What are dog paw cysts?
Interdigital cysts (also known as follicular cysts or furuncles) are inflamed bumps or nodules located between the toes (interdigital area), often on the front paws. They are not true cysts but rather inflamed and infected tissue, typically a furuncle (boil), resulting from an infected hair follicle.
These cysts can be caused by various factors such as:
Bacterial infection
Ingrown hairs
Foreign bodies e.g. grass seeds
Allergies
Breed predisposition (Bulldogs, Sharpei)
Obesity (by putting excessive pressure on paws creating friction between fingers) Dogs with large, webbed paws or deep interdigital pockets.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2025 | Review date May 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms
Raised red bumps or paw swelling between your dog’s toes
Licking or chewing their feet more than usual
Paws may also be discoloured – especially if they have a secondary infection
Small blood spots on the floor if a cyst has ruptured
Dogs who are in pain may limp or be reluctant to walk
When to contact your vet
If you notice your dog is itching or chewing his/her paws examine your dog’s feet and ask your vet advice and especially if it looks infected go for an examination with your vet.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination - your vet will inspect the interdigital skin of the affected area between your dog's toes, looking for signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, and the presence of any painful lesions or nodules.
Skin and hair samples to check for infections e.g. mites, bacteria
Unconscious examination to rule out something stuck e.g. a grass seed
If it keeps coming back, your vet may want to do further tests to rule out underlying causes like allergies and hormonal conditions.
How to treat interdigital cysts in dogs
Once an interdigital cyst has been diagnosed, your vet will assign a treatment plan which can be one of the following
Medical therapy:
Antimicrobial wash
Antibiotics
Pain killers
Anti-inflammatories
Surgery (including the use of lasers) may be considered for complex cases.
Prevention
The best prevention method is to monitor your dog's skin carefully. If you notice your dog itching, licking, or chewing his or her paws, examine your dog’s feet and consult your vet. Catching a flare-up of the underlying cause (like allergies) and treating it is often easier than treating an interdigital cyst that has already developed. For pets prone to grass seed issues, avoid running in tall grasses and check their feet after they have been out.
Outlook
Interdigital cysts often respond well when the underlying disease is identified and treated properly. However, if the underlying condition is not effectively managed, the cysts may recur more frequently, leading to chronic inflammation, scarring, and pain.