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My 10-year-old dog has something growing on their paw. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 1 month old | 60 lbs

Hello! My 10-year old dog’s paws look like this and I have no idea what to do. They’ve been growing for about 2-3 weeks now and I don’t know where they came from. Please help me, I would love suggestions. Thank you!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2020

Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any).

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The paw is definitely infected. The black, thickened area of the skin suggest there is also more chronic problem going on . It could be either allergy or a growing skin mass. A visit at your local vet is strongly recommended to make the final diagnosis and to start treatment for Halo.

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