If you are ever in doubt as to whether the growth you are seeing on your dog is a simple wart or some other disease consult your veterinarian. She or he can draw some of the cells out of the growth and examine it under the microscope to give you an accurate diagnosis. [2] X Research source
Common, benign warts are flesh-colored and small. They tend to look like tiny mushrooms. If a benign wart grows or looks inflamed, you may need to remove it. You cannot always tell by looking at it if it is a cancerous tumor or not. Many times cancerous warts are black, quick-growing, and inflamed. They generally form around the eyelids or lips and should be removed as soon as possible.
Many warts disappear on their own, but even those that persist generally remain harmless.
Your veterinarian can also give you guidance as to whether the wart needs removal. Warts that the dog can irritate by scratching or rubbing or that rubs against a collar are best removed to avoid repeated infections and inflammation. At times itching can also signal that the wart is cancerous and should be removed.
As long as you are positive that your dog only has a benign (non-cancerous) wart you can try some of these holistic treatments. Remember that there is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of any of these methods. So if the wart turns black, grows quickly or becomes inflamed, bring your pet to a licensed veterinarian for medical treatment.
You only need to give your dog a single dose. If you do not see any improvement after the first two weeks, however, you may give your dog a second dose. Thuja can cause abortions so do not use in a pregnant animal.
Pour a small amount of ACV into a cup. Smear petroleum jelly on the skin around the wart to protect unaffected skin. Have the dog sit or lay down so the wart is facing up. Use an eyedropper to apply two to three drops of apple cider vinegar to the top of the wart and allow to soak in. Any excess that runs off the wart can be wiped up with a clean paper towel. Keep the dog busy with a toy or petting to allow the ACV to soak in for up to 10 minutes; then let the dog go about its business. Apply ACV to the wart three to four times a day. As the treatment continues it may start to sting as the top of the wart sheds off but continue to treat 3-4 times daily until the “root” is reached. This will eventually dry up and fall off. When the root of the growth dries up there will be a red spot, or blister on the skin. Clean the spot or blister carefully with clean warm water on a clean wash cloth then apply coconut oil to the area once a day until the spot heal. Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties and will promote healing and regeneration of healthy skin cells. [10] X Research source
These treatments can continue up to eight weeks. While you can avoid surgery and the associated risks, this treatment can cause a number of side effects, including fever and loss of appetite.
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, making it a good option if you worry about the risks involved in knocking your dog out with general anesthesia.
Like electrocautery, cryosurgery is performed under local anesthesia, so your dog will not need to be completely knocked out.
Your vet may opt to wait to excise warts until your dog is going under general anesthesia for another reason, since putting a dog under is an extreme measure to put a dog through just to remove warts. [14] X Research source
