Yes, dogs can indeed get warts. Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to developing warts caused by specific types of viruses. In dogs, the most common type of wart is called a “papilloma,” and it is often referred to as a “canine oral papilloma” or “dog oral wart.”
Types of Dog Warts
Warts in dogs, also known as “canine papillomas,” can manifest in various forms and locations on a dog’s body. The most common types of dog warts are as follows:
Oral Papillomas
Appearance: These warts are typically found in and around a dog’s mouth, on the lips, gums, and sometimes the tongue. They often have a cauliflower-like appearance.
Cause: Oral papillomas are usually caused by the canine oral papillomavirus (COPV).
Age Group: These warts are more common in puppies and young dogs, particularly those under two years of age.
Transmission: Dogs can contract oral papillomas through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated objects.
Cutaneous Warts (Skin Warts)
Appearance: Cutaneous warts can appear as small, raised, and rough growths on a dog’s skin. They may vary in color, often matching the dog’s skin tone.
Cause: Cutaneous warts are caused by various types of canine papillomaviruses.
Location: These warts can occur on any part of a dog’s body, including the face, neck, back, and limbs.
Age Group: Dogs of all ages can develop cutaneous warts.
Verruca Plana (Flat Warts):
Appearance: Verruca plana warts are flat, smooth, and typically flesh-colored. They are less common in dogs compared to oral papillomas and cutaneous warts.
Location: They are often found on a dog’s face, particularly around the eyes and mouth, as well as on the legs.
Age Group: Flat warts can affect dogs of various ages.
How Do You Get Rid of Warts on a Dog?
If your dog has a wart, you may be wondering how to get rid of it. Warts are benign growths that can occur on the skin of dogs. They are caused by a virus and are contagious to other dogs and humans.
There are several treatment options available for warts on dogs, but not all of them are effective.
The most common treatment for warts is freezing them with liquid nitrogen. This method is called cryotherapy and is effective in about 70% of cases.
It can be done at your veterinarian’s office or at home with a kit from the drugstore. If cryotherapy does not work, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove the wart. Surgery is usually successful, but it can leave a scar.
Some people advocate using home remedies such as duct tape or apple cider vinegar to remove warts, but there is no scientific evidence that these methods work.
If you decide to try a home remedy, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first to make sure it is safe for your dog.
Are Canine Warts Contagious to Humans?
Yes, canine warts are contagious to humans. The viruses that cause warts in dogs (such as the papillomaviruses) can also infect humans, although the types of warts they cause may be different.
In general, human papillomavirus infections are much more common than those caused by the viruses that infect dogs. However, it is still possible to contract a dog-specific virus from your pet if you have close contact with them, such as during grooming or play.
If you develop any suspicious growths on your skin after contact with a wart-infected dog, be sure to see a doctor so that they can rule out any potentially serious problems.
What Does Papilloma Look Like on a Dog?
Papillomas are growths that can occur on the skin of dogs. They are usually benign (non-cancerous), but can sometimes be malignant (cancerous).
Papillomas can vary in size, shape and color, but typically appear as small, round growths with a warty surface. They may occur singly or in groups and can grow anywhere on the dog’s body.
While they are not usually harmful to dogs, papillomas can be unsightly and uncomfortable. In some cases, they may need to be removed surgically.
How Did My Dog Get a Wart?
Warts are growths that can appear on the skin. They’re usually harmless but can be unsightly. Your dog may have gotten a wart from coming into contact with another dog who has them.
Warts are caused by viruses and are contagious. The virus enters the body through cuts or breaks in the skin. Once inside, the virus causes the cells to grow abnormally, resulting in a wart.
Treatment for warts is typically not necessary unless they’re causing discomfort or you don’t like the way they look. In some cases, warts may go away on their own over time.
If you do choose to treat your dog’s wart, there are several options available, including freezing (cryotherapy), laser therapy, and surgery.
Can Dogs Get Warts from Humans?
The short answer is yes, though it’s not terribly common. Warts are caused by viruses in the Papillomaviridae family, and there are many different strains of this virus. Some strains only affect humans, while others can infect both animals and humans.
The strain that commonly affects dogs is called canine papillomavirus (CPV). Humans can contract CPV from their dogs, but this is relatively rare. It usually occurs when people have close contact with an infected animal, such as through petting or kissing.
In most cases, the virus does not cause any symptoms in humans and will go away on its own within a few weeks or months. However, in some people with weakened immune systems, CPV can lead to skin problems such as warts. If your dog has warts, there’s no need to panic.
While they may look unsightly, they’re generally harmless and will eventually go away on their own. If you’re concerned about them spreading to other animals or humans, you can have your vet remove them surgically or treat them with cryotherapy (freezing).
Dog Warts Treatment
The treatment of dog warts, also known as canine papillomas, depends on various factors, including the type, location, and severity of the warts, as well as the overall health and age of the dog.
While many dog warts resolve on their own without intervention, some may require treatment, especially if they become painful, bleed, or persist for an extended period. Here are common treatment options for dog warts:
Observation and Wait-and-See
When to Use: Many dog warts, especially oral papillomas in puppies, will regress on their own as the dog’s immune system fights off the virus. In such cases, monitoring the warts and allowing time for natural regression may be the best approach.
Surgical Removal
When to Use: Surgical removal is often considered when warts are causing discomfort, interfering with eating or drinking, or if they persist and become problematic.
Procedure: A veterinarian will surgically excise the warts using sterile instruments, often under local anesthesia. This is a common approach for oral papillomas.
Recovery: Recovery is usually quick, and the dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent licking or scratching the surgical site.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
When to Use: Cryotherapy is a treatment option for warts on the skin. It’s effective for small to medium-sized warts.
Procedure: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart, causing it to die and eventually fall off. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
Recovery: The treated area may scab and heal over several weeks.
Topical Medications
When to Use: Topical creams or ointments prescribed by a veterinarian may be used for some warts, particularly flat warts on the skin.
Application: Follow the veterinarian’s instructions for applying the medication to the affected area.
Effectiveness: The success of topical treatments can vary, and it may take several weeks to see results.
Antibiotics or Pain Management
When to Use: If a dog’s warts become infected or cause pain, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or pain management medications to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Boosting the Immune System
When to Use: Strengthening the dog’s immune system through a balanced diet, proper exercise, and supplements may help the body naturally fight off the virus and clear the warts.
Preventive Measures
When to Use: To prevent the spread of warts among dogs, especially in multi-dog households or kennels, it’s essential to isolate infected dogs and practice good hygiene, including regular cleaning and disinfecting of shared items and living areas.
It’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for dog warts. Self-treatment or attempting to remove warts at home is not recommended, as it can lead to complications or discomfort for the dog.
Additionally, the veterinarian will consider the dog’s overall health and individual circumstances when determining the most suitable treatment approach.
Conclusion
Yes, dogs can get warts. Warts are caused by a virus and are contagious. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, paws, and elbows.
Warts are benign and usually go away on their own within a few months. However, if they become irritated or grow large, your veterinarian can remove them surgically or with cryotherapy (freezing).
