My dog's paw pad is red with a hard black growth. What could it be?

Dogs can get corns on their pads. This is common in greyhounds but can happen in any breed. They can cause discomfort when walking or running but not painful when touched. These can be cut back by your veterinarian so they don’t touch the ground. I recommend a veterinary exam to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

This looks like hyperkeratinosis of the paw pad. It is basically a callous. There isn't much you can do about it. If you have it cut off, they usually grow back. I would try some pad balm to help keep it smoothe and to prevent it from cracking and causing any discomfort. Most dogs are never bothered by it. If it ever causes him to limp, start to crack, or is growing rapidly, I would have your vet take a look at it to ensure he doesn't need any additional therapy. I hope this helps!

This is a pad irritation, probably from walking on pavement on concrete. She may get a callus there over time. Since it's not bothering her I would try to keep her from walking on hard surfaces until this is no longer red. Keep an eye on it and if it becomes bigger, more inflammed or painful then bring Roxy in for an exam. At this point it's nothing to be overly concerned about. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Roxy.

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!

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! 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 what it is just based on its appearance. Common tumors in this region include melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas, among others. 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 night!