How to Get Rid of Dog Warts: Common Methods & Home Remedies

Dog owners might start to worry if they notice their pets have developed little bumps referred to as warts. But, there’s really no reason to be alarmed! These warts usually go away on their own in a matter of weeks or months. Therefore, there’s truly no reason to panic.

Still, if you want them removed, you can choose one of the common methods, including surgery, cryotherapy, and topical treatments.

Or you can try common home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, vitamin E oil, aloe vera, and thuja, which we’ll discuss below, along with dog warts.

Whether you’ve had dogs forever or just got your first pup, knowing about these warts will help you take good care of your furry friend, so let’s dive right in.

What Causes Warts in Dogs?

Dogs get warts, called canine viral papillomas, from a contagious virus. They can catch it through contact with infected dogs or shared items. They’re not the same as bumps in dogs, and puppies and young dogs are at higher risk due to their developing immune systems. The good news? Usually, the warts go away on their own as the dog’s immune system fights the virus.

Still, it’s best to see a vet if the warts cause problems or get infected.

What Does a Dog Wart Look Like?

Dog warts typically appear as small, raised, and sometimes cauliflower-like growths on the skin or in the mouth. They can be flesh-colored or slightly darker, and their texture might range from smooth to rough. In most cases, these warts aren’t painful but can cause discomfort if irritated or infected.

If you notice any unusual growths on your dog, consult a vet for a proper diagnosis and guidance on whether any treatment is needed.

How to Treat Dog Warts?

In many cases, dog warts don’t require treatment and will disappear as the dog’s immune system fights the virus. However, if they’re causing discomfort, getting infected, or if there’s a concern about their appearance, here’s how to treat them:

1. Monitor and Wait

Most warts will go away without intervention and medical treatment. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to shrink or disappear, no further action may be necessary.

2. Veterinary Consultation

If the warts persist or cause issues, consult with a vet. They can confirm if it’s a wart, rule out other conditions, and advise on the best action.

3. Surgical Removal

Sometimes, a vet may opt for surgical removal of warts, especially if they’re large, numerous, or causing problems. This is usually a straightforward procedure.

4. Cryotherapy

Freezing the wart using cryotherapy can be an option. This is a common method, but it may require multiple sessions.

5. Topical Treatments

Vets may recommend topical treatments, such as medications or ointments, to help reduce the size or discomfort of the warts.

Remember, you should seek professional advice from a veterinarian before attempting any treatment.

They can provide the most accurate diagnosis and guide you on the most appropriate course of action based on your dog’s situation.

How to Get Rid of Dog Warts at Home: Home Remedies

While you should consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment, there’s a list of home remedies that dog owners have tried for managing dog warts. But note that the effectiveness of these methods can vary, and you should use caution to avoid causing further harm to your dog, especially if your pet has other health conditions. The same goes for treating skin tags at home.

Some pet parents have tried the following treatments and noticed improvement:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the affected area with a cotton ball several times daily is a common home remedy. The acidity of the vinegar is believed to help shrink the wart.

2. Vitamin E Oil

Some people use vitamin E oil topically on the affected skin to promote healing. Apply the oil directly to the wart a few times a day.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel has soothing properties, so applying aloe vera gel to the wart may help alleviate skin discomfort and promote healing.

4. Thuja Occidentalis (Thuja)

This homeopathic remedy is sometimes recommended for treating warts in dogs. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage.

5. Boosting Immune System

Ensure your dog has a balanced diet and is getting proper nutrition to support their immune system. A strong immune system can help the body fight the virus causing the warts.

Before attempting any home remedy, consult a vet to confirm the growth on the skin is a wart and get professional advice on the best course of action.

Additionally, seek veterinary care promptly if you notice any signs of infection or worsening symptoms.

Can Warts on Dogs Spread to Humans?

The specific type of papillomavirus that causes warts in dogs is generally species-specific, meaning it typically doesn’t infect humans or other species. In most cases, canine papillomavirus strains don’t risk human health, and the warts on dogs aren’t known to spread to humans.

However, you should practice good hygiene when dealing with any skin condition in your pet. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a dog with warts or other skin issues.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s health or if you notice unusual growths on your dog, you should consult with a veterinarian for guidance and the best treatment.

Is Papilloma in Dogs Serious?

Generally, canine papillomas (warts) aren’t considered serious and often resolve independently without medical intervention. They’re usually benign growths caused by specific strains of the canine oral papillomavirus. While they can look concerning, especially if they’re numerous or affect sensitive areas like the mouth (oral papilloma virus), they typically don’t cause long-term harm to the dog.

Do Dog Papillomas Go Away?

Yes, in many cases, papillomas in dogs will go away independently as the puppy’s immune system responds to the viral infection. The resolution of papillomas is often natural; you may notice the warts shrinking and disappearing over time.

The timeline for resolution can vary. Sometimes, the warts might take weeks or months to go away. Puppies and young dogs, in particular, may take longer to clear the infection as their immune systems are still developing.

What Kills Canine Papilloma Virus?

