Why is my dog licking a red spot on his paw? What could it be?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 100 lbs
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.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 3rd, 2017
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!
107Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 10th, 2018
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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 7th, 2017
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 am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 12th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. It is not possible to know what type of growth it is without having it tested. 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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