Canine Campus has received a few (3-4) reports of canine oral papillamos in enrolled dogs recently. It’s important that you understand what canine oral papillomas is, causes, risks and treatment.
What is Canine Papillomas?
Papillomas sounds like a serious disease, but it’s actually just the medical term for warts. Warts are a collection of abnormal cells that grow on the body. While a diagnosis of canine warts is rarely serious, it’s still worth your attention, mostly to make sure the lump is not a cancerous tumor. Oral papillomas are warts that grow in or around the mouth.
What Do Canine Warts Look Like?
The papillomas viruses cause skin and mouth growths that resemble a cauliflower.
What Causes Canine Papillomas?
Warts are caused by a virus that is transmitted through any type of direct contact, such as greeting each other, sharing toys or eating/drinking out of the same food or water bowl.
Is My Dog At-Risk?
All dogs are assumed to have been exposed to canine papillomas viruses. However, if you see a lump that looks like a wart it is most likely the result of an inadequate immune system response to the virus. Dogs with a strong immune system do not typically develop papillomatosis.
There are three groups of dogs that are at risk for papillomas.
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Young dogs under the age of 2
Young dogs are more susceptible to warts because their immune system is not fully developed. As their immune system matures, they produce antibodies against the virus and the warts generally disappear eventually.
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Older dogs
Older dogs can develop warts as part of the aging process. Most of the time these are not actually warts when biopsied; they are usually sebaceous ademomas. These should be surgically removed if they routinely bleed or become irritated, or if they grow on the eyelid and rub on the eye.
Papillomas on aging dogs can be a gauge on how well the immune system is functioning. There is some evidence that vaccines may be implicated in the development of papillomatosis, another good reason to avoid unnecessary vaccinations for your dog.
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Dogs with suppressed immune systems
Dogs that are given immunosuppressive drugs (such as glucocorticoids like prednisone) may experience a flare up of papillomas.
Diagnosis of the Papilloma Virus in Dogs
It’s always a good idea to bring your dog to the veterinarian if you notice any abnormal lump or bump. Your veterinarian can usually diagnose canine oral papilloma by sight, but sometimes he or she may want to have the growth biopsied to ensure it is not something else more serious.
Treatment of Warts in Dogs
Most of the time, no treatment is needed. However, if the wart becomes infected it will be painful for the dog and will require a course of antibiotics to address the infection. Sometimes, especially in very young dogs, the puppy will have so many warts that eating becomes difficult and painful. If this happens, the warts will have to be surgically removed or treated with cryotherapy (freezing). Most cases of canine papillomas go away on their own in 1-5 months.
Can Humans be Infected by Canine Warts?
Canine papillomas is a species-specific disease so warts cannot be transmitted to people or other species of animals (like cats).
If you notice a strange-looking growth around or in your dog’s mouth – or anywhere on his or her body – we encourage you to make an appointment to visit your veterinarian.
Has your dog had canine warts? Did they go away on its own or did your dog need treatment? Please share your experience with the Canine Campus community in the comments below.
My 2 Shih-Tzu mix dogs both have lesions on their bodies which the vet said are warts (and my chihuahua, who’s several years younger, has none). They crust up and dry out & that dried up stuff comes off w/ a little rubbing – but the growth is still there underneath. Would it be worthwhile to have the vet remove all of them? They feel creepy. Supposedly humans can’t catch these dog warts, but can dogs catch human warts?
Hi Lois, It is always a good idea to get anything unusual on your dogs’ skin checked out, so I applaud you for taking that important step. Your veterinarian should be able to answer all of your questions, including whether to remove the warts. You can always seek a second opinion too, if needed. Thanks for your feedback and good luck with your pups! – Joelle
My fur baby 4 years old, has papaloma virus in his ears, and I gave him antibiotics and it’s still there. Should I wait for it to go away on its own or should I have it surgically removed again?
Hi Mona – thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog.
Please seek veterinarian care for your dog regarding the papaloma virus in his ears.
We wish you and your dog all the best!
My nearly 14 year old Standard Poodle has a papilloma on her neck (right about where her collar would go if she wore one). My vet has recommended against removing it because of her age and its location. I can keep it pretty clean, but it periodically breaks open, bleeds, oozes – yeah, it’s gross. Worst of all, it smells horrible. Think: rotting flesh. Is there anything I can do to relieve the oozing and smell?
It’s best if you have your dog examined by your veterinarian. He or she may be able to prescribe something to help. Good luck – hope your dog feels better!
Aspirate it. My shih Tzu had 1 that multiples to 15 over a year and a half. One oozed got larger. Histology showed sebaceous carcinoma
My puppy had a severe case of papilloma warts. The warts are gone now after a long regimen of Azithromycin but she now has what looks similar to a hot spot on her paw where one of the warts presented. She does not act painful and she’s not licking or biting at it so should I be concerned?
Maria,
If you’re concerned about your dog’s hot spot you should definitely take her in to be seen. Better to be safe than sorry! Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog.
