How to Check Lymph Nodes at Home

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

I’ll show you how to check your dog’s or cat’s lymph nodes at home by gently feeling them for any abnormalities. I’ve also summarized what normal size feels like and what warning signs to watch for.

What Is a Home Lymph Node Check?

Diagram showing the locations of five major lymph nodes in dogs and cats

Home lymph node checks are a self-care method where you gently feel your dog or cat’s five main lymph nodes to catch any unusual changes in size or shape early on. The key is knowing what’s normal for your pet. If one node suddenly swells, grows from pea-sized to quail-egg-sized, or feels hard and firm, your pet needs to see a veterinarian within 24 hours.

Why Is Checking Lymph Nodes Important?

Lymph nodes act as “defense stations” that filter bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells circulating throughout the body. Swollen lymph nodes signal that inflammation or infection is occurring somewhere nearby. When lymph nodes swell all over the body at the same time, there may be a risk of tumors such as lymphoma, so prompt evaluation is essential. By simply spending five minutes each week checking them, you can catch serious illnesses early.

Five Lymph Nodes You Can Feel at Home

There are five superficial lymph nodes that you can easily check by gently feeling with your fingers. Memorizing these locations will make routine checks much easier. - Submandibular (jaw) lymph nodes: Located on both sides at the junction between the lower jaw and the neck - Prescapular (shoulder) lymph nodes: Found in the slight depression just in front of the shoulder blade - Axillary (armpit) lymph nodes: Situated deep within the inner upper part of the front leg - Inguinal (groin) lymph nodes: Located on the inner upper thigh of the hind leg - Popliteal (behind the knee) lymph nodes: Found in the hollow behind the hind leg’s knee joint

An anatomical illustration showing the locations of five superficial lymph nodes in a dog's body.

Normal Size vs. Warning Signs

Item	Small dogs/cats	Medium dogs	Large dogs
Normal (relative to usual)	Naturally small and hard to feel, or unchanged from its usual size	Unchanged from the small size you're familiar with	Unchanged from the size you're familiar with
Caution stage	Noticeably larger than usual, or enlarged on only one side	Noticeably larger than usual, or enlarged on only one side	Noticeably larger than usual, or enlarged on only one side
Emergency stage	Rapidly enlarged over a few days, hard and fixed	Rapidly enlarged over a few days, hard and fixed	Rapidly enlarged over a few days, hard and fixed
Normal texture	Soft and moves easily	Soft and moves easily	Soft and moves easily
Abnormal texture	Hard/fixed/painful	Hard/fixed/painful	Hard/fixed/painful

Normal lymph nodes are soft, move easily, and are usually so small they can barely be felt. As the textbooks say, 'normal lymph nodes do not enlarge,' so if a node has grown large enough to be clearly felt, it should be regarded as a sign of change. There is no absolute standard for normal size that applies to every animal, so the most accurate approach is to judge whether there is a change based on your own pet's usual lymph node size and texture.

Proper Positioning and Hand Technique for Checking

Check your pet while they are sitting comfortably or lying on their side. Gently press and feel the lymph node area in a circular motion using the tips of your index, middle, and ring fingers. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause pain. Compare both sides; if one side is noticeably larger or firmer than the other, that’s a key clue. After the check, reward your pet with a treat or praise to create a positive experience.

A caregiver gently palpating the cat’s submandibular lymph nodes with three fingers to check them.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

If any of the following apply, seek veterinary care within 24 hours: - Swelling in multiple areas: Two or more out of five lymph nodes are enlarged simultaneously (suspected lymphoma) - Hard and fixed: Feels as hard as a stone and is immovable, adhered to the skin - Rapid size change: Doubles in size or more within a few days - Pain or warmth: Tender to the touch or the area feels warm - Accompanying systemic symptoms: Loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or fever

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

There are many possible reasons for swollen lymph nodes, ranging from mild to serious, so it’s helpful to consider them step by step. - Localized infection: Inflammation of the teeth or gums, ear infections, or skin wounds → only the nearby lymph node swells - Systemic infection: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections → multiple lymph nodes swell - Immune-mediated disease: Lymph node reaction due to autoimmune conditions - Lymphoma (cancer): Painless, firm enlargement of systemic lymph nodes; common in older pets - Temporary reaction after vaccination: Usually resolves within 1–2 weeks

Check Frequency and How to Keep Records

For healthy adult dogs and cats, we recommend a quick five-minute check once a week. If your pet is senior (seven years or older) or has a history of immune disorders or tumors, increase this to two or three times a week. To catch changes early, keep a log in your phone’s notes app with the date and the status (normal or caution) of the five lymph node areas you check. Comparing these notes with your veterinarian’s palpation findings during annual wellness exams will provide even greater accuracy.

A heartwarming scene of a caregiver gently checking their puppy’s inguinal lymph nodes while sharing a tender moment of connection.

Cats Require More Careful Observation

Cats have small lymph nodes and are adept at hiding pain, making examinations more challenging. Chronic infections or persistent antigenic stimulation can cause lymph nodes to enlarge reactively (proliferatively) beyond their normal size. Since healthy lymph nodes do not typically enlarge, it is crucial to accurately remember your cat’s normal lymph node size and texture. Lymphoma can also occur in cats, affecting not only superficial lymph nodes that can be felt externally but also internal lymph nodes, such as those around the digestive tract, which may become firm and enlarged. Therefore, do not focus solely on the lymph nodes; also monitor systemic signs like changes in appetite and weight, and ensure regular check-ups.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

I noticed my pet’s lymph nodes seem slightly enlarged. Should I take them to the vet right away?

If only one area is slightly enlarged with no other symptoms, it’s okay to monitor it for 2–3 days. However, if it grows larger or becomes firmer over a few days, or if your pet’s appetite decreases, you should visit the clinic right away. If multiple areas are swollen at the same time, immediate veterinary care is needed without delay.

My puppy’s chin is always slightly swollen. Is this normal?

Chronic inflammation of the teeth and gums can cause the submandibular lymph nodes to remain slightly enlarged. Along with regular tooth brushing, consider whether professional dental scaling is needed. However, if only one lymph node is progressively enlarging, it could indicate a tumor or infection, so a veterinary examination is necessary.

My pet seems to dislike it when I touch their lymph nodes. What should I do?

Instead of just checking at first, try naturally incorporating it into your regular petting routine. Start with short touches while giving your pet a favorite treat, and gradually increase the duration. If your pet dislikes it due to pain, that itself is a warning sign, so please consult a veterinarian.

My dog’s lymph nodes swelled up after getting vaccinated. Is this normal?

The lymph nodes near the vaccination site may temporarily swell as part of the immune response. They typically return to their normal size within one to two weeks. If the swelling persists beyond two weeks or worsens, please visit your veterinarian for an evaluation.

All of my pet’s lymph nodes are enlarged, but they seem perfectly fine. Is this a cause for concern?

Even if your pet appears healthy on the surface, simultaneous enlargement of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body is a strong indicator of lymphoma or a systemic infection. In the early stages of lymphoma, it is common to see only enlarged lymph nodes without any other systemic symptoms. Please do not delay and seek veterinary care immediately.

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References

[1] Little SE, The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition, Chapter on Lymphadenopathy, 2020

[2] Schaer M, Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat, 4th Edition, Hematology and Lymphatic System, 2017

[3] Biller B, Berg J, Garrett L, et al., 2016 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2016;52:181-204