What's this black shiny spot on my 4-month-old boxer puppy's paw?

Thanks for using PetCoach! If the area is flat and has looked like this the whole time, a scar is very possible. Could be that she had some initial injury (poke with a stick, etc) and it has since healed but the skin still bothers her. It could also be a place that bothers her occasionally due to pain (if she has arthritis right there or some other injury that flares up occasionally). Finally, infection and other things are possible. As a first step, try a spray like this: It has a numbing agent for pain as well as anti-bacterial properties. This will not help if it is a scar. If it is raised/lump like, its time to head straight to the vet to make sure it doesn't look suspicious for something more serious. This also holds if the area gets bigger or if more areas like this show up elsewhere. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Lucy!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This small spot does not look like anything of significance, and may just be a birth mark that she developed. If it does not bother Chibi at all, and she is not limping or licking at that foot, I would not be concerned. I hope this is helpful!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your picture it looks like that is the normal pad associated with the dewclaw. Pads can be pink or pigmented. I would check the other side and see if it looks similar. I would need to examine him up close but based on your picture I think that is normal for Laddie. If you are still worried have him examined by your Vet. I hope this helps and have a Happy New Year!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures Mills’s paw looks normal and the black area looks like pigment changes which is not abnormal. If you are concerned, a vet can biopsy the area to confirm but you can just continue to monitor at this time. Good luck and kisses to Milli!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Reese evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know without being able to examine her. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!