Puppy Warts are a very common issue for puppies less than 2 years old. It’s not serious, but they are contagious. Please check your puppy periodically and refrain from daycare if you notice any signs of warts:
What are puppy warts?
Puppy warts are typically benign. They can be compared to chicken pox in humans in that they are spread very easily between dogs. Don’t worry, you can’t catch puppy warts from your dog! Commonly the virus is found in dogs less than two years of age because they have a less effective immune system, but older dogs and dogs that have not been exposed to the virus can still catch it. It is commonly thought that the dogs must touch noses or “swap spit” to transfer the virus so dogs in a social environment are at a higher risk.
What do the puppy warts look like?
The most common appearance is inside the mouth. They look like small lumps in between the lips and the gum line (sometimes on the tongue). The lumps look pale pink raspberries or little pieces of cauliflower heads. The number and size of the warts in the mouth can vary greatly.
What do I do if my puppy has warts?
The warts themselves are not dangerous and generally disappear on their own within six weeks. They are caused by a virus (Canine Oral Papilloma Virus) that simply runs its course much like any virus in children. Treatment is usually not necessary unless the warts are causing discomfort to the dog. Because they can spread easily in a social environment, please let us know if you have seen warts in your dog. We’ll ask you to keep your puppy out of the group environment until the warts fall off on their own.
Dogs that lead social lives are exposed to various viruses, bacteria’s and parasites more frequently than their counterparts that lounge at home in solitude. This includes going to the dog parks, doggie daycare, boarding facilities, puppy socials, training classes—even the aisles at the local pet store! Just because Fido lounges at home does not mean he is safe from all illness only that he has a lower probability of exposure.
K9 Kingdom offers a fun, safe, social group play environment for dogs enjoying our Doggie Daycare and Boarding services. Located in Wexford, PA and serving neighboring communities such as Cranberry, Bradford Woods, Allison Park, McCandless, and north Pittsburgh, K9 Kingdom is a full service pet care facility. We cater specifically to dog owners who love to spoil their pets and treat them like family members. Contact us today at 724.935.DOGS or visit our website at myk9kingdom.com and watch our virtual tour.
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