Dog Warts and the Canine Papilloma Virus

Dogs are indeed man’s best friend. It is no wonder that so many people have such great heartache when their dogs are sick. One of the most common diseases, yet not quite understood, is the canine papilloma virus, often referred to as “dog warts”.

Dog warts are often seen as warts inside of the dog’s mouth. The warts take on various sizes and shapes, and can also be raised, just as the warts on a human. This is how the term “dog warts” came into place. Unfortunately, dog warts can sometimes in rare cases be quite painful for the dog, and there is still not a cure for the virus as there is so little known about them. The dog warts are actually benign tumors that are in the dog’s mouth, and can be as small as just a few warts, or can cover the entire inside of the dog’s mouth.

For those owners that have older dogs, they do not have to be as concerned about dog warts as those that may have puppies or younger dogs. This is because, although very little is known on the topic, it is known that typically it is puppies and younger dogs that will contract the dog warts in their mouth. On rare occasion, the dog warts may be cancerous tumors. This is typically not always the case, but any dog that contracts dog warts needs to be tested for such a disease.

The bad thing about the dog warts is that there may not be any visible signs of the dog warts until up to two months after they have contracted it. It is not understood how the dog warts can be transferred to one dog or another, so it is often best to keep a close eye on the dog that is contaminated with the dog warts. This means being vigilant in making sure that the dog with dog warts only eats and drinks out of their own food dishes. As much, keeping an eye on the progression of the dog warts in the mouth is the best way to take a preventative stance in making sure that the dog warts do not become larger as well as possibly spreading to the other dogs.

Dog warts can also be prevented by making sure that the dogs are current on all of their shots. Although it is still unknown as to whether or not the canine papilloma virus is resistant to vaccinations, it is best to still be on the tops of things and making sure that it can slow down or even cease the spreading of the dog warts. Taking a dog into the vet at the first signs of any form of dog warts can stop the warts from spreading further inside the mouth. Above all, knowing how to tell the signs from the dog that they are not feeling well, and taking action from the get go is the best way to handle dog warts.