Warts in Dogs: An Overview

Dog Breeds

Fibropapillomas, also called papillomas, are what most people call the common wart. They are composed of skin and connective tissue cells and are extremely contagious between dogs by either direct or indirect contact.

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Definition of Warts

Fibropapillomas, also called papillomas, are what most people call the common wart. They are composed of skin and connective tissue cells and are extremely contagious between dogs by either direct or indirect contact. Fortunately, they are not transmitted from dogs to people or to cats.

Causes of Canine Warts

Warts are external growths caused by any of a number of papilloma viruses – a group of DNA viruses that induce proliferative, species-specific and usually benign skin and oral tumors in dogs. The underlying cause is thought to be largely immune-mediated, and there appears to be a genetic component in certain breeds. Dogs on chronic corticosteroid therapy frequently become immunocompromised and are more likely to develop papillomas. Infection by a papilloma virus requires inoculation through a break in the skin or mucosa, normally through direct contact with lesions on an infected dog, or possibly through contact with contaminated veterinary instruments or other items carrying the virus.

The incubation period for canine papilloma viruses is usually 1 to 8 weeks from contact with an infected dog. The warts typically regress within 5 months, but they can persist for years.

Prevention of Canine Warts

There is no foolproof way to prevent warts in dogs. Dogs known to have oral papillomas should be kept away from susceptible dogs, because the condition is quite contagious. Chronic use of corticosteroids should only be used when medically necessary, because it reduces a dog’s ability to fight infection. A papilloma virus vaccine is under development and shows promise.

Special Notes

A number of skin conditions can be confused with warts, some of which are very serious. All lumps and bumps on dogs should be checked by a veterinarian. If surgical removal of a wart is recommended, it can be accomplished by traditional surgical excision, cryosurgery, laser ablation or electrosurgery/electrocautery. Warts are not transmittable between dogs and people, because they are species-specific. However, they are highly infectious between dogs.

Symptoms and Types