Treatments for Dog Warts

The term 'dog wart' is commonly used when referring to any small, benign growth that appears on the body of a dog. What really are dog warts? How are dog warts diagnosed? What are the treatments for dog warts?

What are dog warts?
True dog warts are caused by Canine Papillomavirus. Viral dog warts, called papillomas, generally range from skin-color to whitish-yellowish and have a cauliflower-like appearance. Papillomas can appear anywhere on the body of a dog, with the most common areas being the face, muzzle, mouth, genitals, and rectum. The virus may produce a single wart, several individual warts, or clusters of warts.

Papillomavirus dog warts most often appear on young puppies and adolescent dogs (up to 2 years of age) who still have developing immune systems. Papillomavirus dog warts are also seen in senior dogs whose immune systems are beginning to decline. The immune system of an adult dog is generally strong enough to fight the virus before warts have a chance to emerge. Papillomavirus dog warts may form on adult dogs with compromised immune systems, such as dogs suffering from auto-immune disorders or recovering from an illness.

Canine Papillomavirus is contagious. Infection can occur through direct contact between dogs or by means of shared items, such as chew toys. It takes between 1 to 2 months from the time of infection for dog warts to emerge. The virus only spreads between dogs; it will not infect other types of animals or humans.

How are dog warts diagnosed?
Due to the distinct appearance of Papillomavirus dog warts, diagnosis is generally made through visual inspection by a veterinarian. Older dogs often develop other types of growths, called sebaceous gland tumors, that resemble dog warts. Your veterinarian may do tests to rule out sebaceous gland tumors or a malignancy. Standard tests in these cases included CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, biochemical profile, and biopsy of the growth.

What Are The Treatments for Dog Warts?
Most cases of Canine Papillomavirus dog warts do not require treatment. The immune system will fight the virus within 1 to 5 months and the warts will disappear on their own.

Anti-viral medications, such as Interferon, may be prescribed to dogs experiencing discomfort or difficulty eating due to warts inside the mouth or throat.

Antibiotics are also used as a treatment for dog warts. A 2008 study done by a research group in Turkey suggested a 10-day course of the antibiotic Azithromycin can clear Canine Papillomavirus infections in approximately 15 days. Papillomavirus dog warts in the mouth sometimes develop a bacterial infection and antibiotics will be prescribed to treat it.

Surgical removal of dog warts is another treatment option. If the dog is to be put under general anesthetic for an unrelated surgery, the veterinarian may suggest removing warts at that time. Surgical treatment for dog warts is suggested when warts interfere with eating, breathing or swallowing. There are three procedure options: cutting the wart and its roots out of the skin, using an electric cauterizing tool to burn away the wart, or using a freezing agent to freeze the wart off. The latter, called cryosurgery, can be done using a local anesthetic if the wart is in an easily accessible location.

Home Treatments for Dog Warts
Always have your veterinarian check your dog before trying home treatments for dog warts. Other types of tumors and growths may mimic the appearance of Canine Papillomavirus dog warts. When you are certain you are dealing with Canine Papillomavirus dog warts, one of the following natural treatments may assist your dog in fighting the virus faster.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and promotes skin regeneration. To use Vitamin E as a treatment for dog warts, pierce the soft-gel capsule with a pin and squeeze some of the fluid onto the wart and surrounding skin; rub in thoroughly. Apply a few times each day until the wart disappears. Allow 2-6 weeks for results.

The amount of Vitamin E used is based on the weight of your dog. Apply up to 75 IU per day for every 25 pounds.

Vitamin E is available at grocery stores, discount stores (Walmart, Kmart), pharmacies and health food stores.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C is available in tablets, powder and topical cream. When using a cream, apply directly on the wart and surrounding skin; rub in thoroughly. Do not use a cream when treating oral warts.

A safe dosage for dogs under 2 years of age is 250 milligrams of Vitamin C twice daily. Dogs over 2 years of age can handle 500 milligrams of Vitamin C twice daily. Many dogs can handle up to 3000 milligrams of Vitamin C per day. If your dog experiences flatulence and/or diarrhea, reduce the dose.

Vitamin C tablets, powder and cream can be found discount stores (Walmart), health food stores, pharmacies, and some grocery stores. Check with your local pet store for Vitamin C in pre-measured dog dosages.

Homeopathy - The homeopathic remedy Thuja is a safe and holistic treatment for dog warts. It is available in pellets or liquid. Give 3-6 pellets or 3-6 drops by mouth once. Results should be seen within 1-2 weeks. Noticeable results may not be seen until the second week. Repeat after two weeks, if necessary. In cases where the dog has a large number of warts, increase the initial amount to two doses of 3-6 pellets or 3-6 drops, spaced 12 hours apart.

Newton Homeopathics' pet-friendly version of Thuja is available online through Only Natural Pet Store.