My dog has a growth on his paw. He's licking and limping. What is it?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 6 years and 1 month old | 55 lbs
Please help. What is this on my dog's paw? He has been licking his paw for a few days now and limping a bit and I just noticed this growth and have not seen anything like it. What should I do?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 10th, 2023
Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This looks to be a histiocytoma tumor which is a benign tumor commonly found on the limbs and face of dogs. It is a benign tumor that usually will regress on its own within a few weeks/months with no treatment. Of course, I am just guessing. It is impossible to diagnose these things via the internet with just a photo. Here is an information sheet about histiocytomas in dogs for you to read. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-cutaneous-histiocytoma ) He should not be licking the tumor - if he is, you need to get him a cone collar to wear to stop that behavior. If he is just licking the paw, that is not likely related to the tumor and is a different issue. As always, if you are worried, you should take him to your vet for an exam. Best wishes.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 4th, 2017
Poor Archie. That looks really irritated. Unfortunately, there isn't any way to tell what a growth is by just looking at it. Your vet can do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate where they collect a few cells with a needle and look at them under the microscope to determine what it is. You don't mention how old Archie is, but if he is young, we do sometimes see a benign growth in young dogs called a histiocytoma which will go away on its own, but may require medication to prevent it from irritating Archie so much. I have attached more information on a histiocytoma below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1676 I would recommend having your vet examine Archie and collect a sample from the growth to determine what it is. In the meantime, I would recommend an elizabethan collar or bootie to keep Archie from licking at it, so he doesn't make it more irritated. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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