Warts in Dogs: What They Are, Types, Symptoms and Treatments

Over the years our pets change a lot and not only emotionally or behaviorally but also physically. Our furry dogs' hair color begins to change, they have dental difficulties, they lose hearing and they can also get warts. Do you know what they are and why they appear? No?

Stay reading this blog and together with Waggys discover what they are, their causes, characteristics, types that exist, symptoms, treatments, how to prevent them and much more.

What are warts in dogs?

Warts are going to be superficial benign tumors, that is, they will be on the skin of your canine, they are usually small, round and rough in appearance. Its appearance is due to the presence of the canine papillomavirus, which is one of the contagious diseases that we must avoid. The virus can be transmitted through direct and indirect contact and the virus can survive alone in the environment for several weeks, making it difficult to prevent infection.

Why do dogs get warts? Causes

As we mentioned previously, the main cause of contagion is the canine papillomavirus, however, below we mention other common causes to identify:

High contact areas

Warts often appear in areas where there is frequent contact between dogs, such as during play or in environments where multiple dogs share the same space.

Weak immune system

Dogs with weakened immune systems may be more likely to develop warts. This can occur in young dogs whose immune systems are still developing or in older dogs whose ability to fight infections may decline with age.

Genetic heritage

Some dog breeds may have a genetic predisposition to developing warts more easily than others.

Stress or illness

Stress and anxiety in dogs like certain other illnesses can affect a dog's overall health and, therefore, its ability to fight viral infections such as warts.

Types of warts in dogs

The different types and mutations of warts are created from two types of specific infections which are:

Cutaneous viral papillomatosis

This infection manifests itself on the skin in the form of warts or growths that are visible. Warts are usually small, round, and may have a rough appearance. Although they are usually benign, in some cases, they can cause discomfort if they are located in sensitive areas or if the dog scratches excessively. They are most common on the dog's head, neck, and legs. Infection is often seen in young dogs, as they are more susceptible to the virus.

Canine oral papillomatosis

Instead of manifesting on the skin, this variant affects the oral mucosa, giving rise to warts in the mouth, gums, tongue and surrounding areas. These warts can be more problematic and cause difficulty eating or drinking, especially if they are numerous or located in sensitive areas. It often goes away on its own as the dog's immune system responds. However, due to location and potential feeding complications, veterinary treatment is more likely to be sought in these cases.

Where do warts usually appear in dogs?

Mouth and Mucous

They can cause discomfort or discomfort when chewing, color, excess saliva production, difficulty swallowing food, bleeding and bad breath.

Paws

Warts are often found on the paws, especially the foot pads.

Armpits and Between the Toes

These areas are prone to warts, especially in dogs that are in close contact with other animals.

Ears

Some dogs may develop warts on the inside or around the ears.

Genitals and Perianal Area

They can affect males and females and, through licking, bites or wounds, they can be transmitted between dogs.

Symptoms of warts in dogs

In general, warts do not usually cause significant discomfort, but in cases of uncomfortable locations or irritation, the dog may lick or scratch the affected area. Therefore, it is important to identify the location and depending on that, the discomfort or symptoms you present will be.

Are dog warts contagious?

Since they are part of a virus, the answer is yes, they can be contagious among themselves, they cannot infect other species. If you see warts on your dog, and as long as they are caused by the papillomavirus, it is best to avoid contact with other dogs until they have disappeared.

What should I do if my dog ​​has a wart?

Once you have identified the area and discomfort that your dog is experiencing, we recommend that you avoid scratching, pinching or trying to remove the wart yourself since excessive manipulation can cause irritation or infection. Likewise, you should isolate your pet from other dogs until you consult with a veterinarian and confirm that everything is fine. Remember that only a veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis and specific recommendations for your dog's case.

Malignant warts in dogs When to worry?

The vast majority of warts in dogs are benign and do not cause significant problems. However, occasionally, growths can arise that are more concerning and could be malignant. You can identify signs such as bad odor, rapid growth, changes in texture, even bleeding or oozing combined with clear discomfort or pain. If you see any of these warning signs on a wart on your dog, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian as soon as possible for appropriate guidance and treatment.

Treatment for warts in dogs

If the veterinarian determines that a treatment should be performed to improve your furry dog, the options may be the following:

Surgical Removal

This can be done in the veterinary office under local or general anesthesia, depending on the situation. Once you take him for a consultation and see that your puppy has behaved well, a good idea is to reward him with CBD puppy treats for dogs from the Waggy's brand, which also contain Omeg a 3 for dogs , a necessary and essential component. for the development of our pet, as you will see they are ideal for calming your dog who is angry due to stress.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the wart.

Cauterization

Cauterization involves using heat to remove the wart. This method is performed under anesthesia and is an option for some warts.

Topical Treatments

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend topical treatments, such as creams or solutions, to apply to the wart to reduce its size or promote healing.

Immunotherapy

In cases of warts caused by the canine papillomavirus, the veterinarian may recommend administering an immunomodulatory treatment to stimulate the dog's immune response and help eliminate the warts.

How to prevent the appearance of warts in dogs?

The answer really is to avoid the causes explained above. Do not expose him to contact with infected dogs, do not share toys or utensils with them, maintain good skin care, strengthen his immune system and of course, make constant visits to the veterinarian to monitor his health and correct performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, let us remember that warts in dogs are generally benign growths caused by the canine papillomavirus. Although they usually disappear on their own, it is essential to observe any changes in size, color or texture, and seek the attention of a veterinarian if necessary. Prevention involves avoiding contact with infected dogs, maintaining good hygiene and strengthening the immune system.

We must monitor the health of our pets, provide a balanced diet and even try the benefits of the barf diet and consult a professional with any concerns. Proactive care contributes to the well-being and happiness of our beloved canine companions.