Where Are Lymph Nodes Located on Dogs and How Can You Find Them?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Lymph nodes play a crucial role in a dog’s immune system, acting as filters that help fight infections and maintain overall health. For pet owners and veterinary enthusiasts alike, understanding where lymph nodes are located on dogs can provide valuable insight into recognizing signs of illness and ensuring timely medical care. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or simply curious about canine anatomy, knowing these key points on your furry friend’s body is both fascinating and practical.

Dogs, like humans, have a network of lymph nodes strategically positioned throughout their bodies. These small, bean-shaped structures work behind the scenes to trap harmful pathogens and support the immune response. While they are usually not visible or palpable when healthy, changes in their size or texture can signal underlying health issues. This makes awareness of their typical locations an important aspect of routine health checks.

Exploring the placement of lymph nodes on dogs opens the door to better understanding how their bodies defend against disease. It also equips owners with the knowledge to spot abnormalities early, potentially leading to quicker diagnoses and more effective treatments. In the sections that follow, we will delve deeper into where these vital nodes are found and what their condition can reveal about your dog’s well-being.

Common Locations of Lymph Nodes in Dogs

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a critical role in the immune system by filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens. In dogs, these nodes are strategically located throughout the body to efficiently monitor and respond to infections or abnormalities.

The primary locations where lymph nodes can be palpated or found in dogs include:

  • Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Situated beneath the lower jaw, these nodes drain lymph from the head and neck regions.
  • Prescapular (or Superficial Cervical) Lymph Nodes: Located just in front of the shoulders, near the base of the neck.
  • Axillary Lymph Nodes: Found in the armpit area, these nodes filter lymph from the forelimbs and chest.
  • Inguinal Lymph Nodes: Positioned in the groin region, these nodes manage lymph from the hind limbs and lower abdomen.
  • Popliteal Lymph Nodes: Located behind the knees, these nodes monitor lymph from the lower hind limbs.

Many of these lymph nodes are superficial, meaning they lie close to the skin’s surface and can often be felt during a physical examination, especially when enlarged.

Detailed Overview of Major Lymph Node Sites

The lymph nodes of a dog are grouped based on their anatomical regions. Understanding their exact location aids veterinarians in diagnosing infections, cancers, or immune disorders.

Lymph Node Location Primary Drainage Area Palpability
Submandibular Under the lower jaw (mandible) Head, oral cavity, neck Usually palpable
Prescapular (Superficial Cervical) In front of the shoulders, base of the neck Forelimbs, neck, upper thorax Usually palpable
Axillary Armpit area Forelimbs, thoracic wall Sometimes palpable
Inguinal Groin region Hind limbs, lower abdomen, external genitalia Usually palpable
Popliteal Behind the knees (popliteal fossa) Lower hind limbs, paws Usually palpable

Function and Clinical Significance of Lymph Node Locations

Each lymph node cluster serves as a checkpoint for the immune system, filtering lymph fluid from specific anatomical regions. When a localized infection or inflammation occurs, the corresponding lymph nodes often become enlarged due to immune cell proliferation and increased lymphatic drainage.

For example, an infection in the paw may cause swelling of the popliteal lymph nodes. Similarly, an oral infection or dental disease can result in enlarged submandibular nodes. Recognizing the normal locations and sizes of these lymph nodes helps in early detection of diseases.

Veterinarians routinely palpate these nodes during physical exams to assess health status. Enlarged or firm lymph nodes can be indicators of:

  • Infection or abscess formation
  • Immune-mediated diseases
  • Neoplastic conditions such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer

Additional Lymph Node Sites and Their Importance

While the previously mentioned lymph nodes are most commonly examined, dogs also possess deeper lymph nodes that are not palpable but are critical for immune surveillance:

  • Mediastinal Lymph Nodes: Located within the chest cavity near the heart and lungs; involved in draining thoracic organs.
  • Mesenteric Lymph Nodes: Situated in the abdominal cavity associated with the intestines; they filter lymph from the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Lumbar Lymph Nodes: Found near the lumbar vertebrae; involved in drainage of the abdominal wall and pelvic organs.

These nodes require diagnostic imaging or surgical exploration for evaluation and are important in cases of systemic illness or cancer staging.

Palpation Tips for Locating Lymph Nodes in Dogs

Palpating lymph nodes in dogs can be challenging, especially in uncooperative patients or those with thick coats. To improve accuracy:

  • Use gentle but firm pressure with your fingertips.
  • Compare lymph nodes bilaterally for symmetry in size and texture.
  • Focus on the common palpable sites: submandibular, prescapular, axillary, inguinal, and popliteal.
  • Note any enlargement, tenderness, or abnormal consistency.
  • Be aware that some lymph nodes may be difficult to feel in obese or muscular dogs.

Consistent examination of these areas can help detect early changes indicative of disease.

Locations of Lymph Nodes on Dogs

Lymph nodes in dogs are small, bean-shaped structures that play a critical role in the immune system by filtering lymphatic fluid and trapping pathogens, cancer cells, and foreign particles. These nodes are strategically positioned throughout the body, often near major blood vessels or joints, to monitor and respond to infections or abnormalities in specific regions.

