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What is this sensitive growth on my dog's paw? Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 5 years and 8 months old | 175 lbs

My dog has a growth on his paw. I can't remember when it started, but it has been there for at least a year. It looks like a tick got stuck in his paw and never came out. Is that possible? It seems to be sensitive when touched. What do you think it is?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2019

No, that seems very unlikely if not impossible.
This type of growth should be ideally checked by your local veterinarian to differentiate between skin cyst, benign or malignant type of tumors.
Your vet can perform a fine needle aspirate or a biopsy to assess it. If it is painful it means it may be inflamed but not more than that.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 21st, 2019
This lump/growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy.
Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 2nd, 2020
This looks like it might be a papilloma, but other skin growths can look similar. I'd recommend having your vet take a look in person to determine what this might be. They might recommend taking a sample using a small needle to determine what it is.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a red lump on his paw between his toes. Should I worry?

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!

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