Does My Dog Have Warts? What to Know and When to Act

If you’ve just spotted a strange, bumpy growth on your dog and you’re not sure what you’re looking at – don’t panic. Dog warts are very common, usually harmless, and in most cases, your dog’s immune system will take care of them on its own. Here’s what you need to know.

What are warts?

Warts are small, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths caused by the canine papillomavirus – medically called canine viral papillomatosis. Think of the virus like a microscopic hitchhiker: it enters the skin through a tiny cut or abrasion and triggers the growth of a small, rough bump.

These growths typically have a cauliflower-like texture and can appear almost anywhere on your dog’s body. They’re most common in or around the mouth, around the eyes, between the toes, and on the surface of the skin. Young dogs with developing immune systems and older dogs with weakened immunity are typically more susceptible to these bumps.

Not every bump is a wart, though. Older dogs in particular can develop wart-like growths that aren’t caused by the papillomavirus at all, they just look similar. Your vet can help tell the difference.

Most common symptoms

Warts are usually easy to spot, but they can look a little different depending on where they appear and what type they are.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Oral papillomas. Warts that appear in or around the mouth, usually in young dogs. They can sometimes make eating uncomfortable, especially if there are multiple growths.
• Digital papillomas. Warts that grow between or around the toes. These can cause limping or reluctance to walk if they become irritated.
• Skin warts. Small, cauliflower-textured bumps that appear on various parts of the body. Usually harmless unless they get scratched, rubbed, or infected.
• Inverted papillomas. A less common type. These appear as a firm lump with a small dot or pore in the center, rather than the typical raised, rough texture.

Most warts aren’t painful, but they can become a problem if they’re in a spot that gets a lot of friction, if your dog keeps scratching at them, or if they start to bleed. If a growth is getting bigger quickly, bleeding, or seems to be bothering your dog, it’s time to call your vet.

How do dogs get warts?

In dogs, warts are caused by the canine papillomavirus, which spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or a contaminated object. Think shared toys, water bowls, or bedding. The virus needs a way in, so it typically enters through a small cut or break in the skin. Healthy, intact skin is usually a good barrier.

Here’s the tricky part: the virus can survive in the environment for a while, which means your dog doesn’t even need to be in direct contact with a sick dog to pick it up.

Some dogs are more vulnerable than others. Puppies and young dogs have immune systems that are still developing, which makes them more susceptible. Oral warts in particular are most common in young dogs. On the other end of the spectrum, older dogs or dogs on medications that suppress the immune system are also at higher risk.

Dogs that spend a lot of time around other dogs, at dog parks, doggy daycare, or boarding facilities, have more opportunities for exposure.

What to expect at the vet

In most cases, your vet can identify a wart just by looking at it. The cauliflower-like texture and typical locations are usually a strong enough clue.

If the growth looks unusual, is in an unexpected location, or your vet wants to rule out something more serious, they may recommend a fine needle aspiration (FNA). This is a quick, minimally invasive procedure where a small sample of cells is drawn from the growth with a needle and examined under a microscope. It helps confirm whether the bump is a wart or something else, like a cyst, skin tag, or a more concerning type of tumor.

In most straightforward cases, though, a visual exam is all that’s needed.

How to treat warts

Here’s the good news: most dog warts don’t need treatment at all. Your dog’s immune system will typically clear the virus and resolve the warts on its own within one to two months. In some cases it can take longer, up to a year or two, but that’s less common.

That said, treatment may be recommended if:

• The wart is interfering with eating or walking
• Your dog keeps scratching at it, causing bleeding or risk of infection
• The wart is large, there are many of them, or it hasn’t resolved after three to five months
• Your dog has a compromised immune system

When treatment is needed, your vet may recommend one of the following:

• Surgical removal. For a small number of warts, surgical removal with a scalpel, laser, or cryosurgery (freezing the wart off) is a straightforward option.
• Oral medication. For dogs with multiple warts, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic called azithromycin, which has shown effectiveness against the papillomavirus in some cases.
• Immune stimulation. In some cases, vets will crush a wart, which sounds alarming but is a deliberate technique designed to trigger a stronger immune response and help your dog’s body fight the virus faster.

Treatment approach depends on your dog’s overall health, the number of warts, and where they’re located. Your vet is the right person to make that call, and it’s worth resisting the urge to try removing a wart at home, which can lead to infection or injury.

Can my dog’s wart spread to me?

Dog warts are contagious to other dogs, but the canine papillomavirus cannot spread to humans or other species. You don’t need to worry about catching warts from your dog.

That said, if your dog has warts, it’s a good idea to keep them away from other dogs until the warts have cleared, especially in communal settings like dog parks or boarding facilities. Shared items like toys, water bowls, and bedding can carry the virus, so washing these regularly during this period is a good precaution.

If you have multiple dogs at home, temporarily separating the affected dog can help reduce the chance of spread.

Are warts covered by pet insurance?

Vet exams, diagnostic tests, medications, and minor procedures can add up quickly, especially if your dog has multiple warts or needs surgical removal. Having coverage in place before something comes up is what makes pet insurance genuinely useful.

Lemonade pet insurance can help cover the cost of diagnosing and treating dog warts, including procedures and medications, as part of a base accident and illness policy. Coverage details depend on your specific plan, so it’s worth reviewing your policy or reaching out to the Lemonade team with any questions.

If you don’t have coverage yet, this is a good reminder that pet insurance works best when it’s in place before a diagnosis, not after.

Before we go

Dog warts are rarely cause for alarm. Most of the time, they resolve on their own without any treatment, and your dog won’t even seem bothered by them. The key is knowing what to look for, keeping an eye on any growth that changes or causes discomfort, and looping in your vet if something doesn’t seem right.

You know your dog. If something on their skin looks off or seems to be getting worse, trust that instinct and give your vet a call.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC.  The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.