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
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 11th, 2019
I would be concerned about the reason that the excessive licking got started in the first place. It could be allergies, something stuck under the skin, an infected area, a small mass or tumor, etc. I would recommend that you have it checked out by the vet. Until then, wash it with a mild soap and prevent Mojo from further licking by having him wear an e-collar.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 21st, 2017
The most common reasons for soreness on the feet are environmental or food related allergies. You will first need to allow the sore areas to heal. I would say to go and get your pup and e-collar from your vet which will prevent the continued licking. If the areas have open sores, the hair should be clipped and lesions scrubbed with an antiseptic like chlorhexidine or dilute Bernadine. You can apply topical antibiotic ointment or steroid ointment as well. Something to address the itchiness should be utilized. Something like benadryl might be effective, but many times something prescription like Apoquel is required. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 10th, 2019
It looks like something is causing a lot of inflammation or even a possible infection on Pippin’s paw. Sometimes this can be related to the area staying wet and having a lot of fur on the feet. The fur can get wet and it will keep that moisture trapped to the skin. Other times this can be a random incident, dogs can get a one time skin infection. Other times it can be related to allergies, especially if it is becoming a frequent occurrence. At home, you want to make sure that she cannot lick the area. Use an Elizabethan collar at all times and this should prevent her from making it worse. You can also wash the feet with an antibacterial soap once a day. Rinse them well and make sure to dry thoroughly. This will help to exfoliate the skin and remove the oil and topical bacteria. The veterinarian may check the area for yeast and will likely recommend some sort of treatment and anti-inflammatory tablets. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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