Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What's a recurring red bump on my dog's leg that he keeps licking?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 6 lbs

My dog has a red bump on his leg that keeps coming back. He keeps on licking it what can it be?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 2nd, 2017

I would recommend that Spoko have this bump checked out. It could be anything from a skin tag or wart that gets irritated because he licks, to an infection or foreign body (something stuck under the skin), to a small tumor. After examination, a vet may decide to collect a small sample of cells to look at under a microscope to hopefully determine the cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. While you wait for his appointment, try to keep Spoko from licking the bump; he may need to wear an e-collar/cone to prevent this.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on September 2nd, 2017
Pictures can be deceiving but this looks like it maybe stopper pad, which could have become injured or inflamed. Compare the location with the other side and monitor for any further changes. Bathe with saline to cleanse and ask your vet to examine fully if you are concerned it is progressing
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on September 19th, 2017
From this photo is appears to be a wart that Glitter has licked and is now irritated. Warts are benign skin growths that generally need no treatment. If the growth enlarges or is in an area that is constantly irritated I recommend surgical removal. If they are small they often can be removed with a local anesthetic and cauterization or laser surgery. If your veterinarian feels that the mass looks angry or is growing quickly then they will recommend a biopsy to determine the diagnosis. You can clean this with hydrogen peroxide and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. Please stop any licking with a restraint collar if needed. I'm not overly concerned about this as long as the redness resolves and it is not getting larger quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Glitter.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on February 12th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 2nd, 2017
I would recommend that you have this new little bump checked out by a vet. It could be a tumor, but it could also be an insect bite reaction, infection, allergies, clotting disorder, among a few others. If you see additional spots like this show up soon, then Jagger should see a vet immediately. If this spot stays the same and others do not appear, then it could wait until your vet is next open.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has a hard bump on his leg. Why is he scratching and licking?

I can see the round, raised bump you are referring to. This can be a small growth, allergic reaction, bug bite, or a sign of a skin infection. I recommend having Kane seen by a vet, as this is clearly making him uncomfortable. Your vet can take a small sample with a small needle to determine exactly what is going on and rule out the conditions above. In the meantime, you can get Kane an E-collar or "cone" to prevent him from licking the area and making it worse.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this red bump on my dog's skin that he won't stop licking?

From your pictures, a possible cause might be a lick granuloma. These start for some reason (sometimes a bug bite, a small scratch, or a small skin mass) and the dog licks at them and makes it worse. They lick at it and push surface bacteria deeper which makes it itch, so they lick. It becomes almost a habit like a human biting their fingernails. So- I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian. They can check to make sure that is what it is , make sure that the inciting cause is gone, and do some diagnostics to determine a treatment plan. Has there been any changes to Neo's environment? Sometimes stress can start a lick granuloma or prolong it. Your veterinarian will most likely start antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. They might also recommend increasing his activity in case boredom is a cause. If there is a small skin mass present- they will recommend diagnostics on that. Good luck! Sometimes these take time, so have patience. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my dog licking a popped red lump on his leg with hair loss?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly a lot of skin masses can look the same. It could be a Mast Cell tumor (which is a cancerous growth that should be removed and biopsied), a cyst, a histiocytoma (though he is a bit old for that, they end to occur in younger dogs). Any skin bumps that is new, rapidly grows, changes or is possibly infected should be checked by a Vet. They can decide whether it should be aspirated and sent to the lab or removed surgically to send the entire specimen for biopsy. I hope this helps and I wish Boston the very best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my dog have red lumps, hair loss, and licking on his leg?

This looks like an area of skin infection. The smaller two bumps are pustules and the larger area is a pustule that has ruptured. Sometimes, if confined to a small area, these can be treated with topical antibacterial medication. If, however, it is more widespread your dog may need oral antibiotics. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions please let us know!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog keeps licking a rash on his leg, and it's not getting better.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Kibou. Poor boy! That looks like a growth of some kind, and it's clearly bothering him if he keeps licking at it. 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 his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Dog has inflamed, sore leg spot he's licking. When to see vet?

I recommend to have Messi examined by the veterinarian. Skin masses can be many things but red raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examine under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. have Messi wear an elizabethan collar to prevent licking. Have this checked out soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red, hard leg bump. What is it? Can I treat it at home?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a focal area of dermatitis. This is likely to resolve on its own as long as you prevent any further self-trauma (preventing her from licking at it for example). You can get an e-collar from your local pet store or simply just keep a very close eye on her to prevent further self-trauma. In most cases of mild infections, if this is done at home, they can resolve as long as you keep that area clean. If no improvement of worsening is noted in the next 3-4 days, then have her examined by your veterinarian. However, there is a good chance she can do well at home. She is adorable! Have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share