How to correctly identify and treat warts in dogs

What types of warts are there on dogs?

If dogs have warts, they usually do not have a uniform appearance. Warts in dogs can appear in different ways. Warts in dogs are usually caused by the papilloma virus. The papilloma virus attacks the dog's skin and mucous membranes, changes the DNA of the cells and causes growths on the skin. This generally leads to unsightly skin changes. In order to distinguish warts from malignant tumors, it is advisable to have them examined by a veterinarian.

Different types of warts in dogs:

• Virus-related papillomas Most often occur in dogs with a weakened immune system as well as in puppies and mainly young dogs. In older dogs, however, papillomas only occur sporadically.
  
• Inverted papillomas can affect all age groups of dogs. They are approx. 1 - 2 centimeters tall and occur either singly or in groups. They have a solid structure with a central opening.
  

Are dog warts dangerous?

For the most part, warts in dogs are completely harmless. They usually disappear after a certain time. However, even a small wart can cause major problems for the dog. For example, if the wart gets bigger or if a wart is even a tumor.

How can you tell warts apart?

Anyone who is a layperson cannot usually tell the difference between a wart and a tumor on a dog. However, it is important that you feel your dog carefully when scratching or stroking. Already to discover changes in the form of nodes.

What can you do about warts on dogs?

If you want to treat your dog's warts yourself, it's best to use a cotton pad or cotton swab. With this you can e.g. b. Apply castor oil specifically to the warts. You can usually notice significant shrinkage after just a week. After treatment with castor oil, a wart on a dog should disappear completely.

At the vet, the dog will be put under a short anesthesia so that one or more warts can be easily and safely removed. The areas covered by warts are shaved beforehand and then the wart is cut out with a scalpel. Warts can also be removed by freezing the tissue.

Warts in dogs are mostly small, benign skin tumors. They are caused by viruses and are a widespread phenomenon in dogs. As a rule, they don't bother the dog. However, if warts appear in the eye area, you should have them professionally removed by a veterinarian. Only a veterinarian can distinguish harmless warts from malignant tumors.