Should I Worry About This Lump on My Dog or Cat, Doc?

As a pet owner, discovering a lump on your dog or cat can be worrying. Fortunately, most lumps we find on our pets are not serious, but even benign lumps can still cause problems, and it’s important to keep an eye on them.

When to Be Concerned About Lumps on Your Pet

Lumps can form for various reasons, from benign fatty tumors to more serious conditions like cancer. While most lumps aren’t life-threatening, some can interfere with your pet’s quality of life or indicate underlying health issues. That’s why it’s important to monitor any lump and have it evaluated by your veterinarian if you’re unsure.

Boosting Your Pet’s Immune System to Fight Growths

In some cases, certain supplements can help increase the effectiveness of your pet’s immune system, which may aid in targeting and fighting off the lump. These supplements support your pet’s natural defenses and promote a healthier response to abnormal growths.

A New Option: Cannabinoid Blend for Pets

One promising option you might consider is our “newish" cannabinoid blend, which contains four different cannabinoids. This blend has been shown to:

• Decrease inflammation

• Target the skin mass

• In some cases, help the lump shrink

This could be an effective addition to your pet’s treatment plan, and it’s something you might want to try if you’re concerned about a lump on your pet.

You can learn more about it and give it a try here:
Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Cannabinoid Blend for Dogs and Cats

By staying proactive and exploring these options, you can help ensure that any lump your pet develops is addressed promptly and appropriately.

Dog Lumps and Cat Lumps: Dr. Jones’ Top Natural Remedies

If your dog or cat has developed a lump, you might be relieved to know that there are several natural remedies you can try at home. Lumps are often easy to feel and may appear on the chest or along the back. While most lumps in dogs are benign, lumps in cats are more often associated with cancer. Sometimes, while petting your pet, you may notice a cyst or lump becoming visible.

As your pet ages, their immune system becomes less effective, making lumps and bumps more common. The immune system typically works to keep abnormal growths at bay. Some of the most common lumps in dogs include lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and sebaceous cysts (blocked skin glands). Cats frequently develop cysts, but firm, rapidly growing lumps should raise concerns for possible cancer.

Assessing the Lumps

The first step is to assess the lump. Lumps that are well-shaped and move easily under the skin are often benign, such as fatty tumors (lipomas). Slow-growing lumps are typically benign as well, while lumps that discharge a cheesy material are most likely sebaceous cysts, which can usually be left alone.

Visit Your Veterinarian for Aspiration

If you’re unsure about the lump, one simple way to determine whether it’s serious is by having your veterinarian perform a needle aspirate and cytology. This will allow for a microscopic examination of the mass, which can help determine if the lump is benign or potentially harmful.

Keeping Lumps Clean

If your pet has a ruptured cyst, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent infection. You can clean the area twice daily using an antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine or iodine. Trim the hair around the cyst to make cleaning easier.

Compresses to Treat Lumps and Cysts

An often-overlooked treatment for lumps and cysts is the application of warm compresses. If a cyst is enlarged but hasn’t ruptured, applying a warm cloth to the area daily can help reduce its size. Heat the cloth so it feels warm to the skin, then apply it to your pet’s skin until it cools. Repeat this twice daily for at least 7 days.

Boost the Immune System of the Skin

Certain vitamins and supplements can help support your pet’s immune system, particularly in their skin. Here are some options:

• Vitamin E: Give 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight daily to boost immune function.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish and krill oils are excellent for boosting the immune system. Our Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats is a great option.

Consider Healing Mushrooms

Certain mushrooms, like Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Chaga, are known to have immune-boosting properties. The recommended dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs daily.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for Skin Health

Apple cider vinegar can act as a peeling agent that helps remove dead skin cells and viruses from the skin. With regular application, warts or growths may harden, turn black, and eventually detach from the skin. Here’s how to use it:

1. Clean the affected area with a mild soap (ensure it’s free of oil).

2. Soak a cotton ball in ACV and apply it to the affected area.

3. Wrap it in place, ideally leaving it on overnight.

You can also apply ACV with a swab and cover it to prevent your pet from licking it off. If used consistently, you should see results within a week.

Topical Herbs for Lumps and Inflammation

Two herbs I recommend for treating lumps and cysts are Aloe and Calendula. These herbs, available in creams, help reduce inflammation, especially when dealing with ruptured cysts.

Green Tea to Stimulate the Immune System

Green tea has multiple benefits, particularly for lumps and bumps. It can help stimulate the immune system and inhibit lump growth. You can give your pet standardized green tea extract at 50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily. This has been particularly effective for reducing lipomas in dogs by boosting metabolism, which in turn shrinks lumps.

CBD and Cannabinoids for Lumps

Cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, CBG, and CBN are incredibly effective for addressing masses, both benign and potentially cancerous. These compounds enhance the immune system and have anti-inflammatory effects on growths. The standard CBD dose is 3 mg per 10 lbs, twice daily. I recommend trying our Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Cannabinoid Blend for Dogs and Cats, which includes a blend of cannabinoids specifically formulated to support immune function and help with lumps and bumps.

Homeopathy for Abnormal Lumps

A homeopathic remedy that has helped many pets with abnormal lumps is Thuja. This is often the first remedy homeopaths use when dealing with canine or feline cancer. The recommended dose is 30C, given once or twice daily for at least 30 days.

Colostrum for Immune Support

Colostrum, the first milk produced by mothers, is used both topically and orally to treat skin masses. One review study highlighted that bovine colostrum promotes the immune system, enhancing and modulating local and systemic responses in various conditions. It is very safe and can be given at 100 mg per 10 lbs daily.

Curcumin for Precancerous Masses

Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, has been shown to be beneficial for treating precancerous masses. The recommended dose is 50-100 mg per 10 lbs once or twice daily. This powerful anti-inflammatory compound helps reduce the size of certain lumps.

Conclusion

If your pet has a lump or abnormal growth, take comfort in knowing that most lumps are not cancerous and can be treated at home. However, if you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to have your veterinarian examine the lump and possibly aspirate it. If the mass is benign, consider using the natural remedies I’ve outlined above.

P.S. As you can see, there are many options for treating lumps on our pets that don’t involve surgery. But remember, you should regularly examine your pet and assess any lumps or growths they may have.

P.P.S. If you find a lump, consider the potent anti-inflammatory and anti-lump nutrients found in hemp cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, CBG, and CBN. Many pet parents have found them particularly helpful for immune-boosting and reducing lump size.

Get your bottle here:
Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Cannabinoid Blend for Dogs and Cats