Dog Warts

 

Oral warts

What Is A Wart?

A wart, in its most general term, is an obtrusive bump that can appear anywhere on your dog's body.

Warts can occur primarily on the surface of the skin, around the eyes, inside the mouth, nose, or be present on your dog's reproductive organs. Some warts are benign, and may clear up on their own. Other warts can be dangerous to your dog's health, or may be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

Are Warts Caused By A Virus?

Warts that are caused by a papilloma virus are very common, and are the only type of wart that may disappear over time. The papilloma virus is contagious, and is very common in dogs that have a weakened or under-developed immune system.
This virus usually has an incubation period of one to two months, before visible papilloma warts develop on the infected dog. Even without treatment, most papillomas will disappear on their own.

However, the papilloma virus is only one of several possible causes for the occurrence of warts in dogs.
Small tumors that cause swelling of certain glands are also common, though this type of wart requires surgical removal, and will not clear up on its own. Some warts are caused by allergic reactions, either to medication, vaccination, or environmental elements. Other types of warts may be a symptom of a serious skin condition, and will require the immediate attention of a veterinarian.

As with any abnormality, it is important to bring your dog to the veterinarian if you have any worries about the type of wart that is present on your dog. It's much more beneficial, both for you and your pet, to get regular check-ups to ensure that your dog is healthy.

How Do I Get Rid Of Warts?

There are many treatment options available to get rid of warts caused by the papilloma virus. Most of these treatments are used to boost your dog's immune system, which helps control the virus. If your dog has a wart that is caused by a tumor, or a skin condition, veterinary procedures may be necessary. Some warts can only be cured with complete surgical removal.