My dog has a swollen red bump between paw pads. What should I do?

It appears to be an interdigital cyst. Typically they get infected easily and are usually the result of allergies or a puncture or foreign body such as a grass awn or splinter. You can try to soak it in warm water but you normally have to do antibiotics to clear it or have it flushed out.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is definitely concerning that the lump has increased in size so quickly, as older dogs are typically more likely to develop cancers. The lump can also be an infection or cyst. I recommend having this seen by a vet as soon as possible - they can take a small sample from the growth to determine exactly what it is and recommend the appropriate treatment. I hope all is well!

It looks a little red and inflamed so it could be an infection. You could soak his paw in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps. Otherwise, have your vet take a look at him as he may need an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Chewy. Poor boy, that is quite a bump. That looks pretty red and irritated, and I see he's missing fur around it, which tells me he's been licking the area a lot. It's clearly bothering him. This could be a cyst, an abscess, or it could potentially be a growth that is either benign or malignant. I don't like the appearance of it, and think it's best you take him into a vet today to get this diagnosed. Once it's diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options. I hope this helps!

It could be a cyst. It could also be a result or a foreign body such as a splinter or grass awn. Unless he he very painful or lethargic. It probably isn't an emergency. Of course, the sooner treatment is started, the sooner he will heal up. Keep the site clean and dry. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking until he sees the vet.

Hello. This looks like a small cyst, nothing too worrisome. It may pop & if it does, just clean the area with a good skin antiseptic like Hibiclens ( available at all pharmacies ). A warm compress or soaking the foot in warm water for 10 minutes 2-3 times per day may bring things to a head sooner, but this does not appear to be at all dangerous. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It could have an allergic component or be an interdigital cyst. A closer physical exam and possibly x-rays of the paw would be recommended. Ruling out a foreign body (grass seed, awn, foxtail, etc) or tumor would also be recommended. If your veterinarian will not pursue a more definitive diagnosis, consider a different vet in the practice or a different clinic entirely. Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials and even antihistamine use with the vet. It looks like Cleo will need antibiotics once again anyway. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking which can delay healing and may introduce infection.