My Old Dog Is Getting Warts: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Veterinarian

As dogs grow older, it’s common for owners to notice new lumps, bumps, and skin growths appearing on their pet’s body. While discovering a wart on your senior dog can be alarming, many skin growths in older dogs are harmless and simply part of the aging process.

That said, not every bump is a wart. Some growths may require veterinary attention, making it important to understand what you’re looking at and when to seek professional advice.

Why Is My Older Dog Getting Warts?

As dogs age, changes occur throughout their bodies, including their skin. Senior dogs are more likely to develop benign skin growths, fatty lumps, and warts than younger dogs.

These growths often appear because of:

• Age-related skin changes
• Genetics
• Weakened immune function
• Viral infections
• Increased exposure to environmental factors over time

Many older dogs develop multiple growths as they age, and most are not life-threatening.

What Do Dog Warts Look Like?

Dog warts can vary in appearance depending on their cause.

Some resemble:

• Small cauliflower-like growths
• Raised pink or gray bumps
• Rough, irregular skin lesions
• Single or clustered growths

Warts may appear on the:

• Face
• Eyelids
• Lips
• Mouth
• Legs
• Chest
• Abdomen

They can range from barely noticeable to several centimeters in size.

Are Dog Warts the Same as Human Warts?

Not exactly.

Many dog warts are caused by canine papillomavirus, a virus specific to dogs. These viruses are generally harmless and cannot be transmitted to humans.

In younger dogs, papillomavirus often causes warts around the mouth and muzzle. In senior dogs, however, wart-like growths are frequently related to aging skin rather than active viral infections.

Common Types of Skin Growths in Senior Dogs

Not every lump is a wart.

Several types of benign growths become more common with age.

Sebaceous Adenomas

These are among the most common benign skin tumors in older dogs.

They often appear as:

• Small raised bumps
• Pink, flesh-colored, or pigmented growths
• Wart-like lesions with a rough surface

Many owners mistake them for traditional warts.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are soft, harmless growths that develop in areas where skin rubs together.

They are especially common in older dogs and rarely require treatment.

Lipomas

Lipomas are fatty tumors that develop beneath the skin.

Unlike warts, lipomas usually feel soft and movable when touched.

Papillomas

Papillomas are true viral warts.

They often have a rough, cauliflower-like appearance and may occur individually or in clusters.

Should I Be Concerned About My Dog’s Wart?

While many skin growths are harmless, any new lump should be monitored carefully.

Contact your veterinarian if a growth:

• Appears suddenly
• Grows rapidly
• Changes color
• Bleeds
• Develops an odor
• Becomes ulcerated
• Causes pain
• Interferes with eating, walking, or vision

Even experienced veterinarians cannot always identify a lump by appearance alone. In some cases, diagnostic testing may be necessary.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Dog Warts

A veterinarian may recommend:

Physical Examination

Many benign growths can be identified through examination and medical history.

Fine Needle Aspiration

A small needle is used to collect cells from the growth for microscopic evaluation.

Biopsy

If there is concern about cancer or uncertainty about the diagnosis, a biopsy may be recommended.

Testing provides the most accurate way to determine whether a growth is benign or requires treatment.

Can Dog Warts Be Removed?

Many warts never require treatment.

Veterinarians may recommend removal if the wart:

• Becomes irritated
• Frequently bleeds
• Is infected
• Continues growing
• Causes discomfort
• Interferes with normal activities

Removal methods may include surgical excision, cryotherapy, or laser treatment, depending on the type and location of the growth.

Should I Try Home Remedies?

Many online sources recommend home treatments for dog warts, but owners should proceed cautiously.

Attempting to cut, burn, tie off, or chemically remove a growth at home can cause pain, infection, and complications.

More importantly, a growth that appears to be a wart may actually be something more serious.

Always obtain a veterinary diagnosis before attempting treatment.

Can Warts Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent age-related skin growths.

However, regular veterinary checkups can help identify potential problems early.

You can also:

• Perform monthly skin checks
• Monitor existing growths for changes
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight
• Schedule annual or semi-annual senior wellness exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Are warts common in older dogs?

Yes. Many senior dogs develop benign skin growths and wart-like lesions as part of the normal aging process.

Can dog warts fall off on their own?

Some papillomas may regress naturally, especially in younger dogs. Age-related growths are less likely to disappear without treatment.

Can dog warts be cancerous?

Most warts are benign, but some cancerous growths can resemble warts. Any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

When should I take my dog to the vet?

Schedule an appointment whenever you notice a new growth, especially if it is changing, bleeding, painful, or growing rapidly.

Final Thoughts

Finding a wart on your senior dog can be unsettling, but many skin growths that appear later in life are harmless. The challenge is that benign warts, skin tags, and more serious conditions can look surprisingly similar.

The safest approach is to monitor any new growth carefully and have it evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis provides peace of mind and helps ensure that any potentially serious conditions are identified before they become larger problems.