Understanding Canine Papillomas
When a strange wart-like bump suddenly appears on your dog’s lip, gumline, or even eyelid — your first instinct might be panic. What is this? Is it dangerous? Is it contagious?
If your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with canine papilloma, you're not alone. This condition is fairly common, especially in young dogs, or dogs with a weakened or suppressed immune system.
Papillomas — often referred to as “puppy warts” — are caused by a viral infection, and while they are usually benign, they are contagious to other dogs.
Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for pet parents who want to support their dogs naturally — with intention and confidence.
See your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. Then you and I can collaborate on a wellness strategy to support your dog.
What Causes Papillomas?
Papillomas are the result of infection with the canine papillomavirus (CPV) — a species-specific virus that spreads through:
Direct contact with another infected dog
Shared toys, water bowls, bedding, or grooming tools
Communal environments like dog parks, training centers, or boarding facilities
While there are multiple strains of canine papillomavirus, the most common ones affect mucous membranes — like the inside of the mouth, lips, and occasionally the eyes or genitals. Other strains may show up on paw pads or skin.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Puppies — Their immune systems are still developing
Immunocompromised dogs — Chronic illness, heavy medication use, or vaccine overload
Stressed dogs — Emotional stress, travel, boarding, or major life changes can suppress immunity
Seniors / Older dogs — Especially if their immune function is declining
Where Do Papillomas Show Up?
Papillomas typically develop:
Around the mouth and lips
Inside the cheeks and gums
On the eyelids or conjunctiva
Between the toes or paw pads
Occasionally on the genital area
They can look alarming — often white to pink, raised, and textured like a tiny cauliflower floret.
Can It Be Just One?
While papillomas often appear in clusters — especially in young or immune-stressed dogs — it’s not uncommon for some dogs to develop just one. A single growth may indicate early exposure or a stronger immune response limiting the spread.
What Does a Papilloma Look Like on a Dog?
Color: Pale pink, white, or sometimes flesh-toned
Texture: Rough, bumpy, or like a mini-cauliflower
Size: Usually small (pea-sized), but can grow or cluster
Common Locations:
Lips and muzzle area
Inside the mouth (gums, cheeks, roof)
Around the eyes or eyelids
Between toes or on paw pads
Occasionally genitals
Are Papillomas Dangerous?
In most cases, papillomas are not dangerous. They are benign growths — meaning they are not cancerous — and usually clear on their own in one to three months as the immune system mounts a response.
However, they can become problematic when:
They bleed or get chewed on during eating
They become secondarily infected with bacteria
They interfere with vision or walking (especially on paw pads)
They multiply aggressively, which suggests immune dysfunction
In these cases, many vets recommend surgical removal, cryotherapy, or electrocautery — but these options remove the growth, not the cause. Without immune support, they may return.
Supporting the Immune System Naturally
Once you have a papilloma diagnosis, the focus shifts to supporting your dog’s immune system — giving the body what it needs to clear the virus effectively, from the inside out.
Here are some natural wellness strategies to consider:
Nutritional Support
Offer fresh, unprocessed food rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and essential fatty acids
Include foods with zinc, vitamin C, and beta-carotene for skin and immune health
Avoid high-sugar, high-carb kibble — which can suppress immunity and feed viruses
Functional Mushrooms
Reishi, turkey tail, and chaga are known for their ability to modulate and support immune response
These mushrooms may help the body naturally recognize and respond to viral invaders
Herbal Support
Olive leaf and echinacea are traditional antivirals with immune-balancing effects
Astragalus supports long-term immune resilience and energy
Goldenseal may be beneficial short-term for mucous membrane health and antimicrobial support — not for long-term use
Essential Oils
Gentle topical use (diluted) of frankincense, oregano, or a high-quality Immunity Blend may offer immune-modulating benefits
The Raindrop Technique using essential oils along the spine and lymphatic areas may help the body detox and respond to viral stress
Oils must be species-safe and used properly — this is where personalized guidance matters
Homeopathy
Thuja occidentalis is often chosen when the papillomas resemble classic “warts”
Other remedies like Sulphur or Causticum may be considered depending on overall symptom picture
Homeopathy requires matching to the individual, not the condition — this is where a consult helps
Ozone Therapy
Ozone, applied topically or systemically under professional guidance, is antiviral and may support faster resolution
Especially helpful for recurrent or stubborn papilloma outbreaks
Lymphatic Support
Encourage movement with gentle exercise
Brush the coat toward the heart for lymph drainage
Red light therapy or PEMF can help support immune function and circulation
Can Topical Remedies Help With Papillomas?
