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Lipomas, Lumps & Bumps

Lipomas, Lumps & Bumps in Dogs & Cats: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Lipomas and other lumps or bumps are common in pets, especially as they age, and are often benign fatty deposits. From a holistic perspective, these growths can signal deeper imbalances in detox pathways, immune function, or inflammation. Supporting the body through fresh food, gentle detox, and lymphatic support can help address the root causes and promote long-term vitality.

An ultra processed kibble diet is high in carbohydrates which increases inflammation. A species appropriate raw or gently cooked diet is best. 

Its important to detox your pet every 3 months to help their liver filter out toxins. Adored Beast Liver Tonic, Solutons Products Milk Thistle (5% off with this URL) or Four Leaf Rover Liver and Kidney Clean (10% coupon off of full priced items: Saving-PETS). 

Reduce your pets exposure to toxins such as candles, laundry detergent,  and most pet shampoos.  

Common Types of Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats:

Lumps and bumps, especially lipomas (benign fatty tumors), are common in older dogs and sometimes cats. Most are harmless, but it’s important to monitor any new growth and have a veterinarian examine it to rule out anything more serious.

From a holistic standpoint, these growths may signal an internal imbalance related to detoxification, immune function, or lymphatic flow. Supporting the body gently and naturally can help reduce future growths and promote overall wellness.

Holistic Steps to Support Pets with Lipomas or Lumps

1. Nutrient-Dense, Fresh Diet


2. Detox and Liver Support


3. Boost Lymphatic Drainage

  • Encourage healthy lymph flow to help the body clear waste.
  • Light daily massage or brushing, regular walks, and herbs like cleavers or red clover (with professional guidance) can be helpful.


4. Immune Modulation

  • Natural immune support can improve how the body responds to abnormal cell growth.
  • Medicinal mushrooms such as turkey tail and reishi, along with beta-glucans, are well-known for supporting immune balance.


5. Minimize Toxins

  • Reduce exposure to household chemicals, lawn treatments, and synthetic fragrances.
  • Use titer testing when possible and avoid unnecessary vaccines or medications.
  • Provide clean, filtered water every day.


6. Homeopathic and Energetic Support

  • Some holistic practitioners use remedies like Thuja, Calcarea carbonica, or Baryta carbonica, but they should be chosen by a qualified professional.
  • Modalities such as Reiki or acupuncture may also support overall balance.


7. Monitor and Document

  • Measure and photograph each lump monthly to track changes.
  • Note any shifts in size, texture, or behavior.
  • Seek veterinary attention for lumps that grow quickly, become painful, ulcerate, or cause discomfort.

Products We Trust for Lipomas, Lumps and Bumps Support:

  1. CBD Dog Health Power Trio for Dogs | CBD & Mushroom Immune Support (15% coupon: SAVINGPETS)
    $179.07

    Support your dog’s skin, immune system, and overall vitality with this powerful trio of full-spectrum CBD and mushroom extract formulas. HEAL promotes immune balance and cellular function, REMEDY offers targeted topical care for sensitive skin areas, lumps and bumps, and Vitality provides adaptogenic mushroom support for daily resilience and well-being.


    This Trio Can Help Support:


    Cellular health & vitality

    Skin health & recovery

    Immune & inflammatory balance

    Sensitive or irregular skin areas

    Energy levels in aging dogs

    Overall wellness & long-term resilience

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  2. Adored Beast Liver Tonic
    $29.99

    Liver Tonic supports the health of the liver by helping regenerate healthy liver cells and boosting the organ’s ability to filter toxins from the blood. It also helps support, detox, and repair liver, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder function. Made with herbal ingredients such as dandelion root, milk thistle, and more.

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  3. Adored Beast Vital Defense Cellular Support
    $119.99

    BENEFITS


    Helps support normal cellular growth & repair

    Helps support healthy cellular function

    Source of antioxidants that help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals

    Helps shield the cells from the harmful effects triggered by processed food, pollution, stress, pesticides, chemicals, second-hand smoke, medications, etc

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  4. At-Home Dog Cancer Screening Test by Oncotect, Fast & Accurate Results
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    Unlike standard tests, Oncotect is specifically designed to detect cancer biomarkers in urine that are often missed — helping catch cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective. You can’t prevent cancer, but you can catch it before it’s too late.

