Fatty tumors in dogs are very common but is there anything you can do to prevent them and are they harmful to your pet? Today we'll learn more in this edition of Pet Pointers.

Fatty tumors are lumpy masses that occur just under your pet's skin. They are more common in older pets but they can develop at any age. When you find a lump on your pet, make a note to yourself on its location and ask your vet to take a look. Dr. Tim Robinson likes to make sure these growths are not something more serious.

"They should be assessed before they are ignored, so they should be watched on a regular basis. Probably the best way to approach them is with a fine needle aspirate. You grab a needle and syringe and get a representative sample of the mass, place them under a microscope and diagnose them," said the doctor.

These masses of tissue start small but can become quite large. Although most fatty tumors are not dangerous to your pet's health Dr Robinson says there are a few good reasons your vet may want to remove them.

"More often it is the case that they are in the armpit or groin area, an area that interfere with the movement of the dog so they have to be removed for that reason," said Robinson.

Although most fatty tumors are harmless, it's important to have them checked by your vet just to be sure.