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My dog keeps licking his paw, and there's a lump. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 2 months old | 65 lbs

Hi, my 10 year old Goldendoodle has recently been licking at his back paw for the past few days. I let it go at first because his vet said sometimes it’s related to his allergies, but when I looked at it today... there seems to be some lump on his paw. When I examined it, it didn’t seem to bother him, but when I’m not around he keeps licking at it, irritating it. His spirit and energy is the same, and it hasn’t affected his walk or anything. Any suggestions to what this is, should I be concerned

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 18th, 2018

Swelling could be secondary to the licking or the cause for the licking. I would recommend you have your vet check it out. Allergies are probably the most common cause of licking the feet, but it can also be caused by fleas, bacterial or yeast infection pain in the foot or joint, a sticker or something under the skin, etc. After an exam, the vet may do a cytology or x-rays to see what is going on. Until Justice sees the vet, you may want to prevent licking by using an e-collar, since licking it may cause damage and infection in the skin.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2017

    It sounds like he has a bacterial infection of his paw which could be related to allergies. Have him examined by a vet for treatment. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or an anti-inflammatory to treat. Soaking his paw in a warm Epsom salt solution may help, too. The lump near his chest could be a lipoma, abscess, cyst, etc. and your vet can do a fine needle aspirate to diagnose and decide if treatment is needed.

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