Warts on a Dachshund

Warts are a skin ailment that often affects dogs of many different breeds, and the dachshund variety is no exception. Warts are generally harmless growths that appear across the dog̵7;s body, and can occur in the mouth. Though warts are typically not painful, dachshund owners should monitor the appearance of warts as a precaution. As a breed, dachshunds are also particularly likely to suffer from sebaceous gland tumors, often confused with warts.

  1. Why Warts Occur

    • A common cause of warts in dachshunds is due to the papilloma virus. This contagious illness passes from dog to dog and leads to a number of warts growing on the animal̵7;s skin. The warts can appear in several places at once, including the face and neck. Other causes of warts in dogs include irritants to the skin. Though they should be monitored by dachshund owners, a dog̵7;s warts generally are not harmful and many cases of warts clear up in time.

    Removal

    • Warts are often left alone by veterinary practitioners, since a wart is normally harmless and won̵7;t bother a dog. There̵7;s a chance that a dachshund with a wart could encounter a problem if the wart becomes infected or if it irritates the animal and the dog licks it repeatedly. The surgical procedure to remove a wart is relatively straightforward, but warts may recur over time.

    Sebaceous Gland Tumors

    • Dachshunds are one of several dog breeds, including beagles and Boston terriers for example, which are particularly susceptible to sebaceous gland tumors. These tumors commonly occur in dogs, making up almost 8 percent of canine skin tumors, according to D.W. Scott and W.I. Anderson's article ̶0;Canine sebaceous gland tumors: a retrospective analysis of 172 Cases.̶1; Because of the physical appearance of these tumors, owners sometimes get the tumor confused with warts. Some sebaceous gland tumors are surgically removed, but others cause no problems and are left alone.

    Link to Cancer

    • Any lump or growth that appears on the skin of a dachshund has the potential to turn cancerous, and so owners should watch for any change in the appearance of warts so action can be taken if necessary. Cancerous masses grow rapidly and may seem to infringe on bone or tissue. Warts or moles that bleed or begin to spread suddenly may be indicators of cancerous growths.

    Preventing Warts

    • Although it̵7;s difficult to avoid the growth of warts entirely, dog owners can take measures to reduce their appearance. Regular grooming helps, since it reduces the risk of skin irritants, such as parasites lurking in the dog̵7;s hair. Other irritants can be collected by contact with plants in outside areas, so dachshund owners may wish to reduce the time their animals spend in such places. A balanced diet helps to maintain a healthy immune system in a dachshund, which can prevent some skin ailments.