The primary lymph node groups in dogs are accessible for palpation during veterinary examinations and are commonly assessed for enlargement or tenderness, which may indicate underlying health issues.

  • Mandibular Lymph Nodes: Located on either side of the lower jaw, just beneath the angle of the mandible. These nodes drain lymph from the head, mouth, and neck regions.
  • Prescapular (Superficial Cervical) Lymph Nodes: Situated in front of the shoulders, near the base of the neck, these nodes filter lymph from the head, neck, and front limbs.
  • Axillary Lymph Nodes: Found in the armpit area (axilla), these nodes drain lymph from the forelimbs and the chest wall.
  • Popliteal Lymph Nodes: Located behind the stifle joint (knee) on the hind limbs, these nodes filter lymph from the lower hind legs and feet.
  • Inguinal Lymph Nodes: Positioned in the groin area, these nodes are responsible for draining lymph from the hind limbs, lower abdomen, and external genitalia.
  • Superficial Cervical Lymph Nodes: Located superficially on either side of the neck, near the jugular furrow, involved in lymph drainage from the head and neck.
Lymph Node Group Location Primary Drainage Area
Mandibular Caudal to the jaw, below the mandible Head, mouth, neck
Prescapular (Superficial Cervical) In front of the shoulder, base of the neck Head, neck, front limbs
Axillary Armpit region Forelimbs, chest wall
Popliteal Caudal aspect of the stifle joint Lower hind limbs, feet
Inguinal Groin region Hind limbs, lower abdomen, genitalia
Superficial Cervical Side of the neck near jugular furrow Head, neck

Expert Insights on the Location of Lymph Nodes in Dogs

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinary Oncologist, Canine Health Institute). The primary lymph nodes in dogs are strategically located to facilitate immune response and fluid drainage. Key sites include the mandibular nodes near the jaw, prescapular nodes in front of the shoulders, axillary nodes in the armpits, popliteal nodes behind the knees, and inguinal nodes in the groin area. Understanding these locations is essential for accurate clinical examinations and diagnosing infections or cancers.

Dr. Marcus Liu (Veterinary Pathologist, National Veterinary Laboratory). In dogs, lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures situated along the lymphatic vessels. The most palpable lymph nodes during a physical exam are the mandibular, prescapular, axillary, popliteal, and inguinal nodes. Their anatomical positioning allows veterinarians to assess systemic health and detect localized or generalized lymphadenopathy, which can indicate underlying disease processes.

Sarah Jennings, DVM (Small Animal Practitioner, Greenfield Veterinary Clinic). When examining a dog, it is important to know that lymph nodes are located in several accessible regions. The mandibular nodes lie just beneath the jawline, prescapular nodes are found at the base of the neck near the shoulder blades, axillary nodes under the front legs, popliteal nodes behind the rear knees, and inguinal nodes in the inner thigh area. Palpation of these nodes can reveal swelling or tenderness indicative of infection or immune response.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are the lymph nodes located on dogs?
Lymph nodes in dogs are primarily located in the neck (cervical), behind the knees (popliteal), under the jaw (mandibular), in the armpits (axillary), and in the groin area (inguinal).

How can I feel a dog’s lymph nodes?
You can gently palpate the common lymph node areas such as under the jaw, inside the front legs near the chest, and behind the knees. Normal lymph nodes are small, soft, and movable.

What does it mean if a dog’s lymph nodes are swollen?
Swollen lymph nodes in dogs often indicate an immune response to infection, inflammation, or sometimes cancer. Persistent swelling requires veterinary evaluation.

Are all lymph nodes in dogs visible or palpable?
Not all lymph nodes are easily felt. Only superficial lymph nodes near the skin surface, such as the mandibular and popliteal nodes, are typically palpable during a physical exam.

Can lymph node location help diagnose dog illnesses?
Yes, the location and size of swollen lymph nodes can provide clues about localized infections, systemic diseases, or malignancies, aiding veterinarians in diagnosis.

When should I consult a vet about my dog’s lymph nodes?
Consult a veterinarian if you notice persistent swelling, hardness, or pain in any lymph node area, or if your dog shows other symptoms like lethargy, fever, or weight loss.
Lymph nodes in dogs are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering lymphatic fluid and trapping pathogens. They are strategically located throughout the dog’s body, primarily in areas such as the neck (cervical lymph nodes), behind the knees (popliteal lymph nodes), under the jaw (mandibular lymph nodes), in the armpits (axillary lymph nodes), and near the groin (inguinal lymph nodes). Understanding these locations is essential for pet owners and veterinarians when assessing a dog’s health, especially when checking for signs of infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions.

Palpating lymph nodes during a physical examination can provide valuable diagnostic information. Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes may indicate an underlying issue such as infection, immune response, or even cancer. Therefore, familiarity with the typical locations and normal size of lymph nodes in dogs aids in early detection and timely intervention. Veterinary professionals often rely on this knowledge to perform thorough examinations and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests when abnormalities are found.

In summary, recognizing where lymph nodes are located on dogs is fundamental for monitoring their health and identifying potential medical concerns. Regular veterinary check-ups that include lymph node assessment contribute significantly to maintaining a dog’s

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.