Are skin tags on dogs a concern?

1. What vets and pet experts say: usually harmless but worth watching

Multiple veterinary and pet-health outlets describe skin tags as benign, fleshy growths that most often do not cause pain or systemic illness; they are common in middle‑aged and older dogs and frequently appear where skin rubs together or is repeatedly irritated ^{[2] [1] [4]}. Authorities such as PetMD and Hill’s Pet recommend owners monitor tags for changes in size, color, number, or behavior (e.g., your dog favoring an area) and to seek a vet if such changes occur because a biopsy is the only definitive way to distinguish a benign tag from other lesions ^{[3] [2]}.

2. Common causes and where they appear: friction, age, and local irritation

Clinical writeups and veterinary blogs attribute many canine skin tags to friction or chronic irritation — collars, harnesses, skin folds, and pressure points like elbows and knees are frequent sites — and note that hormonal changes or breed predisposition may play a role; some sources emphasize older, large-breed dogs show them more often ^{[5] [4] [6]}. Several outlets also mention that papilloma (papillomavirus) can sometimes be involved, though papillomas more typically cause warts ^{[1] [3]}.

3. When a tag becomes a concern: red flags vets give

Experts consistently list warning signs that warrant veterinary evaluation: rapid growth, change in color or texture, ulceration, bleeding, oozing pus, pain, inflammation, or the appearance of many new lesions — any of which could reflect infection, irritation, or a different (potentially malignant) growth that needs biopsy or removal ^{[2] [3] [7]}. Several providers explicitly say that infected or ulcerated tags can be painful and require treatment ^{[2] [7]}.

4. Diagnosis and definitive testing: biopsy is the gold standard

PetMD and other veterinary resources state that a biopsy — microscopic examination of tissue — is the only sure way to diagnose what a skin bump is; because skin tags are small, removal may be necessary to obtain adequate tissue for diagnosis ^[3]. This is why routine monitoring is common, but suspicious or changing lesions often prompt surgical removal and histopathology ^{[3] [8]}.

5. Treatment options and practical care advice

If a skin tag is not bothering the dog, most sources say no treatment is required and owners can simply monitor it ^{[3] [2]}. When removal is chosen — for diagnostic, comfort, or cosmetic reasons — veterinarians may use excision, cryotherapy, or laser therapy; decisions hinge on location, size, and whether lab diagnosis is needed ^{[8] [3]}. Preventive measures suggested by clinics include reducing friction (adjust collars/harnesses, address skin folds) and treating underlying skin problems or parasites that might contribute to lesion formation ^{[4] [9]}.

6. Disagreements, caveats, and gaps in coverage

Sources agree on the basic framework — usually benign, monitor, vet if changing — but differ slightly on emphasis. Some sites stress breed and age predispositions and friction as prime causes ^{[6] [5]}, while others note that the scientific literature on precise causes remains limited and that multiple factors (parasites, allergies, diet, hormones) are sometimes proposed without firm consensus ^[9]. Available sources do not mention long-term population studies quantifying how often tags become malignant; instead, guidance relies on clinical caution and biopsy when in doubt (not found in current reporting).

7. Practical takeaway for dog owners

If you find a new skin tag: photograph and measure it occasionally, note any rubbing or irritation in that spot, and bring it up at your dog’s next wellness visit if it’s stable ^{[1] [3]}. Seek prompt veterinary review if the tag grows, changes color, becomes painful, bleeds, or if many appear suddenly — these are the accepted red flags for biopsy or removal ^{[3] [2] [7]}. The consensus across veterinary and pet-health sources is clear: most skin tags are benign but deserve sensible monitoring and professional assessment for changes ^{[2] [3]}.