Lipomas in dogs are usually benign and in most cases do not pose an immediate threat to your dog's health. They usually occur under the skin, are soft to the touch, and can appear anywhere on the dog's body. Lipomas generally grow slowly and are unlikely to turn into malignant tumors.
Nonetheless, the number, size, or location of lipomas may cause concern for owners. For example, if the lipomas grow large, they may restrict the dog's movement or compress surrounding tissues and organs. Additionally, if the dog is frequently developing new lipomas, this may indicate an underlying health problem, such as an endocrine disorder or genetic predisposition.
When considering the level of concern, a veterinarian should be consulted for a professional evaluation. The veterinarian may recommend an initial assessment of the lipoma by palpation and visual examination and may recommend further diagnostic tests such as fine needle aspiration or imaging to determine the exact nature of the lipoma and whether treatment is required.
Overall, a single or small number of lipomas is usually not a cause for undue concern, but ongoing monitoring and regular checkups by your veterinarian are the recommended practice to ensure your dog's comfort and health.