Warts are a common condition that can affect all dogs, especially those with weak immune systems. Most are benign and won't cause your dog any discomfort. However, they must be monitored, as warts can become malignant and cancerous. If your dog has warts that are dark in appearance, growing or ulcerated, it is important to seek advice from your vet immediately.
-
Papilloma Virus
-
This is the most common cause of dog warts and affects youger puppies or dogs with a weaker immune system. Papillomas are benign tumors that have a scaly appearance. It can take months for the warts to develop after a dog contracts the papilloma virus and usually the warts will go away on their own. Although they are harmless, the papilloma virus is contagious so the warts could be spread to other dogs.
Glandular Tumors
-
Like the warts caused by the papilloma virus, these are benign tumors that can develop in the sebaceous glands in the skin, or in the melibomium glands around the eye. They are harmless themselves but their position could cause your dog problems. As they are not viral, they might need to be surgically removed if they are causing your pet discomfort. Melibomium tumors can also damage your dog's eyesight, so your vet might recommend their removal, even if they don't appear to be causing your dog any problems.
Malignant Melanoma
-
Malignant melanomas are a type of skin cancer. This is potentially fatal so requires urgent veterinary attention. These warts usually appear on your dog's face, especially around the eyes and lips. Unlike the pale papillomas, these warts will be dark brown or black in color.
Allergic Reactions
-
As the website Dog Warts says, this cause of dog warts has only recently been discovered. It is not commonly diagnosed by vets and is more popular with holistic practitioners (those who favor natural medications). It is also described as 'over-vaccination' and warts usually appear at the site of a vaccination. They might be red and scaly, and can appear in clusters.
-