🦠 Viral Papillomas in Dogs: A Vet’s 2025 Guide to Canine Warts, Diagnosis & Treatment 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Ever noticed a strange, cauliflower-like bump on your dog’s lip or skin? 😮 You might be dealing with a viral papilloma, commonly referred to as a wart. Though the term “wart” might sound harmless, understanding the nuances of these skin growths is important for every dog owner. 🐾 In this 2025 veterinary guide, I’ll walk you through what viral papillomas are, how to recognize them, when to treat, and how to keep your pup happy and healthy. 🐶❤️

🔍 What Are Viral Papillomas?

Viral papillomas are small, benign skin tumors caused by a group of canine-specific viruses known as canine papillomaviruses (CPV). They most often affect young dogs, especially those under 2 years old, due to their developing immune systems. These growths can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly seen around the mouth, lips, eyelids, and occasionally between the toes. 🦷👀🦶

Visual Appearance 🧐

Unlike smooth human warts, canine viral papillomas tend to be rough and fimbriated (frond-like). They resemble tiny sea anemones or mini cauliflowers. 🥦 Some are solitary, but more often, they appear in clusters. If you find one, check your dog’s lips, gums, and mouth for more!

🧬 How Dogs Catch the Virus

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated surfaces (like toys, bowls, or bedding). The virus needs a break in the skin—such as a scrape or scratch—to infect. 🦠

• 🧒 Puppies and young dogs are most susceptible
• 🐶 Dogs with suppressed immune systems (e.g., taking cyclosporine) are also at risk
• ♻️ Recovered dogs are immune to that strain but can be infected by others

The virus is not contagious to humans or other pets like cats. 🧍🐱

⏳ Incubation and Symptoms

The incubation period is about 1–2 months after exposure. Most dogs remain energetic and healthy, but the warts can be cosmetically unappealing or interfere with eating and grooming in severe cases. 🤕

🩺 Diagnosis: Is It Really a Wart?

Not all bumps are viral papillomas. Other growths—benign or malignant—can look similar. If the wart appears in a typical spot (mouth/lips) on a young dog, a vet may diagnose visually. 👀

But in unusual locations (toes, belly, older dogs), or if the appearance is atypical, a biopsy is recommended to confirm. 🧪

📉 Are Papillomas Dangerous?

Usually not. Most cases resolve without treatment in 1–2 months as the immune system kicks in. 🌟 But complications can occur:

• 🍽️ Interference with chewing or swallowing
• 😷 Bacterial infection from oral flora
• ⏳ Persistence beyond 3 months

When that happens, treatment or biopsy becomes necessary. 🔍💉

💊 Treatment Options

1. Natural Regression ⏳

In most mild cases, doing nothing is a valid option. Monitor your dog, ensure they’re eating and playing, and watch for signs of progression. 🐕

2. Surgical Removal or Cryotherapy 🧊✂️

For obstructive or cosmetically concerning papillomas, vets may surgically remove or freeze them off. This is especially helpful for large clusters. ❄️

3. Immune Boosting 💪

• Crushing a few warts can trigger an immune response that helps eliminate the others
• Imiquimod topical cream encourages immune inflammation to fight the virus. Skin irritation is a sign it’s working

4. Antiviral Medications 💉

• Interferon injections (rare, expensive, mixed success)
• Azithromycin – A 10-day course showed complete clearance in some studies; often used for stubborn cases

5. Autogenous Wart Vaccine 💉🧬

In severe or chronic cases, a custom vaccine can be made from the dog’s own wart tissue. Companies like Torigen specialize in this approach. It may take weeks to work but helps in difficult cases. 🧫🧠

📊 Types of Papillomas: Not Just Oral!

1. Oral Papillomas 👄

• 🔬 Caused by CPV-1
• 👅 Found on lips, mouth, tongue, gums
• 🧒 Seen mostly in young dogs

2. Cutaneous Inverted Papillomas 🌀

• 📍 Often found on belly or between toes
• 📸 Appear as single nodules with a central pore
• 🧬 Caused by CPV-2 and others

3. Pigmented Papilloma Plaques 🖤

• 📍 Common in pugs and miniature schnauzers
• 🟤 Dark, scaly plaques
• ⚠️ May turn malignant (rarely)

4. Digital Papillomas 🦶

• 🩸 Grow between toes or on paw pads
• 😖 Often painful
• ⚠️ Can also transform into malignant tumors

📆 When to See the Vet

Don’t panic over a single wart, but see a vet if:

• 📈 Warts grow rapidly or multiply
• 🍽️ Your dog has trouble eating
• 😷 The growth smells or seems infected
• ⏳ Warts persist beyond 3 months
• 🧓 The patient is a senior or immune-compromised dog

📲 Ask A Vet Support for Skin Growths

Not sure what that bump is? Upload a photo and connect with a vet on AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for fast answers. 📷📱 Many papillomas are harmless, but catching the few that aren’t is key. 🧠

🛡️ Prevention Tips

While you can’t fully prevent viral papillomas, you can reduce risk:

• 🚿 Clean toys and bowls regularly
• 🧼 Disinfect bedding and shared spaces
• 🧒 Avoid high-contact environments with young puppies
• 💉 Support immune health with proper diet, vaccines, and parasite control

🎯 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Viral papillomas in dogs are generally benign, short-lived, and self-resolving. But they can look scary and become problematic in some dogs. With the right knowledge and support, you can identify when to wait and when to treat. 🐕💙

Unsure if your dog’s skin growth is serious? Connect with a vet right now via AskAVet.com or the Ask A Vet app. 📲 Don't leave it to guesswork—let’s get you answers and peace of mind. 🧘‍♂️

🐾 Stay informed, stay proactive, and give your pup the care they deserve in 2025 and beyond! 🎉