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, dog 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.
What are puppy warts?
Puppy warts (Canine Papilloma Virus) are typically benign.
They can be compared to chicken pox in humans. Generally, once the dog is exposed to the virus and presents with warts, the
dog does not get them again. 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. The warts themselves are not dangerous and 99% of the time they are non-cancerous.
Generally warts disappear within six weeks. Most veterinarians will not prescribe antibiotics unless the warts have been present
for more than six months and there are a great number of them in the mouth.
What should I do if my dog
has them?
Most veterinarians will not prescribe antibiotics unless the warts have been present for more than
six months and there are a great number of them in the mouth. You need to decide the best course of action by talking with
your veterinarian. Occasionally veterinarians recommend surgical removal when the warts are so numerous it prevents the dog
from eating. Even more rarely it is possible to remove a wart and have it crushed and made into a vaccine specific to your
dog.
What if my dog has warts?
Each pet care facility or daycare will have a different
protocol about whether dogs with obvious infection will be allowed. Since the virus is thought to be contagious up to two
weeks before an actual wart appears it is impossible for your provider to prevent outbreaks. The virus is not a serious health
risk and is considered by most a “puppy illness” and a right of passage that most pup’s go through before
they reach adulthood (much like chicken pox). Some pet care providers will dismiss a dog if it has an extremely bad case (numerous
warts in and outside the mouth) because this indicates a severely compromised immune system.
Providing
knowledgeable, professional care for pets
Because your pet care provider believes that your pet deserves the
most attentive, knowledgeable and conscientious care possible and that your pet care facility should be an ethical, professional
business, he or she has joined with other pet care providers across the country who share that belief through ABKA membership.
What is ABKA?
ABKA is the nonprofit trade association for pet care professionals. Founded
in 1977 by a group of concerned individuals within the boarding kennel industry, ABKA now unites almost 3,000 individuals
and businesses providing a variety of pet care services throughout the United States and around the globe. ABKA is dedicated
to upgrading the pet care industry and educating the public about proper pet care. All ABKA members must affirm their commitment
to quality pet care, comply with all applicable laws and ordinances, and subscribe to the ABKA Code of Ethics, which establishes
standards of conduct in all aspects of their professional lives.
Your ABKA member is devoted to your pet’s
well being. Look for the membership certificate proudly displayed.
