Cancer is one of the many conditions that cause death and discomfort for dogs, and skin cancer is no exception. Skin cancer happens when your dog’s skin experiences a growth of abnormal cells, as seen when a lump or a mass manifests. 

Dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes can be affected by skin cancer, though certain breeds and factors may make some dogs more prone to developing it. The key is knowing what to look out for and taking action quickly if you notice any unusual changes in your dog’s skin.

Common Signs of Skin Cancer in Dogs

Skin cancer can manifest in lots of ways, with lumps and masses being the most physically distinguishable ones. Here are some of the common signs of skin cancer in dogs:

Lumps and Bumps

Finding an abnormal mass on your dogs can be super concerning, but not all lumps are harmful. However, any cell growth that seems to have differences in size, shape, and color should be immediately addressed with a puppy visit. Benign lumps are common in dogs, but even though these are almost harmless, they can still cause a discomfort for your pups.

Sores

Your dog’s skin can also be noticeably affected, as sores that don’t heal are a critical warning sign. This area might still hurt when touched and is more common in areas such as a dog’s belly, nose, or ears. If you notice sores around your dog that don’t seem to heal, it’s important to seek medical attention to remove the discomfort.

Discoloration

Changes in your dog’s skin color can also become a sign of skin cancer. Dogs with lighter skin or thin fur are usually the ones who are most vulnerable to changes in the skin. If you notice patches of skin that become red, black, or pink, it could signal a problem. Dark or raised spots that appear suddenly or change over time might also be an early indicator of melanoma or another form of skin cancer in dogs.

Texture

Your dog’s skin can also become dry, flaky, and crusty as a result of the skin cancer. While dry skin is common in dogs, it’s better to be safe and get them checked immediately. As a best-case scenario, we’ll only need a few home remedies to help cure your dog’s dry skin. 

Discharge

If your dog’s lump starts to bleed or ooze, something much more serious could be a problem. Cancerous masses can break open, leading to discharge. In any case of bleeding or oozing, this should be enough reason to bring your dogs to the clinic for a quick checkup.

Behavioral Changes

Another sign of skin cancer in dogs is when they start to act differently as a result of the discomfort they feel. Dogs often try to soothe this discomfort by licking or scratching an area that bothers them. If your dog is fixated on a particular spot, it may be because they are experiencing pain, itchiness, or irritation from a developing tumor.

Types of Skin Cancer in Dogs

Now that we’ve covered the signs, it’s time to talk about the types of skin cancer you can expect in dogs. Each type has a different process for how we proceed. In the meantime, here are the types of skin cancer in dogs:

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are generally considered relatively harmless compared to its counterpart. However, they still need to be given immediate veterinary attention, especially since treatment is often straightforward.

1. Histiocytoma

Histiocytomas are common benign skin tumors, especially in younger dogs. They usually appear as small, button-like lumps that are often red or pink and tend to pop up on the head, neck, or limbs. While these can be alarming at a glance, they are usually harmless and tend to go away on their own after around three months.

Treatment for Histiocytoma

In most cases, histiocytomas resolve on their own without treatment, particularly in young dogs. If the tumor becomes irritated or our vet suspects it could be something else, surgical removal might be suggested for peace of mind. We could also provide medications to help relieve the discomfort.

2. Lipomas

Lipomas are one of the most common benign tumors seen in dogs, particularly older dogs. These lumps are composed of fat and can appear anywhere on your dog’s body, and while they might grow slowly, they usually remain harmless and only cause minimal discomfort. Lipomas don’t spread to other parts of the body and are typically more of a cosmetic concern than a health issue.

Treatment for Lipomas

These lumps are completely harmless, so removing them won’t affect your dog’s health in any way. However, if the lump begins to interfere with their movement or gets in the way of their limbs, it’s usually a good idea to consider having it removed.

3. Papillomas

Warts are another type of benign tumor caused by a viral infection. They’re most commonly seen in young dogs or dogs with weakened immune systems and usually appear on the lips, mouth, or eyelids. These tumors are generally harmless and often dry up and fall out. However, they can sometimes be unsightly or bothersome for dogs.

Treatment for Papillomas

Most papillomas resolve without treatment in a few weeks to months as your dog’s immune system is capable of fighting the virus. If the warts become a bother, several techniques such as removal surgery, cryosurgery, and laser removal are recommended options. 

Malignant Tumors 

Malignant tumors are more aggressive than their benign counterparts and can easily spread to other sections of a dog’s body. These types of skin cancer require immediate attention and treatment to help contain the spread and effects of the disease.

1. Melanoma

Melanomas are tumors that can be either benign or malignant. They become super aggressive when malignant, often spreading quickly to the different areas of a dog’s body, such as the mouth and paws. These tumors are usually distinguishable by their dark brown color, especially in spots where the fur is thinner or more sparse.

Treatment for Melanomas

Treatment depends on how far the melanoma has spread. Surgery is usually the first step, followed by chemotherapy or radiation if the cancer has metastasized.

2. Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors are among the most common malignant skin cancers in dogs. They can look like benign bumps, which makes them tricky to identify without a vet’s help. These tumors release histamine, a chemical that can cause local irritation and systemic symptoms.

Treatment for Mast Cell Tumors

Treatment typically involves surgical removal, but because these tumors can easily spread to other parts of the dog’s body, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be necessary for more aggressive cases.

3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Another type of skin cancer in dogs with lighter fur is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer typically forms in areas exposed to the sun, such as the nose, ears, and belly. While it generally grows in a localized area, it has the risk of spreading to other neighboring tissues when left untreated. Though it doesn’t spread as aggressively as some other cancers, it can still cause serious damage where it appears.

Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma 

Surgery is usually the best option for removing these tumors. If the cancer is caught early, removal can often be curative. In cases where surgery isn’t possible, radiation therapy may be used.

Treatment for Skin Cancer in Dogs

The treatment plan for your dog’s skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your dog’s individual needs. Here are the most common treatment options we use when treating skin cancer in dogs:

Surgery

For lots of different types of skin cancer in dogs, surgery is the most effective way to remove the mass. The goal is to remove the mass and separate it from the body and ensure no abnormal cells remain. For benign tumors, surgery is often straightforward. For malignant tumors, it may be followed by other treatments.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is often used when surgical removal isn’t possible or when the cancer is in a tricky location. Radiotherapy can help shrink tumors and kill cancer cells, hindering them from multiplying. It’s usually used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

Chemotherapy

For aggressive or widespread cancers, chemotherapy might be the most optimal form of treatment. This method uses designated drugs to target and kill fast-growing cancer cells. While the idea of chemotherapy can seem intimidating, it's often much gentler on dogs than it is on humans, with fewer side effects like nausea or hair loss.

Immunotherapy

In recent years, immunotherapy has been hailed as an innovative treatment for certain cancers, especially melanoma. This therapy works by boosting the dog’s immune system, helping it to better target and destroy cancer cells.

Conclusion

From harmless bumps to more serious conditions like melanoma, it’s important to be aware of the possible cancers your dog’s skin can have. When it comes to your dog’s health, our team will be right here to help. Our clinic is always available to help you keep your best friend’s skin back to its healthy glow.