How to Create a Body Map for Your Dog or Cat to Track Growths

Early detection of new growths can be crucial for your pet’s health. Many skin masses, growths, and lumps are benign, but some can be signs of more serious conditions like infections, cysts, or tumors.

One easy, proactive tool you can create at home is a body map — a simple diagram that helps you monitor changes on your dog or cat's body over time. Here's how to make one and why it’s so valuable to your pet’s health. 

What Is a Body Map?

A body map is a visual diagram of your pet’s body where you mark the location, size, and appearance of any growths on top of or under the skin in your pet. This tool can help you and your veterinarian quickly spot new growths or changes in existing ones. Some growths are more readily found at home – think of pets with thick fur and those who avoid having strangers touch certain areas e.g. paws, belly, ears.

Some small growths are only felt when pets lay or stretch in certain positions. Catching changes early often leads to better treatment options.

How to Create a Body Map for Your Pet

1. Start with a Template

Use a blank outline of a dog or cat's body. You can print out the pictures below as a guide.

cat body chart

2. Perform a Full-Body Check

Gently run your hands over your pet’s entire body — head to tail, back to belly, and down each leg. Feel for anything unusual: lumps, scabs, warts, or areas where the skin feels different.

3. Mark the Spots

On your printed body map, place a small dot or circle where you find any growths, bumps, or unusual spots. You can number them if you find multiple areas of concern.

4. Record Details

Next to each numbered mark (or on a separate sheet), describe:

• Size (use a ruler)

• Texture (soft, hard, rubbery)

• Location (on top of the skin vs. under the skin)

• Mobility (fixed in place or movable under the skin)

• Color or any surface changes (e.g., hair loss, redness, scabbing, painful)

• 
  

5. Date It

Always add the date of your check so you can track changes over time.

6. Repeat Regularly

Perform a full body check and update the map every month or at least every three months. Set a reminder on your phone so it becomes part of your routine.

Why a Body Map Is Important

• Catch changes early: Some masses are harmless, but others (like mast cell tumors or sarcomas) need early treatment.

• Track growth: Even benign lumps can change. Growth in size or change in appearance can signal the need for a recheck or intervention.

• Better communication with your veterinarian: Bringing a detailed map to your vet can speed up exams and provide important historical information.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice: 

• Rapid growth or sudden size changes

• Redness, heat, or swelling

• Bleeding, oozing, or ulceration

• Pain or tenderness at the site

• Changes in the lump's appearance or texture

• New lumps forming quickly

• Behavioral changes, like limping or licking a spot excessively

Even if a lump seems harmless, it's always better to have it evaluated early.

Creating a body map only takes a few minutes but it can make a huge difference in your pet’s health journey.

If you notice your pet has a lump or bump that you would like to get seen by a veterinarian, Alicia Pet Care Center is located in Mission Viejo, CA and boasts 10 veterinarians, open 7 days a week. Give us a call at 949-768-1313 or book an appointment online at mypetsdr.com/book-online.