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Dog has pink lump on paw, licking it. Is it a hot spot? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered

My dog has a pink lump on his paw, and keeps licking it what could it be?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2018

These type of lesions can have many causes. Dogs often get these hot spots (aka acral lick granulomas) for a few different reasons, so it's difficult to say what's causing it. Stitch may be over-licking the area because it's sore, or it has an infection. In fact, these types of lesions tend to develop infections in the skin despite the cause. I think it will be fine to try and treat this at home for now (even though we don't know the cause), but would recommend a visit to the vet if: 1) It doesn't get better in 2 weeks 2) It starts to bleed or there is a break in the skin Here are my recommendations: 1) Clip the hair around the area with electric dog clippers and expose all of the sore skin. 2) Wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least once a day. 3) Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound. Keeping it covered and keeping Stitch from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape above and below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep Stitch from chewing it off. NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the toes/foot starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down. Another strategy to keep the bandage on, is taping a clean sock over the bandage. These types of lesions tend to take a long time to heal, so don't be surprised if its not completely healed until a month later. Once the skin looks normal and Stitch stops trying to lick, you can stop the cleaning/bandaging. I hope that helps and Stitch gets better soon.

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25Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2018

    From the pictures this looks to be a mass. This could be an abscess (pocket of infection), another type of inflammatory lesion (such as with a foreign body under the skin), or a mass (tumor). If it is bothering him it would be best to have your family vet take a look at it. That way they can determine if it needs to be sampled and prescribe medication as needed. I hope this helps and thank you for using pet coach!

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 19th, 2017

    This appears to be a small abscess or area of infection. It would be slightly painful and possibly itchy. I would recommend a visit to your vet. The area may need to be lanced and drained and checked for a foreign body (sharp thorn or plant awn) and prescription antibiotics will likely be needed.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2017

    It looks like this spot is very irritated between her toes. It may be something simple like a little spot of infection or it could be something more serious like a mass. I think it is a good idea to have it checked out by your vet because if it is something that needs to be removed the sooner you do it the better. Your vet will be able to assess the area and should be able to tell if if is infection or something more serious. In the meantime try to keep her from licking and chewing at the area as best you can. You may want to also call your vet and see if they can recommend an over the counter antihistamine to help with her overall itchiness until she can be seen.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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