Causes of Lipomas in Dogs

Dogs develop lipomas mainly due to slowed metabolism and improper diet. First, older and overweight dogs are more prone to lipomas due to skin aging and digestive system decline. Particularly, breeds such as Labradors, Dobermans, and Schnauzers are susceptible to lipomas because they have a higher amount of body fat compared to other breeds. Once metabolism problems occur, it's easy for lipomas to develop. Secondly, dogs that eat too much meat or primarily a meat-based diet are also prone to lipomas. Therefore, owners should pay attention to their dog's diet to prevent lipomas caused by obesity.

1. Slowed Metabolism

Lipomas are the result of excessive proliferation of fat cells. As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, making it difficult to maintain the balance of skin fat, thus leading to lipoma formation. Additionally, breeds like Labradors, Dobermans, and Schnauzers have more body fat than other dogs. Once metabolism problems arise, they are more susceptible to lipomas. Therefore, owners of these breeds should pay close attention to their dog's physical condition.

1. Improper Diet

If owners consistently provide dogs with excessive meat products for a long time, it can easily cause fatty deposits and lipomas in certain body areas. Moreover, overweight dogs are more prone to various diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatic disease. Therefore, owners should always pay attention to balanced diet for their dogs. It is best to feed dog food as the main diet and take dogs outside for walks and exercises to help them burn excess fat.

Note: Lipomas can be divided into benign and malignant lipomas. If the dog has a benign lipoma and its growth does not affect its activities, it can be left alone. However, if it's a malignant lipoma, timely surgical treatment should be sought at a reputable pet hospital.