Why is my dog licking a red spot on his paw? What could it be?

Question

My dog has a round red spot on top of his paw, was just wondering what it could be. He has been licking at it a lot. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 100 lbs

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, and thank you for using PetCoach. I’m seeing a red, round, raised, hairless mass. This appearance would make me primarily suspicious of either a [histiocytoma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/histiocytoma/) or a [mast cell tumor](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/mast-cell-tumors/). The only way to tell for sure what this lump is, is via cytology. Your vet will get a small sample of cells with a needle and examine them under a microscope to determine what the mass is. I definitely recommend having this done as soon as possible. A histiocytoma is a benign mass that tends to spontaneously resolve. A mast cell tumor would be a concern, and should be surgically removed as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

Why is my dog licking a red spot on his paw? What could it be?

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