Topicals are not a stand-alone solution, but they are a helpful piece of a broader wellness plan — especially when combined with internal immune support, fresh food nutrition, and emotional balance.
Here are several topical options that may be helpful:
CBD Salves or Ointments
CBD has anti-inflammatory, calming, and mild antimicrobial properties. A high-quality CBD salve:
May reduce local inflammation around the papilloma
Can help soothe irritation if the dog is licking or chewing the area
May support immune modulation at a cellular level
Look for full-spectrum, organic salves with no synthetic additives or artificial fragrance. Avoid any product with tea tree oil unless it's professionally formulated for dogs and used with guidance. We recommend CBD Dog Health Remedy.
Essential Oil-Based Ointments
Essential oils should always be properly diluted in a carrier base before applying topically. The following oils may be supportive when used in a dog-safe blend or salve:
Frankincense — cellular repair, immune modulation, antiviral
Oregano (very diluted) — natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties
Lavender — gentle skin support, calming, antimicrobial
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) — controversial, but in the correct dilution and formulation, it can be used on dogs under professional guidance
Myrrh — supports skin healing and immune balance
These can be added to a carrier base like:
Organic shea butter
Coconut oil
Beeswax balm
Topical use is best suited to external papillomas — and only if your dog isn’t constantly licking or disturbing the area.
Natural Salve Ingredients to Consider
Calendula — promotes skin healing, reduces irritation
Goldenseal — powerful but short-term antimicrobial, often included in natural ointments
Aloe vera gel (preservative-free) — soothes skin, especially if the wart is irritated
Colloidal silver gel — may reduce secondary bacterial contamination if applied carefully
Important Safety Tips
Always patch test new topicals to ensure your dog doesn’t react
Never apply to open, bleeding, or oozing growths
Prevent licking until the product has absorbed (you can use distraction, booties, or a cone briefly if needed)
Avoid any topical with xylitol, camphor, or synthetic fragrances
When Topicals May Not Be Effective
Topicals may not help when:
The papilloma is internal (e.g., inside the mouth or gums)
The dog continually licks it off, reducing effectiveness
The immune system is too weak to respond without internal support
These cases require a stronger focus on internal healing strategies — diet, herbs, mushrooms, homeopathy, and lymphatic detox support.
✅ When Topicals Do Help:
To soothe irritation, inflammation, or infection around the papilloma
To support immune response at the local level
As part of a Raindrop or lymph-drainage routine
When combined with dietary changes and overall wellness support
Things You Can Do Right Now
Clean shared items — sanitize water bowls, toys, and bedding
Isolate your dog from communal play until cleared
Add fresh, immune-boosting foods to the diet
Use safe essential oils to support immune drainage and skin integrity
Ask about Raindrop sessions, red light therapy, or mushroom supplements
Papilloma vs. Other Skin Bumps: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Papilloma (Viral Wart) | Senior Dog Wart (Sebaceous Adenoma) | Skin Tag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Canine papillomavirus | Aging skin, glandular changes | Friction or minor trauma |
| Contagious? | Yes — to other dogs | No | No |
| Common In | Puppies, immune-suppressed dogs | Senior dogs | All ages |
| Appearance | Cauliflower-like, white/pink, raised | Fleshy, round, often hairless | Soft, hangs from skin |
| Location | Mouth, lips, eyes, toes | Anywhere on the body | Under legs, neck folds |
| Risk | May multiply or become infected | Usually benign | Cosmetic only |
Papillomas can be a frustrating but resolvable issue. The key is recognizing them early, minimizing spread, and offering immune support that helps the body do what it was designed to do.
If you’re dealing with recurrent growths, a cluster of papillomas, or a dog who just doesn’t seem to clear them — there’s likely an underlying immune imbalance that needs to be addressed with a custom plan.
That’s where I come in.
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Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own additional research, consult your vet as needed.
© 2025 Dana Brigman | Well Oiled K9 | All rights reserved.
we can’t post photos of pappilomas here — but you can find many images on google.