Here is what you should know about dog warts.
Have you discovered a red bump on your dog’s snout? Or an abnormal skin growth on their paw? It could be a wart. Dog warts are minor skin growths typically found on a dog’s lips and inside its mouth. These warts are sometimes on their paws or eyelids. Any dog can create these harmless warts, but these benign growths can lead to secondary infections if they become infected or inflamed. Here is what you should know about dog warts.
The Appearance of Dog Warts
Pet owners can typically spot warts on their canines. They resemble a small head of cauliflower or brain, have a dark color, and can be oval, round, or unevenly shaped. These warts are also directly on your dog’s skin and sometimes develop in clusters, resembling skin tags.
Although dog warts don’t trigger canines’ discomfort or pain, they can bleed or result in infection if they snag on something. Until they heal, they will cause some irritation to your dog.
Why Do Warts Form on Dogs?
Dogs can develop warts, but almost develop in canines younger than two years old since their immune systems haven’t fully formed. Moreover, dog warts are prevalent in canines that spend much time with other dogs. This shouldn’t cause pet owners any alarm.
Diagnosis of Warts on Canines
Your veterinarian at Alexander Animal Hospital will likely diagnose your dog with warts based on their physical appearance. Otherwise, your vet will look for abnormalities through fine needle aspiration – a small amount of tissue or fluid is suctioned from the growth with a needle. Then, the veterinarian will examine the sample under a microscope.
Removal Process of Dog Warts
Fortunately, most cases of dog warts don’t require a trip to the veterinary office, but it’s still ideal to monitor them. These warts often go away independently as the dog’s immune system learns to fight it.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!