Dog skin cancer is more common than people realize, and skin tumors are the most common tumor. Here’s what you need to know about important warning signs, symptoms, and treatments.

Key takeaways:

• Genetic history and excessive sun exposure are the most common causes of dog skin cancer.

• Malignant melanomas, mast cell tumors, and fibrosarcoma are three common types.

• Limit sunlight exposure to short-haired or light-colored breeds to help prevent dog skin cancer.

• Look for unusual lumps or bumps on your pup’s skin, and call a vet if you find anything unusual.

Many pup parents don’t give much thought to dog skin cancer. Skin tumors are the most common form of tumors in dogs, however, and they are sometimes cancerous. The good news is that many cancerous skin tumors can be successfully treated if caught early.

Your veterinarian will be the best source for cancer information, but it’s important to know the signs and symptoms to maximize your pup’s skin health. This article will cover different types of dog skin cancer, which breeds are at the highest risk, how to spot skin cancer, available treatment options, and prevention tips.

Causes and types of dog skin cancer

As in humans, dog skin cancer has several causes. The largest seems to be genetic. If the dog’s bloodline has a history of it, that pup has a higher risk. Too much sun exposure may also lead to cancer in some dogs, which is easy to forget because of their fur. They also have multiple layers of skin, and can thus develop several different kinds of related cancer. Some of the most common include:

• Melanoma – Melanomas can be benign or malignant and appear to either have no pigment or dark pigment. Benign melanomas are fairly common, but malignant ones are serious because they can spread to other body organs. Melanomas are most often seen on a dog’s lips, nail beds, or mouth, and malignant ones look like raised lumps. They may appear pink or grayish in color in the mouth, and can cause swelling and loss of nails when they appear in the nail beds.

• Mast cell tumor – This is the most common skin cancer tumor type. Its cells release histamine, which can cause allergic reactions. Mast cell tumors are cancer cells of these allergic reactions, and can grow anywhere on your dog. They are most common in dogs aged 8 to 10, particularly in mixed-breeds, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, and Rhodesian ridgebacks. The allergic reaction caused by histamine can also lead to stomach ulcers, making mast cell tumors difficult to treat.

• Squamous cell carcinoma – Skin squamous cell carcinoma is the most diagnosed carcinoma in dogs. It is most common in older dogs – especially standard Poodles, bloodhounds, and Basset hounds, and commonly appear on the abdomen, lower legs, hindquarters, and head. The tumors are firm to the touch.

• Histiocytic cell tumors – Histiocytic cell tumors are most common in pups aged three years or younger. Some of the most commonly affected breeds include greyhounds, Chinese Char Pei, boxers, bulldogs, Scottish terriers, and Boston terriers. Histiocytic cell tumors come in three varieties: histiocytomas, the most common type; systemic histiocytosis, which mostly affect Bernese mountain dogs; and malignant histiocytosis, which also afflict Bernese mountain dogs, but shows up in the internal organs first.

• Fibrosarcoma – Fibrosarcoma starts under a dog’s skin and between its connective tissue, and tends to return after it is surgically removed. An aggressive form of it can attack younger dogs, but fibrosarcoma is most common in dogs 10 years or older. This kind of dog skin cancer is commonly found on the legs, and can become infected and bleed.

Symptoms of dog skin cancer

Dog skin cancer comes in many shapes and sizes. You need to keep an eye on your pup’s skin. Perform regular checks for unusual or new bumps and lumps on your dog’s body. Skin cancer is more common in older dogs, so increase the frequency of your checks as your pup ages.

Some tumors are benign, like skin tags, but it is hard to tell what is malignant and what isn’t. Schedule a vet visit any time you see a new lump, bump, or odd skin condition on your dog. If your vet determines the lump or bump is indeed benign, keep an eye on it. Check it regularly to make sure it doesn’t change size or color. If you do see any changes, contact your vet immediately.

How is dog skin cancer treated?

The earlier dog skin cancer is caught, the greater the chance of treating it successfully. Many kinds are treated surgically, but others may require radiation or chemotherapy. Your vet will give you a prognosis and may even refer you to a veterinarian oncologist. These professionals have advanced education in the treatment of dog skin cancer.

Preventing skin cancer in dogs

Unfortunately, some cancers cannot be prevented. Some dogs simply have a history of cancer in their bloodline, for example, which makes them more susceptible. You can minimize your dog’s risk by limiting exposure to the sun. Light- and short-haired dogs are more susceptible to UV rays because their fur offers limited protection. Also, monitor your dog’s skin and perform regular checks.

Get help from your dog care experts

Having a second set of eyes watching over your pup is a great way to spot skin cancer warning signs early. Scenthound offers convenient monthly packages for routine dog care in skin, coat, ears, nails, teeth, and general bathing and grooming needs. We help keep your dog looking and feeling great and alert you if we notice anything unusual, such as lumps or bumps, during your pup’s routine care visit.

Use our store locator to find the Scenthound location nearest you.