Dog warts are growths that are caused by the papilloma virus. The warts are most commonly found in the eye and mouth area. The warts are contagious and may be transmitted to other canines, but cannot be transmitted to humans. The warts are not a health threat and typically go away without treatment.
Dog Warts Are Contagious to Dogs
Canine warts are skin growths that have structures similar to cauliflower. The warts form due to a virus, the papilloma virus, which attacks the immune system and leads to the occurrence of warts. The warts may be found in the mouth, eye lids, nose or other mucous membranes, but may also be present on the dog's skin on the limbs or other areas.
The papilloma virus is contagious to other canines and may be transmitted through:
- Direct contact with dog warts
- From surfaces such as food bowls that are infected with the papilloma virus; it can thrive in certain environments and may live for up to eight weeks
- Dogs that carry the virus but don't have warts
The papilloma virus may be inactive for up to two months after it is contracted. During the two-month incubation period, the infected dog can transmit the virus to susceptible dogs.
If you have a dog that has been exposed to the papilloma virus or has warts, you should keep him away from other dogs and areas with dogs, to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Dog Warts Are Not Contagious to Humans
The canine papilloma virus is not contagious to humans, so if your dog has warts, you don't have to worry about getting infected. However, make sure to wear protective gloves when handling a dog with warts, especially if you have other dogs in your home, because you can transmit the virus from one dog to the other.
Dogs at Risk
Not all dogs exposed to the papilloma virus develop warts. There are a few dogs that are more likely to develop warts:
- Puppies
- Senior dogs
- Dogs that have a weak immune system or are affected by a disease
Adult dogs are less prone to developing warts, even if exposed to the papilloma virus. Dogs that have already developed warts and have built up immunity to the papilloma virus are very unlikely to develop warts in the future. The warts may occur if the dog's immune system is weakened. If your dog has warts, it may help to perform additional tests to see why the immune system is weak and if there are any underlying conditions.
Warts will rarely need removal and should disappear within six months with no treatment. However, if the warts hinder the dog from swallowing or affect his vision, they should be removed.