The canine papillomavirus (CPV) causing papillomas in dogs is self-limiting, meaning the canine’s immune system is usually effective in clearing the virus over time. While there’s no specific antiviral medication to kill the canine papillomavirus in your dog’s body, supportive measures can help manage and accelerate the healing process, such as the following:

Boosting the Immune System

Ensure your dog has a healthy and balanced diet to support a robust immune system. Adequate nutrition is crucial in helping the body fight off viral infections.

Hygiene

Practicing good hygiene can prevent the spread of the virus to other dogs and reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling a dog with papillomas.

Isolation

If you have multiple dogs, consider isolating the affected dog to prevent the spread of the virus to other pets.

Topical Treatments

In some cases, topical treatments recommended by veterinarians, such as antiseptic ointments or solutions, can help manage the warts and prevent secondary infections.

Related Questions

How Long Do Dog Warts Last?

The duration of dog warts can vary. In many cases, they’re self-limiting and can last a few weeks to a few months. The timeline depends on the dog’s age, overall health, and the specific characteristics of the papillomas.

How Long Do Papilloma Warts Last in Dogs?

Papilloma warts in dogs typically last a few weeks to a few months. Young dogs and puppies may take longer to clear the virus as their immune systems are still developing. It’s important to monitor the warts and seek veterinary advice if they persist or if your dog has multiple warts and you’re worried for their health.

How Can I Treat My Dog’s Papilloma at Home?

While some use home remedies like apple cider vinegar or vitamin E oil, you should consult a vet before trying home remedies Home remedies may not be effective for all dogs, and inappropriate treatments can lead to complications. Professional guidance ensures the most appropriate care for your dog’s specific situation.

Are Dog Warts Contagious?

Yes, they’re contagious. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected canine or contaminated objects. So, practice good hygiene and isolate affected dogs to prevent the spread of the virus to other dogs. The good news? The virus doesn’t spread by indirect contact.

How Do You Treat Oral Warts in Dogs?

Oral papillomas, commonly known as oral warts in dogs, are caused by the oral papilloma virus. These growths typically affect the oral cavity and oral mucous membranes of dogs, especially in older dogs. The oral papilloma virus is highly contagious among dogs.

If your furry friend happens to develop oral papillomas, you should consult with a vet for a proper diagnosis and healing plan. Luckily, in many cases, these mouth warts can regress independently.

However, given the contagious nature of the oral papilloma virus, it’s essential to isolate infected dogs from others to prevent further spread of the viral papillomas.

In more severe or persistent cases of oral papilloma, veterinary intervention may be required. Treatment options for a dog’s warts may include surgical removal of the papillomas or other medical procedures to manage the growth on your dog’s skin.

Additionally, your vet might recommend supportive care to boost the canine’s body, aiding in the natural regression of the oral papillomas.

Regular check-ups with your vet matter, especially if your canine is older, as they may have a slightly weaker immune response.

By staying vigilant and seeking professional advice, you can ensure the best possible care for your canine companion dealing with oral papillomas.

Do Dog Mouth Warts Go Away?

Yes, dog mouth warts, known as oral papillomatosis, can often go away independently. Canine papillomaviruses cause these wart-like masses in a dog’s mouth. And they’re typically benign skin masses. Most dogs with oral papillomas will experience a spontaneous regression of the warts as their body effectively combats the viral infection.

Note that oral papillomatosis is contagious among dogs. They can acquire warts through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. The incubation period can vary, and dogs may develop scaly plaques or wart-like growths on their mucous membranes, particularly in the oral cavity.

While most canines can overcome oral papillomas naturally, in rare cases, intervention may be necessary. Veterinary attention is crucial if a canine is experiencing difficulty eating due to the location or size of the warts or if there’s a risk of secondary infection. In rare cases, oral papillomas in dogs may persist and cause discomfort.

Veterinary treatment options for oral papilloma in dogs include surgical excision of the papillomas, especially if they’re causing significant issues. Additionally, supportive care may be provided to address any secondary infections after oral papillomas in dogs develop.

Lastly, keep infected dogs isolated from other animals during the contagious phase of oral papilloma to prevent the spread of canine papillomaviruses.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor the progression of oral papillomatosis.

Are Dog Warts Considered Painful, and How Do Dogs Acquire Them?

Dog warts, specifically the truly viral papillomas, aren’t considered painful. These growths, often found on mucus membranes, can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Dogs usually acquire them through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects.

While they’re contagious, healthy dogs can develop immunity and resist the virus. Dog parks and areas with close dog interactions can be potential transmission sources.

If you observe any unusual growths or changes in your dog’s oral cavity or other mucus membranes, consult a vet for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate guidance.

Dog Warts Treatment: Conclusion

In many cases, dog warts don’t require treatment and will resolve on their own.

Veterinary intervention may be necessary in severe cases (if the warts persist, become infected, or cause discomfort, especially for oral papillomas).

A balanced approach, including monitoring, supportive care, and professional guidance, ensures the best outcome for your dog’s health. Hope you find this article helpful!