The various lumps, bumps, and growths on many pet dogs can be a serious source of frustration for pet owners and groomers alike. From sebaceous cysts to warty-looking moles that bleed if you even look at them hard, lumps and bumps can be tricky to navigate.
Some breeds seem more prone to skin growths than others. American Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, as well as mixes of these breeds, frequently show up on my grooming table sporting a variety of unusual-looking skin growths. Skin lesions are most commonly found on dogs in middle and old age, rarely in young dogs or puppies. There are a wide variety of causes, click on the link in the references below to read more.
Pet owners seem convinced that we groomer types are clipping the growths when we cut the pet's fur because they often bleed after grooming. I think they have visions of us maniacally using miniature lawnmowers and targeting every slight skin irregularity as we slice and dice them. This is a good time to educate pet owners that what is, in fact, happening is that the delicate skin on the growths can be irritated to the point of bleeding by even the gentle motion of water as we bathe them or the pressure of air as we dry and that the brushing process is also a factor in irritating these tender growths. Some dogs have so many that it is literally impossible to miss every single one as we work, especially if they are hidden under the fur. Explaining this usually makes people feel better than when they imagined us heartlessly mowing down those bumps.
If the dog you are grooming has a growth that bleeds while working on it, a dab of hydrogen peroxide will clean up any blood seepage, and a few moments of gentle pressure with a cotton ball or paper towel will usually stop any blood flow. Touch up the area with gentle airflow from your dryer to re-fluff the fur after the hydrogen peroxide has worked its magic. You can find bottles of hydrogen peroxide with a spray top at most pharmacies. The spray feature is excellent for cleaning up spots like this or fur that gets a drop of blood from a too-short nail trim.
Groomers often encounter sebaceous or follicular cysts, lumps that secrete a thick, yellowish, waxy substance if pressed. It is very tempting to give these a squeeze, but it's best not to in case they become irritated or infected. I once had one explode from the mere pressure of the high-velocity dryer while I was working, spraying its contents far and wide, with most of it ending up on my face. Ew.
Any previously unnoticed lumps and bumps should be reported to the pet owner so they can monitor them at home.
Educating pet owners about how we work and the very delicate nature of the growths on their dogs' skin can help alleviate some of the frustration people feel when having their bumpy pet groomed.
Reference: https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/lumps-bumps-and-cysts-dogs.
