Is a painless black spot on my dog's paw normal or concerning?

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!

This does not look concerning to me. I suspect it is just normal pigmentation in the skin (like freckle-- only obvious quite large!). If he is licking at it a lot, or if the associated skin seems warm or inflamed, have your vet take a look. Again, overall I don't think you need to worry. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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!

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! 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!

Hi there, Thanks for the good photo. This looks like some mild pigment change, probably due to friction of motion in the area. This may become more pronounced as she ages. This is not of any medical concern. Skin changes that you should be concerned about would include but not be limited to: redness, swelling, crusting or flaking, itchiness, increase in greasiness or discharge from the skin, or growths. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Pigmentary changes to the hair/coat are not that unusual, especially if there are no underlying lesions. If your pet ever sustained an injury to that area in the past, even a mild infection or burn, the hair follicles can be affected & color can change months to even years later. So, if she is not bothered by the area, you feel no lumps, bumps, roughness, see no redness or dermatitis, then this may just be a normal change in an unusual area. Just mention it to your vet at your next visit. Take care.