Why is my dog's paw red and losing hair? Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not possible to know this without an examination. You may be referring to irritation secondary to allergies. I highly recommend that you consider having him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this possibility and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

This looks like it could be mange. Based on his age I would say this is the most likely cause. Other possibilities: * contact allergic dermatitis * bacterial skin infection * yeast skin infection * fungal skin infection * autoimmune disease I suggest you have Tucker examined by your vet. You cannot treat this properly until you know what the underlying problem is.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Just like you indicated, this could be due to a foreign body getting stuck in the digit though other things like a deep infection or even a growth cannot be ruled out. It could even be secondary to her licking at it. For this reason, it is important to rule those out. I recommend a visit to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

Hello, and thank you for using PetCoach. I’m seeing a red, round, raised, hairless mass. This appearance would make me primarily suspicious of either a [histiocytoma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/histiocytoma/) or a [mast cell tumor](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/mast-cell-tumors/). The only way to tell for sure what this lump is, is via cytology. Your vet will get a small sample of cells with a needle and examine them under a microscope to determine what the mass is. I definitely recommend having this done as soon as possible. A histiocytoma is a benign mass that tends to spontaneously resolve. A mast cell tumor would be a concern, and should be surgically removed as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see an area of hair loss, redness, thickening of the kin, and what appears to be a scratch. This can be caused by bacterial or fungal skin infections such as ringworm, skin mites, or autoimmune diseases. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet as ringworm can be transmitted to people. I hope this helps and that all is well!

That paw does look inflamed. If your home care is not working after a week, your pup needs to be examined. Bacterial and yeast infections are common in the paws. It could also be skin mites or allergies. Likely Odin will need some oral medications. He should also be wearing an elizabethan collar at all times to prevent any further licking. I hope this helps.

You can monitor it at home for now. If you see Milo chewing or licking at the spot, place an e-collar (cone) on him. This may be enough to allow for healing. Keep the area clean and dry. If the spot changes rapidly, grows, bleeds or appears infected then you will need to have him examined by your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.