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My dog has a swollen, red bump on his paw by the nail. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | spayed | 2 years and 5 months old | 25 lbs

My dog has a bump on his paw.... not in between his “toes”? But on his paw by his nail. It is white, red and swollen. He has been licking it for a few days now and it looks like it is causing discomfort. Is this a cyst?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. This could be from a penetrating injury such as a thorn and Griffin may have made it worse by licking or chewing at it. I would get a plastic cone and put it around his head and soak his paw in a solution of Epsom salt and water for the next 3 days. If there is no improvement or the area worsens, I would get him seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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