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Additional Information:

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Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Understanding Lipomas with Rita Hogan.”

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“DISSOLVE Dog Lipomas (Lumps): 5 Natural Remedies That Work!”  by Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM.

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A free digital download by Dr. Judy Morgan: “Pet Body Map — Track Lumps, Bumps, Wounds and Warts.”

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“Fatty Lumps (Lipomas), Other Lumps and Why Surgery Is Not the Best Choice”  by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM.

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“Understanding Skin Changes in Aging Dogs: What to Know About Sebaceous Bumps”  by Krysta Fox.

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“Holistic Approach to Lumps In Dogs”  by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM.

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Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Warning Signs of Cancer.”

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“Dog Lump and Bump Remedy”  by Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM.

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“9 Common Lumps On Dogs And What To Do About Them”  by Marie Gagne.

Natural Pete Doctor

“Dog and Cat Health Questions – Lumps and Bumps with Dr. Katie Woodley – The Natural Pet Doctor.”

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“10 natural ways to help your dog get rid of Lipomas”  by Pamela Dragos, DVM, CVA, CVCHM, CVMMP.

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“Should We Biospy? What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision” by Phivo Christodoulou.

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“How To Tell If Your Dog’s Lump Is Cancer”  by Dana Scott.

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Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade: “Keep Lipomas from Getting Larger”  with Rita Hogan.

Natural Pete Doctor

“Lipomas Uncovered: Toxic Build-Up in Pets”  by Dr. Katie Woodley.

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If you have a question on this topic that wasn’t answered here, we invite you to ask it in our Facebook group.

Recommendations:

This is what we would do:

  1. If you are concerned your dog may have cancer, you can buy the Oncotect cancer screening test for dogs.
  2. Feed a raw or gently cooked diet low in histamines and with a cooling protein (rabbit, duck, whitefish, turkey and pork). See our pet food recommendations on this page.
  3. CBD Dog Health Power Trio (15% coupon: SAVINGPETS).
  4. Detox with Adored Beast Liver Tonic .
  5. No further vaccinations. Do titer testing instead.
  6. Use the Adored Beast The Wolf Species-Appropriate Probiotic.
  7. Adored Beast Vital Defense Cellular Support.
  8. We would not biopsy. Watch the videos above.
  9. Consult with a holistic vet.
  10. Consider taking Dr. Conor Brady’s Canine Cancer Diet Course: Feeding Dogs Well.
  11. Visit our Lipoma, Lumps and Bumps Collection on LinkTree. You can also get 5% off everything in the SAving Pets Store. 
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Get 5% everything in our Saving Pets Store.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions Regarding Lipomas, Lumps & Bumps

Most lipomas are benign fatty tumors and are not cancerous. They are typically soft, movable, and slow growing. However, you cannot determine whether a lump is harmless just by feeling it. Traditional veterinarians will recommend testing with a fine needle aspirate (FNA) to confirm the diagnosis. We recommend you watch the video above under additional information. If it is aspirated it is likely to spread.

Lipomas are made of fat cells and usually feel soft and movable under the skin. Cancerous tumors, such as mast cell tumors, may feel firmer, grow more quickly, attach to underlying tissue, or change in appearance. The only way to know for certain whether a lump is benign or malignant is through cytology (fine needle aspirate) or biopsy. There is a good chance if it is cancer it can spread if you biopsy it. We recommend you see a holistic veterinarian.

Diet alone does not “cure” lipomas, but metabolic health plays a role in their development. Maintaining a healthy weight, feeding minimally processed, species-appropriate food, reducing synthetic additives, and supporting liver and lymphatic function may help reduce inflammation and slow growth. A clean diet supports the whole body, which is especially important in pets prone to fatty tumors.

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