Via Saliva, ‘Oral Papilloma Warts’ Can be Very Contagious

Most of us have a good idea what warts look like, at least on the skin, with those mostly flat, raised and somewhat hard bumps; many of us have experienced one or more of these small growths.  But what about dog warts? Though there are different TYPES of warts in dogs, it seems that most come from a single underlying cause; that being a viral infecting microbe known as the papillomavirus. However, from what we’ve seen in our 18+ year history, the sheer number of cases of troubling skin warts in dogs is far outdone by the more troublesome Oral Warts, otherwise known as Oral PapillomaVirus Dog WartsPapillomas (as tied to the papillomavirus). These more obvious and rather ugly, irregular growths generally appear in or around the mouth, and often in the throat.  With their ‘cauliflower like’ shapes, they tend to multiply and grow rapidly, and can really cause problems if doing so in the throat.  Those generally flat-headed dog warts that appear or grow on skin surfaces of the body fall into a category referred to a ‘papillomatosis’.  And, being on skin areas (often under the coat) such warts are less noticeable and generally less bothersome. However, while some might not agree, it’s logical that either type of dog warts can spread to other areas – or other dogs.

You may actually find articles written that say not to worry because dog warts can’t spread (within the body, or to other bodies) and should eventually go away on their own.  This argument may hold true at times for skin warts, but not likely for Oral warts, often referred to as papillomas. Just consider the fact that dogs are always licking at most anything and this may begin to open your eyes to how easily a viral issue can be spread, either internally or externally. With such activity, dogs not only spread their own saliva but are likely to encounter saliva of other dogs. Can you imagine an easier or quicker way to spread viral infection, other than airborne microbes generally responsible for respiratory illness, like Kennel Cough? Yes, saliva could be the x-factor that helps spread the ‘dog warts’ problem wherever dogs are in close proximity.  Dog parks, playgrounds, dog events, kennels, or even the vet’s office, are places where your dog may come into contact with the saliva of another dog. Consider this question – how many dogs are actively interested in activities like chasing balls, Frisbee’s, sticks, etc?  Or, items of food or food wrappers lying around on floors or public grounds. Surely it is illogical to assume dogs cannot spread infections of a viral nature.

Pooh-Bear-Dog-Warts-Spread

Papilloma Wart on lip of Pooh Bear

So, it seems we have made a fairly good case that, with the root cause of dog warts as a virus, it should be fairly obvious that such viral issues CAN and WILL spread. Therefore, dogs obviously suffering from oral papilloma warts (especially) should be considered contagious. If you logically tie oral and saliva together and consider our previous argument, the oral papilloma warts can likely spread easily and quickly. And, since the same virus may account for skin warts as well, there is no guarantee that either or both types of warts won’t appear on any given dog succumbing to such infection. It should also be pointed out that the papilloma virus in dogs is species specific – meaning you will not start getting such warts as in “catching it from your dog”. However, there is a human-specific form of papilloma virus, and warts that generally result and/or spread from such infection are most likely to be of venereal nature.  There is some evidence that a woman having carried the human form of the papilloma virus may be vulnerable to cervical cancer.

Just like most other dog viruses, the young and the old are more susceptible to papilloma warts due to likely less capable immune function. Depending on the location of warts on the body, veterinarian recommendations may vary: If the wart is in an uncomfortable or easily irritated place, like the mouth, vets often suggest surgical removal. Be aware that this can frequently cause the virus to rapidly spread to many areas of the body, as the open wounds try to heal. If the warts are not in an irritable place, vets may recommend ‘waiting it out’ until the virus is gone and the warts go away. Much like canine influenza, keeping your dog comfortable and allowing the virus to take its course can sometimes be a better choice than the surgery – IF it does, in fact, “go away”.

Regardless of if the warts are in a comfortable or uncomfortable place, it’s still troubling to many pet parents to know that their dog is fighting with a virus. At Nzymes, we speak with dog owners on a regular basis that are dealing with this issue. As advocates of the body’s ability to heal itself with proper nutrition via support from natural supplements, we recommend approaching this issue internally – and are happy to report our clients have experienced great success.

Take, for instance, Joan and her sweet dog Pooh Bear. Joan recently sent us her brief story; the pictures that you see are of Pooh Bear – before using Nzymes products (above) and then less than two weeks after utilizing the Nzymes approach.Pooh Bear & dog wart mostly gone

JOAN: My sweet pit mix, Pooh Bear, developed a gross looking thing on her lip – diagnosed by our vet as a “dog-wart” that “would probably go away on its own in a couple weeks.”  Well, a month or two later it was just bigger and uglier.  My niece told me about Nzymes… I had my doubts but gave it a try.  In just over two weeks Pooh Bear’s disgusting wart has nearly vanished. I’ve got the pics to prove it. And, she LOVES the special treats. Thank you Nzymes!  I am now a firm believer.

Stories like these inspire us and testify to the restorative powers of the body when given the proper resources. Sadly, nutritional support is too often overlooked as a pathway back to health, and for many common or challenging issues – mainly because it’s not a quick fix. But as Joan shared, sometimes just a few weeks can make a real change, as can be exemplified by yet another example.

 


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