Understanding Dog Warts: Causes, Appearance, and Care
If you've noticed strange little bumps on your dog's skin or around their mouth, you might be dealing with dog warts. These growths can look alarming at first glance, but they're usually harmless and quite common among canines—especially younger ones.
What Exactly Are Dog Warts?
Dog warts, medically known as canine viral papillomas, are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths. They're caused by the canine papillomavirus, which is highly species-specific—meaning it only affects dogs and not humans or other animals. The virus enters the body through small cuts or abrasions in the skin, leading to the development of these distinctive lumps.
How Do Dog Warts Look?
- Typically round or irregularly shaped
- Have a rough, cauliflower-like surface
- Color ranges from pink to white or gray
- Commonly found around the mouth, lips, eyelids, or between toes
Puppies and young dogs tend to get them more often because their immune systems aren't fully mature yet. Older dogs with weakened immunity might also be susceptible.
How Do Dogs Get Warts?
The canine papillomavirus spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated surfaces (like shared toys or food bowls). The virus needs a break in the skin to take hold—so playful puppies who roughhouse together are especially at risk.
- Direct nose-to-nose contact with an infected dog
- Sharing chew toys or water bowls
- Contact with contaminated bedding or grooming tools
The incubation period—the time from exposure to wart development—can be several weeks. This means you may not notice any signs right away after your dog has been exposed.
Are Dog Warts Dangerous?
Most of the time, dog warts are just a cosmetic issue. They're rarely painful unless they become irritated by chewing or scratching. In healthy dogs, these warts often disappear on their own within a few months as the immune system mounts a response against the virus.
- If a wart bleeds, becomes infected, or grows rapidly, it's best to consult your veterinarian.
Treatment Options for Dog Warts
- No treatment: Most veterinarians recommend leaving the warts alone unless they're causing problems.
- Surgical removal: If a wart is bothersome (for example, if it's bleeding frequently), your vet might suggest removing it surgically.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing off the wart is another option for stubborn cases.
Your vet may also prescribe medications to help stimulate your dog's immune system if the warts are widespread or persistent. However, most cases resolve without intervention.
Can You Prevent Dog Warts?
You can't always prevent exposure since dogs love socializing and playing together. But you can reduce risk by:
- Avoiding contact with dogs known to have warts
- Regularly cleaning toys and food bowls
If your dog develops warts, keep them away from puppy playgroups until all lesions have disappeared to avoid spreading the virus further.
When Should You See a Vet?
- If you're unsure whether a lump is actually a wart—some growths can look similar but be more serious (like tumors).
- If the wart changes color rapidly, bleeds excessively, or seems painful.
Your vet can confirm whether it's truly a benign papilloma and discuss next steps if needed.
