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Why is my dog constantly licking a bump on her paw? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 76 lbs

My dog has a bump on her left front paw looks like a sycst but she keeps licking it

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

Yes this looks like an infected interdigital cyst. Please put a restraint collar on Prada to stop the licking and clean the area with antibacterial soap twice a day until healed. Leave it open to the air, no bandage. If it doesn't look like it's improving an exam with your veterinarian is recommended probably with a course of antibiotics.

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5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A cyst is more raised and fluid filled. The picture on Prada's foot looks more like an infected abrasion or lick granuloma. The key is keeping her off of it. The more she licks it the more it could become a behavioral lick granuloma. So use an E-collar. Then you can used a triple antibiotic cream on it twice daily. If not better in a week I recommend you bring her to the Vet. Good luck!

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 19th, 2019

    Hi. Looks like an interdigital cyst. These are little infections in the feet, and licking will make them worse. It delays healing too. He need an ecollar and an exam with your veterinarian. He most likely need antibiotics

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 24th, 2020

    I suspect this may be a histiocytoma which is a benign tumor that usually will regress on it's own. However, the fact that he is licking it so much is concerning so a vet exam is warranted. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952066 ) Do not put anything on the lump for now. What you should do is put an E-collar on him (cone) to stop him from licking it until you can get him to the vet.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 15th, 2019

    It could be a small mass, cyst, abscess, something stuck under the paw, or it could be caused by the licking. I would recommend having Honey evaluated by her vet to determine what this bump is so that she can get some relief. The licking could be caused by itching or pain. Until she sees the vet, clean the area with water and a mild soap, and have Honey wear an e-collar to prevent further licking.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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