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My dog's paw is swollen between toes, but it doesn't hurt. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Female | unspayed | 10 years and 10 months old | 17 lbs

My dog has a swelling between toes on top of her front foot. She does not pull the paw away or limp or yelp when I touch it. She had swellings on bottom of her paws before due to irritation but this one looks bigger and in on top of the paw. There is no visible objects in the wound, no dead skin around or no puss. Our vet would usually recommend soaking the foot in a solution of Hibiclens of epsilon salt but I was wondering if this looks like something else than irritation

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2017

This may be just irritation from licking or chewing the paw. However I cannot rule out a small toe tumor/mass. You can try soaking the foot and see if that helps. If the lesion persists then I would recommend having it checked out because if it is a mass it will need to be removed soon.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 19th, 2020

    It could be a cyst, tumor or localized infection/inflammation. You can monitor it for rapid change or growth or if it is causing Max discomfort. If he develops any of these symptoms, have him seen by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done to collect samples for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis of it is a mass. If it is minor infection or inflammation, you can clean or soak the paw in a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Dry thoroughly afterwards. If there is no change in a few days, see your veterinarian. If he is licking or chewing it, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the doctor.

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    Answered By Sabina Snyder, Specialty Surgery Technician

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on June 28th, 2019

    Many dogs can get masses (or tumors) in this area and it can be very uncomfortable. I would suggest having the vet do a couple of tests: First, a fine needle aspirate. This will show the vet what kind of cells are in the mass and if they are of concern. Second, an Xray of the foot to see if the mass is fatty, attached to muscle, or even involves bone. If it is the case that your vet thinks it is a concerning mass, they will likely suggest surgery to remove it. Please feel free to consult with me if you have any pictures or further questions!

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