So, your puppy has warts—does that mean he got them from a toad? No! Your puppy likely got the warts from their puppy pals.
Believe it or not, warts, medically known as papillomas, are caused by a virus. The virus is passed either directly from puppy to puppy or through the puppy’s environment (e.g., shared toys, bowls and bedding). Typically, the puppy’s skin must have a cut, abrasion or some kind of open injury for the virus to pass to them.
The virus that causes warts doesn’t usually affect adult dogs, but because your puppy is still growing and developing their immune system, it might affect them. But don’t worry. This virus only causes warts—it won’t cause any other symptoms. Better yet, these viruses do not pass to people.
In puppies, warts are most common in and around the mouth and sometimes on the feet. Occasionally, they form around the genitals. The warts usually have a classic, cauliflower-like appearance, such that your veterinarian will often be able to diagnose them simply by examining them. Sometimes the warts may break open and bleed.
If your puppy has warts, it’s important to prevent them from rubbing, scratching or biting the growths, all of which can cause bleeding and infection. Any ulcerated (open) area needs to be kept clean.
In most puppies, papillomas will go away within 1 to 2 months, because puppies eventually develop immunity to the virus that causes them. Rarely, a puppy may have persistent warts, in which case the treatment is surgical removal.
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