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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered | 10 years and 7 months old | 110 lbs

my 10 year old boxer has a large red lump on the top of his right back paw. It is between the toes back away from his nails. You can touch it and he does not show signs of pain but it looks like it would hurt. What could it be?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 2nd, 2018

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 4th, 2016
Those lumps needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Max to the vet, he/she will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 26th, 2018
From what I can tell in the picture, it could be an accumulation of dirt, etc that has become really thick, it could be a corn, or it could be a congenital anomaly (although I've never seen anything quite like that in a pup). I would recommend soaking his foot in an Epsom salt bath for 5 minutes and then very gently trying to break up or remove the black. If he's at all uncomfortable or resists, stop right away. If you can't easily dissolve it, I think a vet appointment is appropriate - no major rush, but in the next few weeks - just to make sure it doesn't need further testing/treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 17th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
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

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