Skin tags are benign growths that can appear anywhere on the skin of a dog. They are most frequently noticed on the trunk, the face, the sternum, front armpits and other bony pointy parts, such as the elbows, hips or ankles. They may also grow on eyelids and around the mouth.

Skin tags are also known as fibrovascular papillomas. They can appear as firm, flat skin growths, or they can grow a stalk and feel soft and squishy. These tags range in size from a few millimeters to two centimeters and larger. If a dog is bothering a skin tag or repeatedly lying on it, the surface of the skin tag can become damaged and infected. An infected skin tag can turn red, be painful, have an ulcerated appearance and ooze pus. As long as the skin tag isn't oozing pus or inflamed and painful, you are free to feel it with your fingers without hurting your dog.