Menu Close

What to do if my dog has a black growth on the skin that looks like a tick?

Most lumps and bumps that you find on your dog should hopefully be a harmless growth. Nonetheless, skin disease is generally common in dogs and early identification and treatment are crucial to keep your pup healthy. This article will hopefully provide you with information to know when you need to ask your vet for help regarding a lump on your dog.

Below is a list of Common Skin Cancers in Dogs 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma 

The most well-known type of skin malignancy in dogs is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. This type of malignancy commonly influences more seasoned creatures, especially dalmatians, beagles, whippets, and white bull terriers.
These cancers show up as raised mole-like fixes or lumps that are firm to the touch and are commonly found on the dog’s head, mid-region, lower legs, and back.


While openness to the sun might be a reason for squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma infection has also been connected to this type of disease. 

Dangerous Melanoma 

Most melanomas are harmless, however, they can sometimes pose a genuine danger to your dog’s wellbeing. Melanomas show up as raised bumps which could possibly be highly pigmented. Threatening melanomas are regularly found around the dog’s nail bed, lips, and mouth and will in general develop rapidly and spread to different organs.


Male dogs are more in danger of this sort of disease than females, and while Schnauzers and Scottish terriers are two breeds that face an expanded danger of having threatening melanoma. 

Pole Cell Tumors (MCT) 

Pole cell cancers represent roughly 20% of all skin growths in dogs. These cancers can show up on the skin anyplace on the body and have an assortment of appearances.


Some pole cell growths look like moderately innocuous little lumps while others may show up as furious or ulcerated lumps or masses.This type of skin malignant growth is most generally analyzed in dogs between ages 8 to 10 years of age, with breeds like fighters, pugs, Rhodesian ridgebacks, and Boston terriers.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer in Dogs 

If you presume that your dog has skin malignant growth, then your vet can take a small sample of the tumor’s cells for assessment and have a biopsy to inspect the tissue.


To give a precise determination of your dog’s condition, the samples taken by your vet will be shipped off a lab for examination. To understand the degree of disease in your dog’s body after the underlying results are returned, extra demonstrative testing might be required. Extra testing can assist with advanced treatment proposals and a more precise diagnosis.

Treating Skin Cancer in Dogs 

Malignancy in dogs can be treated with a few distinct treatments or treatment blends, including a medical procedure, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, designated treatments or palliative consideration when appropriate. It has even been determined that CBD can be a helpful treatment!

If you do get the sad news that the tumor may be dangerous, don’t worry yet. Many dogs that have been determined to have beginning phase skin malignancies can be dealt with effectively and when caught early enough, they can carry on with their active lifestyles. 

Observing Your Dog’s Health 

With regards to skin malignant growth in dogs, great treatment results depend on early recognition and treatment. Focus on the state of your dog’s skin and record and track the initial observations. Take the time and effort to acclimate yourself with all your dog’s lumps, bumps, and rashes. 

Twice yearly wellbeing assessments with your dog’s vet should also be scheduled. They offer your vet the chance to screen your dog’s general wellbeing and watch for normal or potentially harmfule lumps and bumps. 

If you notice a strange lump on your dog, or see it expanding around your dog’s toes, consult your veterinarian. If you want further reading, check out our article on bumps around a dog’s rib cage.

dog grooming supplies