My dog has a red bump on his leg that keeps coming back. He keeps on licking it what can it be? Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 6 lbs

Pictures can be deceiving but this looks like it maybe stopper pad, which could have become injured or inflamed. Compare the location with the other side and monitor for any further changes. Bathe with saline to cleanse and ask your vet to examine fully if you are concerned it is progressing

From this photo is appears to be a wart that Glitter has licked and is now irritated. Warts are benign skin growths that generally need no treatment. If the growth enlarges or is in an area that is constantly irritated I recommend surgical removal. If they are small they often can be removed with a local anesthetic and cauterization or laser surgery. If your veterinarian feels that the mass looks angry or is growing quickly then they will recommend a biopsy to determine the diagnosis. You can clean this with hydrogen peroxide and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. Please stop any licking with a restraint collar if needed. I'm not overly concerned about this as long as the redness resolves and it is not getting larger quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Glitter.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

What's a recurring red bump on my dog's leg that he keeps licking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red bump on his leg that keeps coming back. He keeps on licking it what can it be?

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA 181

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 2nd, 2017

I would recommend that Spoko have this bump checked out. It could be anything from a skin tag or wart that gets irritated because he licks, to an infection or foreign body (something stuck under the skin), to a small tumor. After examination, a vet may decide to collect a small sample of cells to look at under a microscope to hopefully determine the cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. While you wait for his appointment, try to keep Spoko from licking the bump; he may need to wear an e-collar/cone to prevent this.

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What's a recurring red bump on my dog's leg that he keeps licking?

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