Something weird just happened, and I'm not sure what to do. I noticed this evening that my dog, Max, has a red bump on his paw. It wasn’t there yesterday, and now I'm freaking out a bit. It doesn’t seem to bother him much, but he licks at it occasionally. I’ve tried to gently touch it, and he doesn’t pull away or seem to be in pain. I’m planning to take him to the vet this weekend since that's when they can fit us in, but I can't help but worry if waiting is safe. Should I be doing something in the meantime? Has anyone else dealt with something like this? I’d really appreciate any advice to calm my nerves!
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. A red bump on your dog's foot can happen for a few different reasons. It could be something as simple as an insect bite or an irritation from something he stepped on. Allergies are another common cause, leading to skin irritation and redness. Sometimes, these bumps can be minor infections or inflammations such as a cyst or abscess.
At home, you can try gently cleaning the area with warm water and mild soap to keep it clean. Avoid letting your dog lick or nibble at it, as this can worsen the irritation. If you have an Elizabethan collar handy, that can help prevent licking.
Keep an eye on the bump for signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If your dog starts limping, shows signs of pain when walking, or if the bump grows quickly, it’s best not to wait until the weekend for a vet visit.
Before things potentially escalate, consider booking a video consult with one of our vets through Dial A Vet. They can provide guidance on whether your pup should be seen sooner, especially if signs point to something more serious than a mild irritation.
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