If you’ve noticed black spots on dogs paw pads, you’re not alone. Our pitball Hera had that issue once, and it was a mystery we couldn’t figure out until we took her to the vet. Luckily, it wasn’t anything serious. To help other dog owners with this issue, we decided to write everything we learned.
About the Black Spots on Dogs Paw Pads
Black spots on a dog’s paw pads can be worrisome for many dog owners. The spots can be caused by a variety of factors, including pigment spots, age spots, melanoma, trauma or injury, and fungal or bacterial infections.
It’s important to understand the causes and potential risks associated with these spots in order to ensure proper care for your furry companion.
In this article, we will explore the different causes of black spots on a dog’s paw pads and discuss how to properly diagnose and treat them. Whether you’re a new pet owner or a seasoned pro, this article will provide valuable information on how to keep your dog’s paw pads healthy and happy.
The above image is of a dog’s paw with a black spot. Does your dog’s paw have a black spot like this one?
Causes of Black Spots on Paw Pads
There are several reasons a dog may have black spots on its paw, including:
Pigment Spots
These are benign, non-cancerous spots that occur due to an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin.
Age Spots
Similar to human age spots, these can occur as a dog grows older and are typically benign.
Melanoma
A type of skin cancer that can occur in dogs and may manifest as dark spots on the paw.
Trauma or Injury
The spots may be caused by trauma or injury to the paw, such as a burn or a cut.
Fungal or Bacterial Infection
The spots may be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, such as ringworm or pyoderma.
Many dogs contract an infection from grass, which can cause them to suddenly not go on grass. If your pup seems to be afraid of grass, consider reading:
Why Is My Dog Suddenly Afraid Of Grass
Identifying the cause of your dog’s black spots is the first step toward possibly treating them.
Treating the Black Spots on a Dog’s Paws
| Cause | Description | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment spots | Benign, non-cancerous spots caused by an excess of melanin | None is required, but an examination by a veterinarian is recommended |
| Age spots | Similar to human age spots occur as a dog grows older | Can be removed with cryotherapy or laser therapy; examination by a veterinarian is recommended |
| Melanoma | A type of skin cancer that can occur in dogs and may manifest as dark spots on the paw | Surgery to remove the tumor is necessary; radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed depending on the severity of the cancer |
| Trauma or injury | The spots may be caused by trauma or injury to the paw, such as a burn or a cut | Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the injury |
| Fungal or bacterial infection | The spots may be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, such as ringworm or pyoderma | A veterinarian will prescribe topical or oral medications |
Some of the causes of black spots on dogs paws are untreatable and don’t pose a threat at all. For instance, pigment spots are not cancerous and don’t require treatment. It’s just a change in the paw pad color in some spots. The same goes for age spots. Dog owners can have the spots removed with cryotherapy (freezing) or laser therapy.
Even though pigment spots and age spots aren’t serious, they should be examined by a veterinarian for diagnosis. It can be difficult to identify whether black spots are malignant or benign without testing.
If the black spots on dogs paw pads turn out to be malignant, surgery will be necessary to remove the tumor. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed depending on the severity of the cancer.
Injuries to the paw pads may need to be treated depending on what happened to cause the black spots. For example, if it was a burn, the affected area may need to be cleaned and a dressing placed on it to promote healing.
For fungal or bacterial infections, a veterinarian will prescribe topical or oral medications. It can take several days to see the effects of the medication, but once the infection is gone, your dog’s paw pads should look normal again.
Contact Your Vet About Black Spots on Dogs Paw Pads
Now you know the possible causes and treatments for black spots on dogs paw pads. Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment to have them examined and diagnosed.
