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My dog has a strange lump on its paw. Could it be a tick or a growth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 68 lbs

Does this look like a tick or is it something else?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 25th, 2017

This does not look like a tick - it is more likely to be a skin cyst, a skin growth or papilloma or tumor, or possibly a wound caused by a grass seed / foxtail. Your vet will be able to identify what exactly it is and recommend treatment if indicated.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Juliana, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    That definitely does not look like a tick. It looks like it could be a growth on the skin of the paw. I would have a veterinarian examine benny. They may take a needle sample and look under the microscope to help start figuring out what this could be. Hope Benny isn't too bothered by this and that you get more answers soon!

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 25th, 2019

    It does not look like a tick. It could be either a scab or a small mass (papilloma like). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 16th, 2020

    That doesn't look like a tick on Yoshi, that looks like it could be a growth. This could be benign or malignant, and there is a chance it could be malignant given he is almost 11 years old. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps.

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