---
title: "Melanoma in Dogs"
id: "211177"
type: "post"
slug: "melanoma-in-dogs"
published_at: "2023-07-25T12:00:00+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-02-27T19:07:45+00:00"
url: "https://www.petlanddayton.com/melanoma-in-dogs/"
markdown_url: "https://www.petlanddayton.com/melanoma-in-dogs.md"
excerpt: "Many of the cancers that affect humans can also affect their dogs. Our pups can develop tumors internally or can develop them on their skin and in their mouths. One such cancer, Melanoma, can occur on the skin or inside..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Tips &amp; Tricks"
---

[Home](https://www.petlanddayton.com/)
 / [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/)
 / [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/)
 / **Melanoma in Dogs**

[Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/)

# Melanoma in Dogs

July 25, 2023 ·  4 min read ·  Petland Dayton, Ohio

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlanddayton.com)

Many of the cancers that affect humans can also affect their dogs. Our pups can develop tumors internally or can develop them on their skin and in their mouths. One such cancer, Melanoma, can occur on the skin or inside of your dog’s mouth. While the skin version of Melanoma can be relatively benign, the oral form is much more serious.

## **What is Melanoma in dogs?**

Cells called [melanocytes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanocyte)
 are designed to produce pigment colors of the skin. As diseased melanocytes grow, they form tumors. This is caused by a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. Skin that is overexposed to sunlight has an increased risk of developing Melanoma. Certain breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, and Schnauzers, have a higher risk of developing melanomas.

Oral Melanoma is the most common type of malignant tumor that can develop inside your dog’s mouth. It can appear pigmented or can have a non-pigmented appearance, which is referred to as amelanotic Melanoma. What makes it so serious is that it is capable of invading underlying bone and spreading to other parts of the body. This can lead to facial swelling and eventually make it difficult and painful for your dog to chew.

**Medical Diagnosis**

For those of us that have dogs who allow us to brush their teeth, this is a good time to check the inside of his mouth. At times it can look like a round tumor or just extra tissue growth coming from the gingiva or on the inside of the lips and cheeks. Tumors can also grow on the roof of your dog’s mouth or even under the tongue. Should you discover a new bump or lump inside your pup’s mouth, advise your veterinarian. If your pup experiences oral pain or bleeding from his mouth, this should be treated as a medical emergency.

Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies.

Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now.

[Meet our puppies](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/)
A fine needle aspirate can be performed on the skin bumps by your veterinarian. This process involves the use of a needle and syringe to collect cell samples from the bump for further testing. This process generally requires sedation due to the sensitivity of the procedure.

## **Standard Medical Treatment**

Biopsies can sometimes remove all the visible tumors, but with Melanoma, there is a good chance that microscopic portions of the disease are left behind. Further treatment will require additional surgery to remove the underlying disease. Procedures such as a CT scan will be able to provide even more detailed information. Should the tumor invade bone, then surgical procedures may need to include bone. For tumors that are inoperable, radiation therapy can help with treatment, especially with very small melanomas.

## **Road to Recovery**

Dogs who go through surgery may need a special collar or cone to prevent scratching around their faces. Soft and moist foods or liquid diets are recommended for at least two weeks while the dog’s mouth heals. Dogs who need radiation therapy may appear tired and or have some nausea, but if the radiation is focused only on your dog’s mouth, the dog may show fewer negative signs from the treatment. Your dog will also require frequent follow-up visits with his veterinarian to monitor the condition. A repeat CT scan may also be suggested afterward to make sure that the cancer does not return.

Dogs who are not provided with care may eventually stop eating due to the pain associated with this. This generally takes place between three and six months after the initial diagnosis, which is why it is important to seek early care, which is also more effective. General well visits at your veterinarian are also a good way to make sure your pup remains healthy and catches medical issues before they transition into a more complicated issue.

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlanddayton.com)

Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies*

Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below.

[Browse all puppies](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/)

- 88 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Patrick - Male #10677](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-retriever/labrador-retriever-10677/) ### [Labrador Retriever](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 84 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Sage - Female #10675](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/shetland-sheepdog-10675/) ### [Shetland Sheepdog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 102 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Sidney - Female #10674](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/yorkshire-terrier-10674/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 106 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Eve - Female #10673](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky-2nd-gen/pomsky-2nd-gen-10673/) ### [Pomsky 2nd Gen](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 
- 107 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [James - Male #10670](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/cavalier-king-charles-10670/) ### [Cavalier King Charles](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 115 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Twix - Male #10669](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/pembroke-welsh-corgi-10669/) ### [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 83 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Snickers - Female #10668](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/pembroke-welsh-corgi-10668/) ### [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 120 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Clover - Female #10666](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-10666/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 
- 138 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Basil - Male #10665](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-10665/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 170 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Spectra - Female #10664](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/siberian-husky-10664/) ### [Siberian Husky](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 271 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Dolly - Female #10658](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/miniature-american-shepherd-10658/) ### [Miniature American Shepherd](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)
- 490 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Fawn - Female #10654](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/rottweiler-10654/) ### [Rottweiler](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100)

Loading more pets…

You've reached the end.

Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet.

Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation.

[Start a Special Order](https://www.petlanddayton.com/special-orders/)

#### **Related** Articles

[View All Articles](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/)

- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [What Should You Know Before Bringing Home a Dachshund?](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) In this articleQuick Answer / SummaryIntroductionWhat Makes Dachshunds Such Special Companions?How Much Exercise and Training Does a Dachshund Need?What Health Considerations Should… November 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it’s a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you’ve ever paused and thought, “Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026
- [https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025

```
         Petland Dayton   1447 Google reviews   Write a review                 Posted on Google        Mercedez     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My man and I came by Monday, just looking around and ended up leaving with ALL three ferrets they had. We planned to get just two but the other one jumped up to us like she wanted to come too. Petland threw in a free ferret kit if we got the third one.  I liked their financing plans they had as well it’s an easy way to bump my credit. So far Matcha, Mocha, and Lottie are loving their home. They love playing with the dogs and I love their silly personalities. I only wish they came potty trained, they didn’t have a specific area for them to pee or poop In so potty training has been a little difficult for the two older girls, only reason why I’m doing 4 stars instead of 5. But we are very happy with our girls and the free ferret kit ended up helping us a lot more than we expected 🫶🏻 thank you to whoever said it was okay to throw it in. It’s also a very specious pet land compared to the one next to my job, we will probably be back.         Posted on Google        Daniel a     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got some tiger barbs from there, and they looked great. Good color, good shape. Morgan helped me out with them and she was fantastic! Excellent customer service. I'll be back!         Posted on Google        Kim P     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and helpful         Posted on Google        Mike z     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have the dog food we use. We moved from another state and had to find a store that had our dog food we've been using.         Posted on Google        ONE C     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice layout very cute puppies customer service is spectacular they go above and beyond         Posted on Google        Edward L     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Place was kept very clean but the person who took care of me didn't have knowledge of the Birds that I bought         Posted on Google        Margaret B     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved spending time with the puppies, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful.              
```