When my daughter was 5 yrs old, she had molluscum warts all over her legs she acquired from a swimming pool. The doctor said they would just go away but they were very persistent and my daughter has a condition where her immune system is weak. I researched on the web and learned that iodine is antiviral. I applied Iodine to each wart on her leg twice a day for 6 weeks religiously and they went away never to return. She’s an adult now and wart free today still. I would consider trying it.
My papillon is 12 yes old she has had warts on her body since she was 11, they are all over her on her under belly she scratches them and they bleed I keep her wrapped so she can’t scratch, what am I doing wrong ?
Betty,
Have you taken your dog in to be seen by a veterinarian? A trained animal health practitioner would be the best person to advise you. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
Is there any way that I could get an old school veterinarian that could take a sample of my 13 year old Siberian Husky? She has warts all over her pretty little face and a huge one on her paw. I was told by a skin specialist who looked at her and said they could make an antidote to inject into her skin and ALL of those 9 warts would disappear! I’m not paying to have them removed, cuz they just come back with a vengeance, we had paid over $500.00 for the first one on her face and boy she’s got a LOT!! No joke!! I’d do it myself if I knew how! Any suggestions?
Hi Tricia,
It sounds like you’ve explored the condition with a trained specialist. The Humane Society in your area might know of someone you could call. Good luck!
Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
My chocolate lab has them all over..Wish there was something I could do,. I’ve talked to several vets.They remind me of my doctor.. Lots of talk and no real solutions.. And all that talk.. IT’S NOT FREE…
Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog. Hope your pooch heals soon!
My 11 year old poodle just broke out with warts on his back. The vet suggested surgery, but each one costs more. Seems to me it is a gamble… And the odds of reoccurance are high. I am going to shave the hair off his back and try duct tape on the ones that have healed. He licks them until they bleed – possibly spreading them?? I can’t find any other option, I can afford!
Hi Susan,
I hope your solution works! Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
Joelle
I have a 12 year old Jack Russell. He has warts every where on his body. On the surface and under the skin. I don’t see any orally and the vet did not say anything about oral warts. I noticed yesterday that he chewed one of them raw. He also has one at the base of his tail that drives him crazy with itching. He has been seen by my the vet several times during the process of developing these warts. Each time I take him in he tells me to keep using Hydrocortisone Cream 1%. It takes the itch away only if he doesn’t lick the cream off first. I feel the one on the base of his tail should be removed surgically and there are a few more. I was wondering is there a long term treatment like steroids or some type of injection other than the Cortisone Cream that will help since no surgical removal has been recommended to date?
I’m so sorry to hear your dog is having a problem with warts. Unfortunately, it’s a common ailment in canines. I suggest you ask your veterinarian about a long-term treatment for your dog’s warts. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog and I hop your dog is feeling better soon.
I have a one-year-and-ten-month-old dachshund who was diagnosed with a papilloma today. The vet prescribed prednisolone along with antibiotics. After reading the article, I’m quite worried about the prednisolone causing the papilloma to flare up. Should I be concerned?
The article is referencing prednisone as a possible cause of a breakout, not commenting on the use of the medication for treatment. However, if you’re concerned, you should contact your veterinarian’s office to find out if there is a possible side effect to the medication. Canine Campus is a dog boarding, daycare and grooming facility. We are not veterinarians. We offer the information on the blog as a public service.
I have a 6 and a half month old German Shepherd pup. I am seeing 5 different small warts on his lips inside of his mouth. He does go to puppy daycare which most likely where it was transmitted. His breath is stinky but is still eating well. I understand that these do go away after time but if they are smaller is there a need to take him in?
Since you have a concern the best thing to do is take your pup in to be seen by your veterinarian.
Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
If humans can get vaccinated for papilloma virus, then cananies should be as well, it should be part of the vaccs that puppies get, as a prevention.
I feel so bad for my beagle having all these warts!
Are the vets resisting vaccine as they make a lot of money treating these warts.
Which resist treatment anyway.
Where can I get Azithromycin?
I see one the comments with success?
So sorry to hear about your dog’s wart problem. You should ask your veterinarian about the best medication for your dog. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
My beagle was 9 weeks on antibiotics for oozing allergies on her paws .
She is 12 yrs old and har Lots of papilloma warts . Some oozing. Can I clean them with rubbing alcohol? Or what? Do I apply hydrocortisone cream or Polysporin?
After the antibiotics I give her saccharmyces Boulardi, 5billion. 60 tabs. Also 500mg l-lysine and omega 3. She gets good kibble, no grains. And I supplement with a portion of my own cooked veg and meat. Today, liver and swetpotatos.
Any suggestions.
The best course of action is to call your vet and ask these questions. We cannot provide veterinary advice, only general education related to dog care. Every dog is an individual and your vet has the training and experience you need to help your dog.
