Skin papillomas in dogs, commonly referred to as dog warts, are benign tumors caused by the canine papillomavirus. These small warts can appear on various parts of a dog’s body, such as the gums, mouth, and paws.

While dog warts are harmless, their appearance and location can be troublesome for dogs. Fortunately, these skin papillomas in dogs will regress on their own within a few weeks or months. 

What Causes Skin Papillomas in Dogs?

Skin papillomas in dogs are caused by the canine papillomavirus, a virus that specifically affects dogs. This virus triggers the growth of benign warts or papillomas on the skin or mucous membranes. 

The canine papillomavirus is highly contagious and typically spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Once the virus enters the body through small cuts in the skin, it begins to multiply in the outer skin layers, eventually forming papillomas.

How Does a Dog Get Papillomas?

To know more about this skin condition, let’s talk about how the virus spreads. 

Dog-to-Dog Contact

Physical interactions with other dogs are the most common way the virus can spread. This includes playing, fighting, and licking. The risk increases if your dog is always interacting with other dogs.

Shared Objects

Items like food and water bowls, toys, leashes, or bedding can become contaminated with the virus and serve as a transmission source. While the virus does not survive forever in the environment, it can remain infectious long enough to spread in places where many dogs interact.

Environmental Exposure

Communal areas such as unhygienic dog parks, daycare facilities, grooming salons, and animal shelters are hotspots for virus transmission due to the high density of dogs and shared surfaces.

Risk Factors of Canine Papillomavirus

While any dog can contract the canine papillomavirus, certain dogs are more vulnerable and face a much greater risk. 

• Age. Puppies and adolescent dogs are particularly vulnerable to canine papillomavirus because their immune systems are still developing. Older dogs are also at a much higher risk.

• Weak Immune Systems. Dogs with weakened immune systems have a much greater risk of developing skin papillomas. 

• Breed. Certain dog breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, and Miniature Schnauzers, are at a greater risk of skin papillomas.

• Activity. Dogs that play and spend lots of time with other dogs will have a greater chance of developing skin papillomas. Infected dogs can easily transmit the canine papillomavirus to other dogs.

What Are the Symptoms of Skin Papillomas in Dogs?

While skin papillomas in dogs are usually benign, their presence can cause discomfort for our best friends. Knowing what they look like is the start of getting our dogs the help they need. Here are the key signs of skin papillomas in dogs:

Physical Appearance

Skin papillomas in dogs often have a distinct wart-like appearance, making them relatively easy to spot. Most papillomas are small, round, or oval growths that protrude from the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. 

They typically have a rough, textured surface resembling cauliflower. Their color can vary from pale pink to a gray or dark brown hue, depending on the type of papilloma and the dog’s skin tone.

The type of skin papilloma in your dog will depend on where they are located. Oral papillomas are typically located in the mouth area, such as the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and edges of the lips.

Common Locations

Papillomas can develop on various parts of a dog’s body. Oral papillomas are frequently found on the lips, tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks. These growths are especially noticeable when your dog is eating, drinking, or yawning. 

Other skin papillomas in dogs may appear on the back, abdomen, limbs, or other parts of the skin.

Potential Secondary Symptoms

While most papillomas are harmless, their location can sometimes lead to discomfort or complications. 

Oral papillomas in dogs can interfere with eating or chewing if they grow too large or become infected. Dogs with oral papillomas may drool excessively, have difficulty picking up food, or accidentally bite the warts.

Growths between the toes or on the paw pads can cause limping or reluctance to walk, especially if the papillomas become irritated or bleed. Papillomas located in areas subject to friction, such as near collars or harness straps, may become red, swollen, or painful.

Persistent scratching or chewing at papillomas can break the skin, which can result in bacterial or fungal infections.

Behavioral Changes

Dogs with skin papillomas may show behavioral changes related to discomfort or irritation. For example, you might notice your dog scratching, licking, or biting at the affected area. Dogs with oral papillomas may paw at their mouths or seem reluctant to eat their usual food.

Limping or losing interest in playing could also be a sign, as the discomfort might be too much for them. You also might see them wanting to lie down more often than be active.