How To Remove A Dog's Skin Tags At Home: 11 Steps (with Pictures)

Home » How To Remove Skin Tags On Dogs » How To Remove A Dog's Skin Tags At Home: 11 Steps (with Pictures)

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Identify and Remove Your Dog's Skin Tags Yourself PDF download Download Article Taking care of benign skin growths on your pet Co-authored by Ray Spragley, DVM and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: March 13, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Cleaning the Tag and Sterilizing Your Tools
    • |
  • Detaching a Skin Tag
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ray Spragley, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 844,954 times.

While a skin tag on your furry friend is more or less harmless, it can be a bit of an eyesore. What’s more, it may get caught on something and cause injury, leading to bleeding or infection. We’ll show you how to remove them at home, but if at all possible, consult a veterinarian beforehand, since most vets don’t recommend removing a dog’s skin tag yourself without proper medical training.

Things You Should Know

  • Clip your dog’s fur surrounding the tag. Then, disinfect the patch of skin with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
  • Cut the dog's tag with curved mayo scissors while someone else holds the dog to keep them calm and safe.
  • Apply a gauze bandage to the area and wait 3-5 days for the wound to heal.
  • Always consult a veterinarian before you perform any procedures on your pet.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Cleaning the Tag and Sterilizing Your Tools

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Confirm that the growth is a skin tag. 1 Confirm that the growth is a skin tag. Skin tags in dogs can be easily confused with warts, which are more dangerous because they can grow into malignant tumors. Unlike warts, though, skin tags have a narrow stalk that is attached loosely to the skin. They may be flat or teardrop-shaped, can move or dangle, and they are the same color as the dog’s skin.[1]
    • Note that skin tags aren’t general harmful to your pup, so it’s best to leave it be if it’s fairly small or otherwise not bothering them.
    • Did You Know? Dog skin tags originate from fibroblasts (cells in a dog that are overactive). They aren't specific to any particular dog breed or canine age group.[2] Some believe that friction may contribute to skin tags, too.[3]
  2. Step 2 Clip away the fur around the skin tag. 2 Clip away the fur around the skin tag. If there is hair around the skin tag, remove it with an electric clipper. Brush or wipe away any stray hairs that remain after clipping. This will help you ensure that the area is clean.[4] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Disinfect the area with 70% isopropyl alcohol. 3 Disinfect the area with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Soak a cotton ball with at least 5 mL (0.17  fl oz) (a spoonful) of either 70% isopropyl alcohol or 10% povidone-iodine. Then swipe the tag itself and the area around it.
  4. Step 4 Have someone else hold and calm the dog. 4 Have someone else hold and calm the dog. You need the dog to be still so that you can cut carefully. Enlist someone that your dog trusts to help you, so that the person can effectively keep the dog calm.[5]
  5. Step 5 Sterilize surgical scissors in a pan. 5 Sterilize surgical scissors in a pan. Sterilize a pair of curved mayo scissors if you are going to cut the skin tag. Sterilize a piece of string or floss if you want to tie off the skin tag instead. Use any clean, shallow plastic pan (or even a lunch box) for this purpose. Place 250 mL (8.5  fl oz) of water in the pan, plus 10 mL (0.34  fl oz) of 10% povidone-iodine. Immerse the scissors in the pan for a full minute to sterilize them.[6]
    • Using curved scissors is important, as they will help ensure that the skin tag’s stalk is cut as close to the skin as possible.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Detaching a Skin Tag