My Yorkie is 3 yrs old. He has tags (little warts) on him. They are not on his face only his body. One got infected because I kept picking at it trying to get it off. He has several on him. The vet had to lance the infected one. She got some puss out of the infected one, and gave him an antibiotic shot it cost $66.00. I have one on my forehead and don’t no where it came from. I’ve have never had a wart on my face. Could I have got it from my dog.
While all the literature I reviewed indicated warts are not transmissible between canines and humans, you might want to check with your dermatologist to be sure. Thank you for taking your dog in for treatment; hope he is doing fine. And thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
My dog has to many warts to have surgery. What else can help them??
Canine Campus is a dog boarding, daycare and grooming facility. We are unable to give veterinary medical advice. We recommend you discuss your concerns with your veterinarian.
Can I use a “EndTag” drop on papillomas that are on my Shih Tzu’s back in hopes that the warts will dry up?
The product is sold to humans who have “skin tags”.
We recommend you run over-the-counter treatments by your veterinarian. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
Hello! What would be the ideal conduct of a daycare stablishment if one dog shows up with papillomatosis? You would recommend to stop going until its gone? Thank you!
A dog with a papillomatosis should not co-mingle with other dogs. You should see your veterinarian and not allow your dog back to daycare until your vet has given you the green light to return to a group setting.
I have been giving Boiron Thuja Occidentalis to my 14 year old Havanese for chronic warts.
Try it.
Hi my dog lucky is16 years old and has warts all over his body but now they are on his face near his eye. I worry about them but just hate for him to have surgery at his age. Am I right??
You should always consult your veterinarian before making a medical-related decision. Your veterinarian has examined your dog, know your dog’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your dog. So glad you’ve had Lucky for such a long time! All the best to you and Lucky. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
I have a 7 month old Aussie Shepard with a huge papilloma wart on the outside lower of his lip. It was the size of a dime when he accidentally tore off a third of it due to being so big. It bled but eventually stopped. The other day I noticed another third of it tore off again. The wart has become a lot smaller than before and I can now see the base of it. My question is, while the base of the wart is still there and if the remainder of the outside part continues to comes off accidentally or not, will the base start to grow again?
Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog. We are a dog boarding, daycare and grooming facility and do not have veterinary medicine training. Please seek out the advice of a local veterinarian to help you know whether the papilloma wart will grow back or not.
My Dogue de Bordeaux pup had 2 or 3 large warts on her gums and 1 under her tongue. We first noticed them when she was about 10 weeks. She is now 6 months and she is all clear.
We took her to the local vet, who confirmed what we had read online, and were told not to worry ,as her immune system will mature and kill off the warts.
As I said, she is now all clear and healthy.
Great – so glad to hear she outgrew them! Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog! We appreciate your comment.
I have a older dog and she has a few that just came up. Where would she have gotten them we have no younger dogs? Also thinking about getting a puppy and can she get
These from her
Papillomas are highly contagious. The virus spreads easily with direct contact and can live in the environment for a short period. The incubation is one to two months. A dog with warts is extremely contagious. It’s hard to tell where your dog was exposed. I would check with your veterinarian before adopting a new puppy. Thank you for stopping by the Canine Campus blog.
Our 12 year Bischon developed several large wart this year. Our vet removed and cartharized them.
I hope your pooch is feeling better! Thanks for stopping by!
My bishon who is 13 has warts 2 near her eye I think she has knock them cleaned got the blood of got the powder and spray if it does not dry up in 48 hrs do you think it’s a vets trip
You should contact your veterinarian to see if they feel a visit is necessary.
What should I use to keep my Golden’s warts clean? She has a rather large one on by her nose and several are now erupting around in her face. Alcohol wipes? What is best? They can get crusty.
Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog. We suggest you consult with your veterinarian’s office to find out what they suggest.
I just noticed what looks like a wart in my dog’s mouth, but he hasn’t been around another dog for over 10 months. Are there other ways my dog could have gotten this? I have a new kitten, but I didn’t think dogs and cats could transmit the virus from one to another.
Hi Georgia,
Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog! It is my understanding warts are generally species specific but you should check with your veterinarian to be sure. Sometimes it’s hard to identify exactly where the papillomas came from. Best of luck to you, your dog and your new kitten!
My name is Thomas and im woried that my puppy has a wart on the tip of her tounge.
Should this go away?
is it better to freeze one wart so other warts dont form
or is it better to let the first wart go away and see if anyothers form.
Thank you!
A wart at the tip of your puppy’s tongue may be worrisome. Since you don’t want the warts to spread, it might be worth a call to your veterinarian to determine if she needs to be seen. Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog!
My 15 dog has lots of warts all over her body including her paws. She is always licking them.i really don’t know what to do
Hi Carol! Thanks for stopping by the Canine Campus blog. I suggest you set up an appointment to have your dog seen by your veterinarian to screen out any serious problem like cancerous tumors, determine if the warts need to be surgically removed or treated with cyrotherapy (freezing). Let us know how your appointment turns out!