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My dog has a white spot on her paw pad, visible with pressure. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 8 years and 3 months old | 45 lbs

My dog suffers from hyperkeratosis (unsure if this is connected) and while I was cleaning her pads today, I saw a small white spot under the skin of one of her toes. The spot is only visible if I put pressure on the pad and it mostly disappears when I release pressure. The photos show the toe when I'm pressing on it and when I'm not pressing on it. I've highlighted the spot in the photo where it's visible. Is this something to be concerned about?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Anna M., DVM

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2019

Hello, and thanks for your question about Olivia. I suspect this small white spot is likely related to the hyperkeratosis and the resulting changes in the foot pad. It's also possible that Olivia may have a small mass just starting to grow in that foot pad, that's still small enough as to be nearly invisible unless you're compressing the tissue around it. I'm impressed you found that spot at all!

I would definitely point this spot out to your vet. If it's big enough to aspirate (get a small needle sample of cells), they can get an idea of whether the cells in that spot appear normal or concerning. It looks pretty darn small in the picture - so your vet may simply tell you to monitor for now, but it's good to get it seen and documented so they can help monitor if it changes.

I hope this helps. You're doing a great job caring for Olivia! As an aside, here's my favorite hyperkeratosis topical treatment if you're interested :-)
https://naturaldogcompany.com/product/snout-soother-tin/
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 14th, 2018

    Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    I am not sure what those lesions could be from just based on the photo. Dog foot pads can become cracked and dry from exposure to the elements and an develop white rough spots on their paws from running or walking on rough surfaces such as concrete, rocks or sand.

    I don't think I would be concerned necessarily but I do think you should take him to your vet and have them check these lesions out in person. I definitely don't think it is an emergency but try to get him seen in the next few days. In the meantime, I would do nothing so the vet can see what they look like without any intervention.

    Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 18th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear about Scrappy. These are unusual lesions and not like anything I have seen. If your vet has not done any testing on them that would be the next step, either a needle aspirate or a biopsy to ensure this isn't something that may require surgical removal or medical intervention, particularly since they are worsening and these are taking up a substantial portion of the paw.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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