Canine warts are usually caused by the papilloma virus.
Warts in dogs are most often caused by the papillomavirus, also known as papilloma virus. This contagious virus appears on a dog’s skin as a white or yellowish cauliflower-shaped tumor or cluster of small growths. Although most human warts are also caused by papillomaviruses, the viruses in humans and canines are different and cannot be transmitted from one species to another. Various other factors can cause canine viral papillomas, including canine immunizations or vaccines and prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as pollutants, environmental contaminants, and allergens.
The vet must diagnose warts in a dog.
There are different types of warts in dogs, most with a raised appearance; however, there are warts that also have an inverted appearance. Warts usually have a rough exterior, but they can also be smooth. Although most canine warts are white or yellowish, some can be the same color as the dog’s skin. Although warts can appear as a lesion or as a group, they usually appear in a cluster or group. They can affect any part of a dog’s body, but are commonly found on the face area, including the lips and muzzle.
In most cases, warts caused by the papilloma virus are not harmful to the dog’s health.
Common warts in dogs contracted by the papilloma virus are contracted from another dog that carries the virus or from papillomas that live in the dog’s environment. This type of canine virus cannot be transmitted to other animals. Most of the time, the virus affects puppies, young dogs, and dogs with a weakened immune system. Canine warts caused by the papilloma virus are not usually dangerous to the dog’s health, but they can be infected by biting or scratching it; Dogs with infected lesions should be prescribed antibiotics. In rare cases, warts can become malignant or cancerous, requiring immediate medical treatment.
Canine warts are usually diagnosed by visual examination. When warts are questionable or strange in appearance, a vet may perform a biopsy. Dog warts that occur in the mouth or throat may go unnoticed until the dog begins to show outward symptoms, which may include difficulty eating and swallowing and increased salivation. More serious signs of oral warts can include difficulty breathing and bleeding in the mouth area.
In most cases, canine warts caused by the papilloma virus do not require veterinary intervention and will eventually go away on their own. In cases where the dog is physically affected by the warts or the warts get worse, treatment usually involves removing the wart. There are no effective medications to cure common canine warts caused by the papilloma virus. The dog wart removal process is most often done under general anesthesia and involves surgically removing or freezing the wart.