Melanoma in Dogs: Signs & Treatment

Many of the cancers that affect people can also affect our dogs. Pups can develop tumors internally, on their skin, or inside their mouths. One of these cancers, melanoma, can appear on the skin or in the mouth—and while the skin form is often relatively benign, the oral form is far more serious.

Understanding what melanoma looks like and when to act can make a real difference in your dog's outcome. Here's what every dog owner should know.

What Melanoma Is and Why It Happens

Cells called melanocytes produce the pigment that colors your dog's skin. When these cells become diseased and grow abnormally, they form tumors. This is driven by a combination of environmental and hereditary factors, and skin that is overexposed to sunlight carries an increased risk.

Certain breeds are more prone to developing melanomas, including Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, and Schnauzers. Knowing your dog's breed risk helps you stay alert to early changes.

Oral Melanoma: The More Serious Form

Oral melanoma is the most common malignant tumor found inside a dog's mouth. It may appear pigmented, or it can look non-pigmented—a type known as amelanotic melanoma. What makes it dangerous is its ability to invade underlying bone and spread to other parts of the body, leading to facial swelling and making chewing painful.

How to Spot the Warning Signs

If your dog lets you brush his teeth, use that time to inspect the inside of his mouth. Oral melanoma can look like a round tumor or simply extra tissue growth, and it may appear in several places:

Along the gums (gingiva)
On the inside of the lips and cheeks
On the roof of the mouth
Underneath the tongue

If you discover a new bump or lump inside your pup's mouth, tell your veterinarian promptly. Oral pain or bleeding from the mouth should be treated as a medical emergency.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Melanoma

For skin bumps, your veterinarian may perform a fine needle aspirate—using a needle and syringe to collect cell samples for testing. Because of the sensitivity involved, this procedure usually requires sedation. The American Veterinary Medical Association's guidance on cancer in pets is a helpful resource for understanding what to expect.

Standard Treatment Options

Biopsies can sometimes remove all visible tumors, but with melanoma there is a strong chance that microscopic disease remains behind. Additional surgery is often needed to remove those underlying portions.

Imaging: A CT scan provides detailed information about how far the tumor has spread.
Surgery: If the tumor has invaded bone, the surgical procedure may need to include bone.
Radiation therapy: For inoperable tumors, radiation can help—especially with very small melanomas.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Dogs recovering from surgery may need a protective collar or cone to keep them from scratching around their faces. Soft, moist foods or a liquid diet are recommended for at least two weeks while the mouth heals.

Dogs undergoing radiation may seem tired or experience some nausea, though those treated only around the mouth often show fewer side effects. Frequent follow-up visits are essential, and your veterinarian may suggest a repeat CT scan to confirm the cancer has not returned.

Why Early Care Matters

Dogs who do not receive treatment may eventually stop eating due to pain, often within three to six months of the initial diagnosis. This is why early, proactive care is both more effective and more compassionate. Routine wellness visits are one of the best ways to catch problems before they become complicated. You can learn more about spotting melanoma symptoms in dogs from VCA Hospitals.

Whether you already share your home with a dog or are hoping to add one, staying informed keeps your pup happy and healthy. Stop by Petland Pensacola to meet our available puppies, explore the breeds we carry, and ask our team about flexible financing and payment options.