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My dog has a growth on her paw she keeps licking. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 11 years and 4 months old | 65 lbs

Should I be very concerned about this growth on my dog? She keeps licking it and it has gotten inflamed in just the past few days because of it. It’s on the side of her front paw.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2020

I see what you mean about the growth. I would be concerned about it because it's clearly bothering Apple Crisp, and the fact that she is an older dog. Any growth in an older dog has a chance of being malignant. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give her vet a call to make her an appointment. Until she sees the vet, put a cone on her to keep her from licking the growth. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 29th, 2019
This looks like a growth. I'd recommend having your vet examine Alexa and take a sample using a small needle. Some types of growths can be monitored while others may need to be removed. Until you can see your vet you should keep Alexa from licking her foot - you may need to use an e-collar when she's unsupervised.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on May 8th, 2017
I recommend getting this checked by your vet. especially as it seems to have come up suddenly. Your vet will do an exam, probably a needle aspirate, where they sample some of the cells from inside the bump and look at them under the microscope to help identify what kind of growth it is. Based on those results, your vet will be better able to advise you on how best to treat it or if it needs to be removed surgically.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on November 14th, 2016
Yes, if it is changing then have Hermes examined by your veterinarian. After a physical exam, a fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect a sample to submit for pathology. If the growth has to be removed, it is better to do it before it grows too large. Place an e-collar (cone) on Hermes to prevent licking if necessary.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on April 4th, 2020
It may be a benign sebaceous mass. You would need to have May physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. These masses can be removed if they get large or ulcerated. Removal does not guarantee another will form in thebsamebspot or a difference location. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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