Once bumps or lumps appear on the dog's private area, pet owners' first question is what it could be and what to do. Skin issues resulting in lumps and bumps in dogs are among the ten most common problems owners encounter, so if you find yourself asking now, my dog has a bump on her private area (or elsewhere on the body), there are a few ways you can answer this for yourself quickly.
Usually, it'll be nothing to worry about; however, this could be something more dangerous, and thus you must know how to recognize the type of growth that it is. Once you notice that your dog licks genitals more than usual, investigate the reason and take the animal for examination if need be. Only the vet can make the right diagnosis after testing and determine if the bumps are benign or malignant tumors.
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14 Types of Bumps in Dogs
Luckily, benign bumps in dogs are more frequent than malignant ones, and they are not complicated to treat in most cases. Once the cancerous growth occurs, the outcome of the condition will primarily depend on the speed of the owner's response. You can have a better idea by looking at dog bump pictures below, but bring the dog to the vet anyway.
Early veterinary diagnosis of bumps on a dog's private area or elsewhere on the dog's body, and timely treatment, will significantly increase the chances of the outcome being favorable. The most common types of bumps that you could find on a dog's private areas are below, with photos.
1. Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a purulent skin disease in dogs caused by bacteria that multiply in the vulva and penis area. Another reason for this is skin friction during movement, particularly in overweight dogs. When the animal rubs two surfaces of the skin against each other continually, it will become moist and, consequently, inflamed.
2. Skin Tag
Skin tags are fairly common to see on a dog's body, including their private areas. These fibrous growths usually occur on the skin of older dogs of any breed or gender, but large breed dogs are generally more prone to this condition. Fortunately, these bumps are harmless and don't require any treatment.
3. Dermatitis
There are a few types of dermatitis in dogs, but all of them include some skin inflammation. In the case of the appearance of bumps in the vulva and vagina in dogs, the causes are usually poisonous plants, cleaners, and detergents.
You will spot redness and bumps in the irritated area, as well as enhanced scratching and licking of the vulva. The severity of symptoms will depend on the causative agent, but the dog's persistent scratching can worsen the condition.
Over time, these bumps can transform into open sores and scabs, leading to a bacterial infection. Taking the dog to the vet for an examination and treatment that includes anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve itching is highly recommended.
4. Warts (Papilloma)
Warts (fibropapillomas, canine viral papillomatosis) in young dogs are not a condition the dog owner needs to worry too much about. However, be careful and don't confuse them with more severe diseases that are not harmless. Pugs and Cocker Spaniels are breeds most prone to the occurrence of cauliflower-like growths. The vet will diagnose these benign tumors after a physical examination.
5. Vaccine (Allergic Reaction)
It is not rare that a small bump appears at the point of the puncture after vaccination in dogs, which could sometimes be an allergic reaction. This change is generally not dangerous and is only an aesthetic problem that will disappear over time.
6. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection that includes red bumps in hair follicles around the outer side of the dog's vulva. While at first harmless, without adequate treatment, they will develop pustules and scabs over time. This needs to be addressed, and the primary treatment will include simply better hygiene and sometimes antibiotics for up to two months.
7. Sebaceous Cysts
Such sebaceous cysts in dogs occur when the sebaceous gland becomes blocked, similar to how humans get acne and cysts, too. However, it would help if you never squeezed them. The condition is entirely benign, and the vet will solve the problem by cleaning and encapsulation the bump. Left untreated, it may disappear anyway, but it may still recur.
8. Papules
The papules (pustules) in dogs are a type of relief bumps smaller than 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter that occurs on the dog's skin, including private areas. The causes could be numerous, such as allergies, exposure to toxic substances, or follicular infections. In most cases, they disappear without any treatment.
9. Abscess
This bag near your dog's private area will be filled with pus and occurs mostly around poorly healed and infected injuries or bites. It can be located anywhere on the dog's body, including the vulva area. Fortunately, the treatment is uncomplicated and drains the abscess, and applies ointments and creams to speed up the healing.
10. Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria in dogs is a rash of red round itching bumps on the skin. The most common underlying cause is a reaction of the animal's body to some allergen. In most cases, hives in dogs will disappear on their own. In more severe cases, the vet will prescribe an antihistamine to reduce irritation.
11. Lipomas
Lipomas are benign tumors – fatty, soft bumps located under your pet's skin, most commonly seen in middle-aged dogs of any breed and gender. They are often considered a part of aging and don't require removal. Overweight dogs are more prone to this condition.
12. Mast Cell Tumors
The mast cells are regularly spread throughout the dog's body, but they can sometimes become malignant without any apparent reason. The most common canine skin cancer causes bump anywhere on the body, including the vulvae region. Breeds prone to this are older Bulldogs, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, Labradors, Schnauzers, and Boxers.
13. Melanoma
Once melanocytes (pigment-carrying cells) begin growing uncontrollably, canine melanoma tumors will occur. When the cause of this condition is not sunlight, the bumps are usually benign and treatable. Unfortunately, the prognosis of aggressive melanomas is not promising.
14. Transmissible Venereal Tumors
Even though it is quite a rare contagious disease in dogs, Transmissible Venereal Tumors are highly dangerous. It is the only sexually transmitted cancer that passes on from one dog to another directly during copulation.
Once singular or multiple bumps occur on the dog's vulva, it is necessary to take your pet to the vet and start with an adequate treatment right away. The treatment includes chemotherapy for a few weeks and one session of radiotherapy. It is highly recommended to spay the dog after healing to avoid future infection.
Other Potential Explanations
It is also possible that your dog has vaginal hyperplasia, which only affects female dogs that are not spayed. The area appears as red or pink swollen tissue and protrudes from the canine’s vulva. It only occurs when your dog is in heat.
FAQs for When My Dog Has a Bump on Her Private Area
The following should cover the most urgent questions you likely have if you are googling “my dog has a bump on her private area.”
Can Dogs Get Pimples on Their Private Parts?
Yes, although acne does not usually affect adult dogs, it can happen. In addition to pimples, your dog may get whiteheads or blackheads on the chest, lips, chin, or genital area.
Why Is My Female Dog’s Private Area Swollen?
If your dog’s private area is swollen, she may be in heat. This typically happens one or two times a year and lasts about three weeks. If your dog is fixed, the swelling is likely related to one of the other issues mentioned above and may require a vet visit.
Why Does My Dog Have Bumps on His Privates?
It is not normal for male dogs to have growths, bumps, or lumps on their penis. They may be from injuries or infections. They may also be related to tumors, cysts, and inflammation.
What Does a Sebaceous Cyst Look Like on a Dog?
You can see an image of a sebaceous cyst on a dog above. They are usually small and well-defined, raised rounded areas of the skin. Dogs typically only get one, but your dog may have several close together.
Can I Pop a Pimple on My Dog?
No, don’t pop a pimple on your dog. This can increase the risk of your dog’s hair follicles rupturing. The inflammation may get worse.
Conclusion
Once you spot bumps in your dog's private area, you should take your pet to the vet for examination. While chances of this being dangerous are low, testing and diagnosis still need to be made to prevent a sad outcome.
The most relevant information necessary to diagnose diseases in dogs that result in such bumps anywhere on the dog's body includes the speed of its appearance, possible changes in size, shape, the color of the growth, and the dog's overall health condition animal. Based on medical history, external examination, and biopsy, the vet will determine the type of the disease and adequate treatment, if any.
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