Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My Belgian Malinois has a soft, movable bump on his side. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 30 days old | 15 lbs

Hi I can feel a bump on the sides it's really visible it's not really hard it's kind of soft I can move it around but I'm not sure what it is so I just wanted to ask and also he's a Belgian Malinois

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 2, 2018

I would first want to know if he was vaccinated or microchipped recently. This is a common reason for swelling in this area in puppies. If it was due to a vaccine, then it's likely due to local swelling and will subside within two weeks.

If he was not vaccinated recently (within the past three days), then it's likely a fluid (based on your observation of it being soft and easily moveable) swelling due to trauma and/or injury. This can happen from something hitting him or a dog bite. These types of swellings are also expected to subside within two weeks.

There is also a chance that this is an abscess (infection under the skin) forming. If it is an abscess, then it will continue to grow.

I recommend taking Ash to a vet for an exam if he is limping on the leg, the swelling grows excessively, or Ash is acting abnormal. Otherwise, if it's not causing any problems, then you can just keep an eye on it for the next couple of weeks. If it's not better in two weeks, then it will be best to take him to a vet for an accurate diagnosis.

I hope that helps and all is well with Ash.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog has a soft, quickly appearing lump with no pain. What to do?

Has he been licking at it? Can you identify a wound on it? It may be an abscess (localized infection) under the skin, as thise can show up very quickly. You can shave the hair over the top and clean it with dilute Betadine (available at any pharmacy - use water to dilute it so it looks like tea). Put an ecollar (cone) on him to prevent him from biting or chewing on it, and make an appointment with your vet as soon as you can—but it’s not something you need to see an emergency vet for as long as it’s not seeming painful and he’s eating and acting normally. Other possible causes would be some type of tumor (though less likely with his age), or a fluid accumulation called a seroma. Your vet may Do a fine needle aspirate (poke the bump with a needle and then look at cells under the microscope) to see what it is and then know how best to treat it. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a sudden, warm, soft lump on his belly. What is it?

You are correct that lipomas generally grow very slowly. I recommend to have Jackson examined today. A rapidly growing bump is worrisome for an abscess, a foreign body reaction, an infected cyst or an aggressive cancer. Protect the area from licking by having Jackson wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Protect the area from trauma and have him examined today by the veterinarian. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog has a soft, white, pea-sized lump on its belly. Is it serious?

This appears to be a possible pustule (infected small pocket underneath the skin). If just one of these is present and it isn't causing any discomfort, then I would suggest monitoring the area to see if it resolves on its own. You can gently clean the area with a mild soap (ie Dove) and warm water and placing a very thin layer of Neosporin to the bump to see if it goes away. However if it starts to spread or does not resolve within a week or two then a vet visit is needed to get Louie on a short course of antibiotics to get this to heal well. Best wishes and take care and I hope this resolved soon.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 7-month-old puppy has a neck bump. When should I worry?

In a young dog these are often a little cyst or a mass known as a histiocytoma. These may grow a little bigger, but eventually go away on their own after a couple of months. I think it would fine to just monitor this for now. If grows rapidly, or breaks open, or has any other dramatic changes, then it's best to have your vet examine Capone in order to definitively diagnose the cause of this and provide the necessary treatment. Below is a link to more information about the suspected mass. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-cutaneous-histiocytoma I hope that helps and all is well with Capone.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My dog has a soft lump after a vaccine shot. Is it normal or serious?

That is a very common occurrence after vaccination. The vaccine can cause a localized reaction and it should resolve on its own within a month. If it persists, seems larger, or bothers him that have your vet take a look at it.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My 10-month-old puppy has a movable lump under skin. Should I worry?

There are numerous causes of lumps on a puppies skin. If Bella has been microchipped (this is usually done between the shoulder blades), it could be the chip you are feeling. Other causes are cysts, scar tissue, inflammation after a vaccine, and tumors. I would recommend taking Bella in to your local vet to have this lump evaluated. If it is her microchip, it is not a problem. If it is something else, your veterinarian can do a fine needle aspirate to try to get a sample of cells from this lump to determine what it is. This is not a painful procedure and similar to her getting a vaccine.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

What is this painful pink lump on my 3-month-old puppy's armpit?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Given his young age, this could just be a small abscess or site of infection. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share