and paws of dogs. Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, flank, and paws.

Size: Moles are usually small, less than a quarter of an inch in diameter. Warts may vary in size but are typically small as well.

If you notice any lumps or bumps on your dog's skin, it is important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. While most moles are harmless, some can develop into cancerous growths, so monitoring them for any changes is crucial.

What to do if you suspect a mole is cancerous

Dogs can develop moles, although they are less common in canines than in humans. If you notice a mole on your dog, it is a good idea to have it checked by a veterinarian to ensure it isn't something more harmful. While moles are typically benign, they can sometimes result in a tumour developing, putting the dog at risk of cancer.

Observe the mole

Note the size, shape, colour, and texture of the mole. Cancerous moles often exhibit irregularities in these areas. Look out for jagged edges, changes in colour, or unusual growth. If the mole starts to bother your dog, for example, if they start licking or scratching it, this could be a cause for concern.

Take photos

Take photos of the mole and monitor it over time. This will help you to notice any changes and provide valuable information for your vet.

Visit the veterinarian

If you notice any changes or abnormalities, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to perform a physical examination, take a blood test, and analyse a sample of the mole under a microscope. They may also take a fine needle aspirate to rule out malignancies.

Treatment options

If the mole is found to be cancerous, your vet will recommend a treatment plan. This could include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Surgical removal of the mole is often the first step, and in some cases, radiation or chemotherapy may also be required.

Follow-up care

After treatment, your dog will likely need a few weeks of rest to fully heal. Further testing may be necessary to ensure the cancer does not return.

It is important to remember that early detection is key when it comes to treating skin cancer in dogs. If you have any concerns about a mole on your dog's skin, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions