What is this dark bare spot on my dog's paw and how can I treat it?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Is it where the dewclaw would be? If yes then I think it is a scar form when the breeder had the front dewclaws removed when he was a few days old. If it is a new spot that wasn't there before it could be an abrasion or an area of skin infection. I wish you the best!

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!

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!

This looks like a possible hot spot, bruise or can even be a mass (if it’s a raise bump). Have the hair shaved so you can get a better view of it. If it is a hot spot, then you can try spraying “hot spot” spray on the area to see if this resolves it. You can find this at your local pet store. If it doesn’t get better within 2-3 days then it’s best to have it treated by your vet. If it is a bruise then it will likely resolve on its own. And if it is a raised mass, then definitely have it tested and/or removed by your vet because the color makes it suspicous for a mast cell tumor. I hope this helps and I hope everything works out well for your pet. Best of luck to you and take care.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, I can see a small, flat, brown area that is slightly irregular. Though I cannot diagnose Mindy without seeing her in person, I would be happy to share some possible causes and advice on next steps. This could be a benign growth, similar to a mole or freckle on a person or a malignant growth (cancer). Several types of cancer can affect the skin, particularly lighter areas that have less hair. The area does not seem to be infected, as there is no discharge, redness, or swelling, but a bacterial or fungal infection is a possibility. You can have Mindy evaluated by a veterinarian who can take a small piece, or biopsy of the area to definitively diagnose the growth. This may require light sedation or general anesthesia to completely remove it. You can continue to monitor the area for an increase in size, margins, change in color, or additional discharge. If you notice any change in Mindy, you should definitely have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

Since it sounds like this spot looks different that the spot that your vet saw 2 months ago, I do think it is worth having your vet evaluate this spot. Some dogs are prone to developing lick granulomas where they will continually lick and chew at a spot from stress. The longer the behavior continues, the harder it is to resolve the wound, so I would recommend having your vet evaluate it soon. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a scab that fell off, a fungal infection, a bacterial infection, or a mite. It looks quiet right now. I would leave it alone and continue to monitor it. If it’s starting to get larger or Luna won’t leave it alone, I would have a vet take a closer look. Kisses to Luna!