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Tie the skin tag as an alternative to snipping it off. 1 Tie the skin tag as an alternative to snipping it off. Using the clean string, thread, or dental floss, tie around the base of the stalk as tightly as possible and as close to the skin as you can.[7]
    • Check the area daily. The tag will swell for approximately 3 days, then it will begin to shrivel, turn dark, and fall off within a week.
  2. Step 2 Keep an eye on the wound. 2 Keep an eye on the wound. Make sure that no infection sets in. If it does, take your dog to the veterinarian to get the infection treated. Common signs of infection include swelling, redness, or any sort of discharge.
  3. Step 3 Use an E-collar to keep your dog from licking the wound. 3 Use an E-collar to keep your dog from licking the wound. You may need to put a cone on your dog if it repeatedly tries to lick the wound. Cone-shaped E-collars keep your dog from biting or licking the tied tag or the wound.
  4. Step 4 Cut the stalk of the skin tag to remove it quickly. 4 Cut the stalk of the skin tag to remove it quickly. Using the curved mayo scissors cut the stalk at its base as close to the skin as you can.[8] It will bleed, so be prepared with clean gauze bandages.
  5. Step 5 Apply direct pressure to the wound with a gauze bandage. 5 Apply direct pressure to the wound with a gauze bandage. Press the bandage onto the wound for a few minutes, until you are sure that bleeding has stopped.[9] As you do, offer your dog some pets or a treat to keep it calm and reward it for its patience.
    • A vet may opt to cauterize the wound, which is a more reliable method. Always opt to visit your vet for the best care.
  6. Step 6 Cover the area securely. 6 Cover the area securely. Without removing the first gauze bandage, use another piece of gauze or a bandage to cover the area.[10] It will heal in 3 to 5 days, but it’s important to keep the dog from licking or playing with the wound.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can skin tags be a sign of cancer? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 30
  • Question Is it safe to remove a skin tag from below a dog's eye at home? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 33
  • Question Can skin tags be a sign of cancer? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 22
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Consult your veterinarian before removing a skin tag from your dog. In addition, remember that if the tags are large, or if they are located on the face or mouth, have a veterinarian remove them instead of attempting to do it yourself. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Remove a Skin Tag from Your NeckHow to Remove a Skin Tag from Your Neck At Home Get Rid of Skin TagsGet Rid of Skin Tags Safely: 12 Home Remedies & OTC Products Remove Warts on DogsHow toRemove Warts on Dogs Treat Dog SplintersHow toTreat Dog Splinters Remove a Tick from a Dog Without TweezersHow to Safely Remove a Tick from a Dog Without Tweezers Get Ticks off DogsHow toGet Ticks off Dogs Get Rid of a Botfly in a DogHow toGet Rid of a Botfly in a Dog Clean a Dog's WoundHow toClean a Dog's Wound Treat Hot Spots in DogsHow toTreat Hot Spots in Dogs Trim a Dog's NailsHow toTrim a Dog's Nails Care for a Dog's Dew ClawHow toCare for a Dog's Dew Claw Cut Dog Paw HairHow toCut Dog Paw Hair Groom a DogHow toGroom a Dog Stop a Dog from BleedingHow toStop a Dog from Bleeding Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/benign-skin-masses-of-dogs/
  2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-skin-lumps-bumps/
  3. ↑ https://www.animaltrust.org.uk/common-conditions/dog-skin-tags
  4. ↑ https://www.nyu.edu/research/resources-and-support-offices/getting-started-withyourresearch/research-with-animals/office-of-veterinary-resources/training/animal-preparation.html
  5. ↑ https://www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/education/anxious-dog/
  6. ↑ https://microbiologyjournal.org/sterilization-of-surgical-tools-removing-bacterial-endospores-with-a-combination-of-povidone-iodine-chlorhexidine-gluconate-ethanol-and-methanol/
  7. ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/05/facts-about-skin-tags
  8. ↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2023/05/facts-about-skin-tags
  9. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-bleeding-in-dogs
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-bleeding-in-dogs

About This Article

Ray Spragley, DVM Co-authored by: Ray Spragley, DVM Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Ray Spragley, DVM and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University. This article has been viewed 844,954 times. 22 votes - 73% Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 13, 2025 Views: 844,954 Categories: Skin and Fur Health for Dogs Article SummaryX

While it's best to have a vet remove your dog's skin tags since there's a slight risk of complications, you can attempt to do it at home yourself. Start by trimming any hair surrounding it and wiping the area with an isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton ball to disinfect it. Once you’ve trimmed and cleaned the skin around your dog’s skin tag, cut the stalk of the skin tag as close to the skin as you can with sterilized scissors. Be ready with clean gauze bandages, since it will probably bleed. Alternatively, tie string, thread, or dental floss around the base of the stalk as tightly as you can, which will cut off the blood supply and cause it to fall off within a week. Whichever way you remove the skin tag, cover the area with gauze or a bandage to prevent your dog licking or playing with the wound until it heals. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to identify a skin tag, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Spanish German Italian French Dutch Indonesian Czech Vietnamese Thai Chinese Japanese Hindi Korean
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 844,954 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Jen Lee

    Jen Lee

    May 5, 2016

    "Followed exact directions of this wiki (used the floss tie-off method), andmy dog's skin tag fell off after 2..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ray Spragley, DVM Co-authored by: Ray Spragley, DVM Veterinarian 22 votes - 73% Click a star to vote 73% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 13, 2025 Views: 844,954 Jen Lee

Jen Lee

May 5, 2016

"Followed exact directions of this wiki (used the floss tie-off method), andmy dog's skin tag fell off after 2..." more Unexplained

Unexplained

Aug 24, 2017

"Were it not for this site, I probably would have taken the tag a skin tag off of my dog's face myself. But..." more Rated this article: Sophia Cox

Sophia Cox

Dec 7, 2017

"It let me know not to pursue treating my dog at home, as the tag is too large for removal by a non-professional." David Minoske

David Minoske

Aug 23, 2018

"It worked for my best bud, no more tag. Thank you, the article was very helpful." George Cherian

George Cherian

Sep 18, 2017

"Very well constructed teaching. Thank you so much." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Skin Picking Disorder TestSkin Picking Disorder TestTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake QuizDog Name GeneratorDog Name GeneratorGenerate NamesWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove a Skin Tag from Your NeckHow to Remove a Skin Tag from Your Neck At HomeGet Rid of Skin TagsGet Rid of Skin Tags Safely: 12 Home Remedies & OTC ProductsRemove Warts on DogsHow toRemove Warts on DogsTreat Dog SplintersHow toTreat Dog Splinters

Featured Articles

What Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults

Trending Articles

How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAccurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?How Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Featured Articles

Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at Work

Featured Articles

What Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?What Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No Internet11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No InternetThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I QuizWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I Quiz

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come BackSigns Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back

Quizzes & Games

What Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizObscure Dog Breed QuizObscure Dog Breed QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Pets and Animals
  • Dogs
  • Canine Health
  • Skin and Fur Health for Dogs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --712

Tag » How To Remove Skin Tags On Dogs