Warts in Dogs 

Canine viral papillomatosis is the technical description for warts in dogs. Did you know that any dog can get warts? However, they are more common in dogs who are immunosuppressed or spend much time around other dogs. Research shows that younger dogs frequently get warts in their mouths. The skin of older dogs is more often affected.

You may be wondering about the symptoms of dog warts. Warts on dogs often look like a small head of cauliflower. Warts can develop in and around a dog’s mouth, between the toes, around the eyes, and almost anywhere on the skin. Entire regions of a dog’s body may be covered with warts of various sizes.

What causes dog warts? Warts in dogs are caused by infection with papillomaviruses. Many types of canine papillomaviruses have been identified, and each type tends to cause a particular disease. Be aware that dogs with warts are contagious to other dogs but not to other animals or people. Once a dog has been infected with one type of wart virus, they are immune to that type but not others.

Thankfully, there are ways to treat warts in dogs. Warts generally disappear over six to eight weeks as the dog develops immunity to the virus. However, veterinarian treatment may be necessary depending on the severity of warts. Medications are required when a large number of warts are causing problems for the dog. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as imiquimod, interferon, cimetidine, and azithromycin to treat the virus.

The good news is that you can do things to help protect your dog from developing warts. Please don’t let your dog play with other dogs with visible warts. Furthermore, suppose the protective nature of your dog’s skin is compromised or their immune system is not functioning normally, avoid taking them to areas heavily populated by dogs, such as dog parks. In that case, doggie day cares, and kennels. If your dog develops warts, keep them isolated from other dogs until all warts have disappeared.