Canine Health Tips: What Are Dog Warts?

Dog warts, also known as the canine papilloma virus is a protruding bump or lump that can be found anywhere on the body of a dog. Contrary to some opinion, dog warts are painless and don't bother the dog during normal daily activities. Usually these warts will be benign in nature, or will disappear on their own given sufficient time. The main concern present is observations to make sure cancer does not become present on any of the warts. There is also the possibility that your dog has small tumors in lieu of actual dog warts which may require surgery to remove.

Warts can be caused by a variety of reasons including allergies and skin conditions. These allergies can be food based, environmental, or produced by medication and determining the cause may help in the prevention of future dog warts. Prevention of dog warts is generally only possible through active vigilance in determining the exact cause of the virus. Medication, environmental factors and food are the three areas to look at. Environmental factors include dog parks or day cares, any contact with other dogs where contraction of the virus could occur. Black warts growing along the lips or eyelids require special attention to determine possible cancerous activity. These warts can turn into a dangerous skin cancer that could potentially be fatal to your dog.

When you feel their may be dangerous underlying factors or you observe warts that cause concern you should schedule a veterinarian visit. Discuss your concerns with your vet to determine if removal of the warts are necessary or if testing is needed to determine if the warts are cancerous. Puppies are notorious for having dog warts which usually clear up if given the time. If they become mushroom shaped and expand you should bring the puppy to the vet to have the warts diagnosed.

Overall most dog warts are a relatively normal and harmless condition that effects thousands of dogs on a annual basis. It is said that warts on a dog are quite similar to chicken pox which humans receive, they are a normal part of life that may need to be monitored but are not an overbearing concern. The average amount of time it takes to clear up the dog warts is usually four to six weeks. If your dog or puppy experiences warts for a much longer time period you may want to get a diagnosis for possible removal or testing. Keeping your dogs immune system in peak performance will keep many of these minor health issues at bay and keep him active, healthy, and happy.

Sources:

www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-warts.html

www.dogwarts.org/

www.zerojointpain.com/dog-warts/

www.caninepapillomavirus.com/