Q&A for How to Remove a Dog’s Skin Tags at Home

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Can skin tags be a sign of cancer?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Occasionally a lesion that appears to be a skin tag can actually be a cancerous lesion. Consult your vet for advice.

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Question

Is it safe to remove a skin tag from below a dog's eye at home?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No. The eye is a very delicate area, and trying to remove a skin tag can cause corneal abrasions that can lead to blindness and permanent damage. Take your pet to the vet.

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Question

Can skin tags be a sign of cancer?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A true skin tag is just that, a small extra piece of skin. They are not usually a sign of cancer; however, anything unusual, swollen, or that is growing quickly must always be checked by a vet.

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Question

Is it safe to pull off a skin tag?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Don't pull on a skin tag. This is painful for the dog and is unlikely to remove it.

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Question

Do skin tags come off on their own?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No, skin tags don't usually come off on their own. They are literally an extra tag of flesh and if they cause a problem, such as when the dog is brushed, they will need removal to get rid of them.

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