What Are Dog Warts?
Dog warts — medically called canine viral papillomas — are small, benign growths caused by the canine papillomavirus (CPV). They can appear anywhere on a dog’s body but are most common around the mouth, muzzle, lips, and eyelids. In young or immunocompromised dogs, multiple warts can appear simultaneously, a condition called papillomatosis.
Most dog warts look like small cauliflower-shaped bumps, though some appear smooth and round. They’re usually flesh-colored or slightly gray and range from a few millimeters to about one centimeter in size. Despite looking alarming, the vast majority are harmless and self-limiting — meaning they go away on their own without treatment.
Canine papillomavirus is species-specific. It cannot spread to humans or cats, only to other dogs through direct contact. Puppies and senior dogs are most commonly affected because their immune systems are less robust.
Types of Dog Warts
Not all dog warts are the same. The specific strain of CPV determines where and how warts appear:
- Oral papillomas: The most common type in puppies under 2 years. Clusters of warts appear inside the mouth, on the gums, tongue, lips, and throat. They can occasionally interfere with eating or swallowing.
- Cutaneous inverted papillomas: Appear on the lower belly and between toes. These grow inward (cup-shaped craters) rather than outward. They tend to affect young adult dogs.
- Cutaneous papillomas (exophytic): Classic outward-growing warts that can appear anywhere on the skin. More common in older dogs.
- Pigmented plaques: Flat, dark, scaly patches — rare and linked to CPV-5. More persistent and occasionally have malignant potential.
- Multiple footpad papillomas: Affect the pads and claws; may cause lameness. Uncommon but seen in immunosuppressed dogs.
If you notice a growth on your dog, especially a new or changing one, have your vet examine it. While true warts are benign, other conditions — including mast cell tumors or squamous cell carcinoma — can look similar and require very different treatment.
Causes and How Dog Warts Spread
Canine papillomavirus spreads through direct contact between dogs. The virus enters through small skin abrasions or breaks in the mucous membrane. It can also survive in the environment for a period of time, meaning dogs can pick it up from contaminated surfaces, toys, or bedding.
The incubation period — from exposure to visible wart development — ranges from 1 to 2 months. Risk factors include young age (under 2 years), senior dogs, immunosuppressive conditions, and frequent contact with other dogs (dog parks, daycares, boarding).
Treatment Options for Dog Warts
The most common treatment for dog warts is watchful waiting. In dogs with healthy immune systems, warts typically resolve on their own within 1–5 months. Treatment may be needed if warts interfere with eating, breathing, or walking; become infected or bleed; spread rapidly; or the dog is immunosuppressed.
Medical interventions include surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing), laser ablation, azithromycin (which has antiviral properties against CPV), and interferon for severe cases. Do not attempt to remove warts at home — cutting or pulling a wart can cause bleeding, infection, and incomplete removal.
When to See a Vet
Seek veterinary care if: a wart changes color, shape, or size rapidly; bleeds, ulcerates, or becomes infected; multiple new warts appear in an adult or senior dog; your dog has difficulty eating, swallowing, or walking due to wart location; or the growth doesn’t look like a typical wart. Your vet may recommend a fine needle aspirate or biopsy to rule out other conditions.
Can dog warts spread to humans?
No. Canine papillomavirus is species-specific and cannot infect humans or cats. You don’t need to worry about catching warts from your dog through petting or close contact.
How long do dog warts last?
In dogs with healthy immune systems, warts typically resolve within 1 to 5 months. Puppies often recover faster once their immune system fully responds to the virus. In immunocompromised dogs, warts may persist longer and require veterinary treatment.
Should I remove my dog’s wart at home?
No. Home removal attempts can cause pain, bleeding, and infection. If a wart is causing problems, see your vet for professional removal via surgery, cryotherapy, or laser treatment.
Can a dog get warts more than once?
After recovering from a specific CPV strain, dogs generally develop immunity to that strain. However, there are multiple strains of CPV, so a dog could theoretically develop warts from a different strain later in life.
Are dog warts contagious to other dogs?
Yes. Canine papillomavirus spreads between dogs through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Dogs with active warts should be kept away from puppies, senior dogs, and immunocompromised dogs until the warts resolve.