Warts in dogs appear relatively frequently, especially in older dogs. Warts are superficial benign tumors that are not usually serious, although we can find some complications such as warts that bleed. In any case, we must show them to our veterinarian so that he, as a specialist, can confirm the diagnosis and decide on the treatment, if necessary.
In this article on our site we will review the different types of dog warts, we will explain why they occur and whether or not they are contagious.
What are dog warts?
A tumor is any kind of lump and can be malignant or benign. Thus, the warts will be some superficial benign tumors, that is, they will be on the skin. But why do dogs get warts? They are caused by a virus, specifically canine papilloma, which usually affects dogs with the compromised immune system, either due to illness, immaturity or old age. They shouldn't be painful.
They are easily identified by their cauliflower-like appearance and appear in different places, as we will see. In dogs we can also find other benign tumors, of non-viral origin, but with an image very similar to that of warts. In the following sections we will talk about them.
Are dog warts contagious?
Warts in dogs can spread among them, but they do not spread to other species, as long as they are of viral origin. In this way, warts in dogs are not spread to humans. Likewise, your dog cannot spread his warts to animals other than dogs. In this article you will find diseases that are transmitted from dogs to humans.
Since they are contagious among dogs, if you see warts on your dog, and as long as they are caused by the papilloma virus, it is best to avoid contact with other dogs until they have disappeared.
Types of warts in dogs
The most common warts in dogs are those caused by the canine papilloma virus, as we have already mentioned. However, there are other processes and pathologies that can manifest with protuberances very similar to warts, which is why we include them and explain them below:
Papilloma warts in dogs or canine oral papillomatosis
These warts in dogs appear, as their name suggests, in the mouth and on the lips and are caused bycanine oral papillomavirus Papilloma in dogs occurs in young specimens, less than two years old, however, warts can also appear in older dogs. They start out as pink bumps, but they get bigger and turn grayish until they fall off and pass on their own.
Canine papilloma virus is also responsible for warts that appear on other parts of the body, such as the feet or ears. In this case they will mainly affect elderly dogs.
Warts due to squamous cell carcinoma
These tumors are related to exposure to sunlight, which is why they usually appear in areas of the body with less pigmentation, such as the abdomen, scrotum or noseThere is a variety that takes on the appearance of dog warts, that is, cauliflower-shaped.
It is normal for the dog to lick the lump insistently, since it is a malignant tumor that will invade the surrounding areas and even spread to lymph nodes and lungs. In this case, we are talking about malignant warts in dogs, black and constantly increasing in size. For more information, see the article "Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs".
Warts due to transmissible venereal tumors
These growths can look like genital warts in dogs and affect both males and females. In this case, cells of these warts in dogs can be transferred from one dog to another during mating but also through licking, biting or scratching. They can also ulcerate.
In females they appear in the vagina or vulva. In males they occur on the penis. In both sexes they can also be located on the face, mouth, nose, extremities, etc. It is not frequent, but they could spread through metastases.
Sebaceous adenomas
This non-viral lump looks just like warts. It usually appears on the eyelids and extremities of older dogs. As its name suggests, they occur in sebaceous glands, which are the skin glands that produce oil. They are usually no larger than 2.5 centimeters but can ulcerate and bleed. Some can become malignant, then being called sebaceous adenocarcinomasThe most common adenoma and that we can see as warts in the dog's eyes is the one that affects the Meibomian glands, present in the eyelids.
When to worry if a dog has warts?
Warts caused by the papillomavirus will fall off on their own and will not need treatment. However, the rest of the types of warts in dogs, as we have seen, do not correspond to warts as such, but to more serious problems that need veterinary attention. So if you notice black warts on your dog, that don't stop growing, that bleed and that do not correspond to those produced by the papilloma, do not hesitate and go to your trusted veterinary center.
How to treat warts in dogs?
First of all, we must take our dog to the vet to confirm the diagnosis and thus discern if we are dealing with a wart or another type of tumor. We should also consult if our dog has already been diagnosed but the benign tumor begins to bleed or changes color. Of course, it is normal for warts to increase in size, although they do not do so indefinitely. Due to their benignity they do not require any treatment unless they cause some discomfort in the dog.
For example, warts on your back will not interfere with your daily life, unless they rub against the harness. Instead, warts on the snout can be rubbed when eating and thus bleed. It is possible that we see black warts because a wound has been produced on its surface that bleeds and turns into a black crust. These cases require that we contact our veterinarian because, when there is a skin injury, an infection can occur.
If we must remove a wart the most appropriate option will be surgery Otherwise, since it is a viral condition, we can help the dog's immune system by providing quality food and a stress-free life. Warts may go away on their own in a few months.
In cases of warts caused by the other causes mentioned, such as venereal tumors, squamous cell carcinoma or sebaceous adenomas, it will be necessary to follow the stipulated treatment to combat the specific cause, since each pathology requires one specific.
Medicines for warts in dogs
As we have mentioned, warts caused by the canine papillomavirus, which are common warts, do not require treatment. The exception is when a large number of warts appear, since in this case the specialist may prescribe immunomodulatory drugs in order to strengthen cellular immunity.
Can dog warts be burned off?
Never try to burn them at home because the consequences could be worse. As we say, it should be the specialist who determines the treatment, indicates the type of warts in dogs, establishes whether they will disappear on their own or it will be necessary to perform surgery.
Are there home remedies for dog warts?
The truth is that there are no home remedies to treat warts in dogs of any kind, so it will be necessary to go to a veterinary center to make a diagnosis and start the best treatment in case of being necessary. Remember that, in general, warts caused by papilloma do not require treatment, just patience.
In addition to following the specialist's instructions, we can offer the dog a quality dietand designed to strengthen its immune system.
