If you’ve ever spotted a mysterious lump or bump on your dog or cat, you’re not alone. Pet parents ask us about these all the time—everything from a tiny pea-sized bump to a soft squishy mass under the skin. And yes, we know how easy it is to panic-Google things like “dog lump under skin” at 10 p.m. (We’ve all been there.)
The good news? Not every lump is something scary. But every lump does deserve attention.
Why Lumps Happen
Pets can develop growths for lots of reasons—age, allergies, infections, cysts, fatty deposits, or sometimes something more serious. Some lumps show up overnight. Others grow slowly over time. Some stay small forever; some don’t.
That’s why it’s important not to guess. Even experienced pet owners can’t tell what a lump is just by looking at it.
When Should You Worry?
Here are a few signs that a lump needs a vet check sooner rather than later:
- It’s growing fast (days or weeks)
- It feels firm, fixed, or oddly shaped
- It appears painful or warm
- It’s ulcerated, bleeding, or leaking
- It suddenly shows up in a young pet
- Your gut says “this seems off” (Always trust that instinct!)
Even if the lump doesn’t check any of these boxes, it’s still a good idea to have us take a look—especially if you’ve never noticed it before.
How We Check Lumps at Gardens Animal Hospital
At Gardens Animal Hospital, we believe early diagnostics are one of the best gifts you can give your pet. A quick exam can help us decide whether a simple test—like a fine needle aspirate (a tiny sample from the lump)—is needed. This test is fast, safe, and can tell us a lot without any sedation.
From there, we can guide you on the next steps: monitoring, removing, or simply leaving it alone.
Our team has years of experience evaluating everything from harmless lipomas to more serious masses, and we’ll walk you through everything with compassion and clarity. No guesswork. No unnecessary worry. Just answers.
Why Early Action Matters
Catching problems early can:
- Make treatment easier
- Improve outcomes
- Ease your mind
- Prevent small issues from becoming big ones
Even harmless lumps can grow large enough to bother your pet, so staying ahead of changes is key.
What You Can Do at Home
Between checkups, perform regular “nose-to-tail” rubdowns. Feel for anything new or changing. Keep track of:
- Size
- Shape
- Position
- How fast it grows
If something changes—even a little—give us a call.
We’re Here When You Need Us
If you’ve spotted a dog lump under skin, or a bump on your cat that you’re unsure about, we’re here to help. Gardens Animal Hospital is your trusted partner in keeping pets comfortable, healthy, and safe. Whether it’s something simple or something that needs attention, we’ll make sure you have answers and a plan.
Not sure about a lump? Bring your pet in for a quick check. Peace of mind is always worth it.
