Wart Care for Dogs

Everyone at Forces of Nature loves animals, however our treatments are not designed for animals. Still we get questions and numerous search inquiries regarding treatment for animals with different conditions. In light of this, it is appropriate to provide you some basic information along with better sources, animal care and veterinarian specialists who may be in a better position to help your four legged friends.

(Warts – Pet Care)

It’s time to call your veterinarian for wart removal if your dog is infected with viral papilloma. Viral papilloma is not the same type of virus that causes warts in humans. There are no relationships as dogs can not be infected with warts from humans and vice versa. The warts on the dog do not require special methods of diagnosis to identify the symptoms as they can easily be distinguished as dog warts.

When a dog contracts viral papilloma from another infected dog the virus incubates for 1-2 months before warts begin to be seen. These growths are small rounded skin tumors that are harmless aside from being contagious dog warts. Most of the time biopsies are not be needed to detect the growth. If you are not sure, it is best to contact your veterinarian.

Dog warts looks like rough round growths that can grow in groups or clusters resembling cauliflower. Dog warts usually occur on the lips, but sometimes on the eyelids and even the surface of the eyes. If there are visible lesions there can be a risk of transmission to other dogs that are not infected yet. Puppies are vulnerable to getting infected with viral papilloma because their immune system is young. If you have many dogs separate the infected ones from the groups to avoid passing along the virus to other dogs.

Sometime dog warts do not need dog wart removal. The warts may go away eventually on their own. In rare cases dog warts can turn malignant, just as with humans.

If the dog warts are found near the mouth, they may develop secondary infection from bacteria. Secondary infections can be cured with antibiotics. Persistent dog warts can become a large skin tumors requiring removal by surgery – performed by your veterinarian. There are other treatment options including burning, freezing, cutting or antiviral doses of interferon to treat the warts.

Dogs feel pain and discomfort, just like we do – but they are unable to express it verbally. They can also be pretty good at hiding it at times. Lack of appetite is a solid indicator that your “best friend” is in pain. Being unusually quiet or not responding to you is another sign, especially if this goes on for more than a few days. Obviously any yelping or growling from being touched in a particular spot serves as another indication your pet may need attention.

Again, these are just some basics to bear in mind if you find that your pet has a wart infection. Please find additional information and resources in the right side bar to assist you further!