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My dog has a red, swollen, painful bubble on his foot pad. Urgent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 9 months old | 58 lbs

I got home from work and noticed my dog had been licking his foot, found this kind of shiny red bubble swollen, seemingly coming out of the side of one of his foot pads. I dont know how long it has or hasnt been there. it seems firm to the touch, and to be at least a little painful or sore. no yelping or anything, just discomfort. is this something i should urgently find a way to get vet appointment for or something i should wait out.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Bear is having this problem. I don't think you need to have him evaluated tonight but I would certainly have him checked tomorrow by his veterinarian. This appears to be a growth coming off of one of the toe pads. Growths typically can be solid or fluid filled. They can be tumors (benign, not cancer or malignant, cancer), cysts (fluid filled or sebaceous material filled), granulomas which are caused by inflammation and contain inflammatory cells, or other things. Your vet will evaluate the growth and then advise a fine needle aspirate, biopsy, or full excision of the growth with histopathological exam by a pathologist to determine what the mass is, how to further treat it, and what the prognosis long term will be. Again, I think you can wait tonight but I would get Bear looked at first thing tomorrow morning. If you have an Elizabethan collar or can buy one tonight, I would advise that to prevent him from licking it further. Good luck with Bear.

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