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What is this small, painless lump on my dog's paw? Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 13 years and 10 months old | 28 lbs

I found this small pea sized lump on the bottom of my dogs right back foot, above his foot pads. It is not bothering him nor does it hurt him when I touch it. What are the possible options of what it could be? My dog has had a history of random lumps on his body, all being found as benign.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2021

I'm glad to hear that this lesion isn't bothering Benji! It's certainly possible that this lesion is a benign papilloma-like lesion, but it could also be another benign or malignant type of mass. The only way to know for sure is to perform a biopsy of the lesion for pathologist evaluation, or at the very least, your vet could draw a few cells out with a needle for microscopic evaluation (fine needle aspiration). The tricky part with lumps and bumps on legs is that they're more difficult to remove if they grow because there is less extra skin that can be used to close surgically. For this reason in particular, I recommend taking Benji to your vet sooner rather than later to have this lesion examined in person. Even though he isn't bothered by the lesion when you touch it, I do recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on him until his appointment because the lesion looks a bit red and weepy. This can occur if he's been licking at it, even if you haven't seen him do so. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 20th, 2018
Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done at home to know exactly what this is. Usually these lumps cannot be diagnosed based on appearance alone and often require a closure examination and some testing. I wouldn't worry too much about it being serious at this time. These skin masses in young dogs tend have skin bumps like this from infections or benign cysts. Below is a link to an article that has more information about lumps and bumps on dogs.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/lumps-and-bumps-on-your-pet/

I hope that helps and all is well with Blitz.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2017
Hello, sorry to hear about Chaos. It sounds like this bump if small could be easily removed and submitted for biopsy.

Unfortunately, without testing this bump we would not know if it is benign vs malignant.

I would recommend having him evaluated by your veterinarian at the next available appointment.

In the interim, you can monitor him for any lameness, the mass getting bigger, or having any discharge.

Hope this helps and best of luck
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 28th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The pictures aren't coming through super clear on my end but it appears to be a "skin tag". It could also be a sebacious cyst. Both of these are benign and usually ignored. Of course, give it a good feel about once a week, and if it gets larger, hard, or painful for Riley, it'st time to see the vet.

Best of luck to you and Riley!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 5th, 2020
Hi Jennifer! This could just be a benign lump. I can't say that for certain without seeing Abbey in person, but it doesn't look really serious in the picture. Having her seen by a vet tomorrow is fine. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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