What Are These Red Bumps on My Dogs Belly?

So, your belly rub session got speed bumps? It’s like finding a plot twist in your favorite book! We know you’ve already started Googling symptoms at lightning speed. But now, take a deep breath. A variety of things could cause those red bumps, and not all of them are serious. 

Let’s dive into the world of canine skin mysteries and find out what might be causing those pesky bumps on your pup’s belly. Spoiler alert: It’s usually not the end of the world!

There is a Bump on My Puppy’s Stomach

Here are some possible reasons for the bump – ⁽²⁾

A hernia is a gap or opening that should not be there. It is usually a diseased disc in the back or an area of muscle separation leading to weakness. A layer of fatty tissue and then three layers of muscle protect the organs inside the abdomen of most animals. These muscle layers are joined by a white strip of strong tissue called connective tissue, which runs along the midline of your pet’s abdomen just underneath the skin. This strong white line in your pup may not be complete, with a gap of varying size. Some contents of the abdomen may poke through this gap, giving rise to a soft bump.

These are fatty tumors that are entirely made up of fat cells. Large dogs. Older dogs and overweight dogs are more prone to these. They are benign or non-cancerous.

If the bump looks like a pimple, it might be a sebaceous cyst. They are formed by blocked oil glands and upon bursting, may release a white, pasty goo. Breeds like the Poodle and Bichon Frise, ones with fine hair, are more prone to these. Most of them will disappear on their own but some might last and create an infection. 

If the bump has a cauliflower-type texture, it may be a wart. They are caused by papillomavirus and are found in dogs with an undeveloped immune system. While they disappear in most cases, the virus is highly contagious between dogs.

Small flaps or raised stalks of skin are called skin tags. They are caused by overactive cells called fibroblasts and can occur in any dog of any age. They are often harmless though. 

These are swollen tissues that form around bug bites, animal bites, infected glands, and other types of sores. They can cause a lot of pain to your dog upon bursting. 

Other types of lumps possible on a dog’s skin are – 

While these can also be the possible explanations for the bump, they are mostly found on other body parts.

Bump on Dog’s Stomach - When to be Concerned

We know that your first thought here could be ‘cancer’’. But most of the time it won’t be the reason for the bump. The feel of the bump can tell a lot about its nature. A cancerous lump will be harder and firm to the touch, appearing as a hard immovable lump on your dog. If the lump that you’re feeling on your dog matches this description, you might have to worry. You should be concerned here and take your dog immediately to the vet. Early detection and treatment can improve your dog's quality of life, and potentially save them from serious and life-threatening consequences.

My Dog Has a Lump on its Belly - Is it a Bug Bite? 

Bug bites are another reason why your dog might have extensive skin bumps. Unless it is a bee or a wasp sting, the lumps should go away by themselves with basic first-aid from your side. But to be sure if the lump you’re feeling is a bug bite, here are some points you can remember –

Is My Dog Pregnant? 

We can understand why you feel your dog is pregnant. The bump can look like one of the sign for it. But here are some other signs you can look out for to confirm whether your dog is pregnant or not. ⁽³⁾

You may see one or more signs simultaneously in your dog if the answer is yes to the above question. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

While some bumps are harmless and can go away by themselves, others can be severely harmful to your dog’s overall health. Some can even be extremely painful and fatal. It is important to seek vet help at the earliest to detect any possible growing medical condition before it’s too late. Pet health insurance will help you save up to 90% of all the expenses that will occur during tests, vet visits, prescription medications, hospitalization, etc. if needed.

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including; broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!