My Old Dog is Getting Warts

As dogs age, a variety of conditions develop. Their gait slows down, their eyes may cloud over, their hearing becomes less acute, and lumps begin to form. The majority of lumps are benign tumors, and although a veterinarian should examine each new lump, most do not require any type of medical attention.

One of the more common types of lumps are dog warts. Many owners ask their vets why their older dog is getting warts and if there is anything they can do to stop them from developing or to get rid of the ones already present.

What is a Dog Wart?

There are two types of warts that occur in dogs caused by the papilloma virus. These viruses are site-specific and proliferative DNA viruses that develop as either benign skin tumors or mucosal tumors in young dogs. Although they are not contagious to humans, they are contagious to other dogs.

In older dogs, warts can develop anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found around the toes, footpads, and abdomen. Warts often appear in immunocompromised dogs, particularly those who have been on long-term glucocorticoid therapy, but they can develop in any dog.

Old dog warts tend to be small and slow-growing, if they grow at all. They can cluster in one area or appear sporadically all over the body.

Care for an Older Dog with Warts

Warts are painless benign tumors and are usually ignored once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Warts often cluster around and between the toes, which can impede walking and cause localized discomfort. These should be removed if necessary, especially when they are small.
• Warts can become a problem for dogs that are clipped by a groomer. They may get caught in the clippers or nudged by the comb, causing them to bleed. If this occurs frequently, the wart should be removed.
• If a wart grows more quickly than the others or appears different, it should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. Some malignant tumors may present similarly to benign warts, so it is important not to assume they are harmless.

How do I Treat a Wart on a Dog?

Generally, warts are not treated unless they are impeding the dog’s movement or causing other issues. They can be surgically removed, and some veterinarians may opt for cryosurgery. Cryosurgery involves freezing the lump over a series of days or weeks.

You can also treat warts on your older dog with natural products. The safest treatment is vitamin E oil. Simply puncture a vitamin E capsule with a needle and squeeze the oil onto the wart several times a day. After a few weeks, the wart should begin to shrink.

If the wart is causing discomfort to your dog, castor oil applied daily can help soften the lump and relieve irritation.

Is There Any Way to Prevent My Dog from Getting Warts?

The skin is not only the largest organ in the human body; it is often the most neglected. Healthy skin helps prevent harmful elements from entering the body and protects the internal organs.

Clean, well-groomed fur helps keep skin healthy and lump-free. Bathe your pet as needed and be sure to shampoo both the skin and fur. Brushing out dead hair helps allow more air to the skin and stimulates blood flow, which brings more nutrients to the area while removing toxins.

To help maintain your pet’s healthy skin, feed them a well-balanced diet that is low in corn, wheat, and preservatives and formulated for their age and body type. Avoid heavily processed foods and treats that are high in sugar and chemicals.

Another concern is over-vaccinating your pet. Canine warts have been linked to vaccinations. Vaccines are necessary and save more lives than they harm. However, after a certain age, your pet may not need vaccines every year. Ask your veterinarian about measuring your pet’s ‘titer levels.’ By reducing the number of vaccines your dog receives, even by half, you can help maintain their overall health.

Warts are a normal part of aging for many dogs. Breed and fur type can predispose your pet to developing warts as they age. Breeds like Bichon Frises, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and some terriers seem to be more prone to developing warts, but all breeds can develop them as they age.