Wart on Dog's Head Changing & Getting Bigger

by Erin
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

Starting mid summer (late July), I noticed a wart on my 6-year-old dog Roxy's head. It started as a small bump, but it continues to change and get bigger.

I showed my vet and he didn't seem concerned... he just said dogs get these and it is probably some type of wart. I asked if I could remove it with wart remover, and he said it wouldn't work on dogs. However, he quoted anywhere from $250-500 to remove the wart depending if he had to use general anesthetic.

This is a lot of money for a wart, but it continues to get bigger. It's probably grown by about 50% since we saw the vet 3 weeks ago. Also, it seems to bleed from time to time.

My husband wants me to try the wart remover, but I really don't feel comfortable doing it.

My questions is:
1. Do you know what type of wart this likely is?

2. Can it be removed by any home remedy or something available at the drug store? If so, what do you recommend?

3. Is there a possibility of this being cancer, and could I make it worse by treating it myself?

Comments for Wart on Dog's Head Changing & Getting Bigger

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Sep 27, 2011

My Online Vet Response for Wart on Dog's Head Changing & Getting Bigger
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Erin,
A "wart" that grows this rapidly may be something more serious, ince benign warts are usually very slow growing, taking 1-2 years to double in size, while malignant, cancerous growths grow very quickly. The only way to diagnose it would be surgical removal and sending it in for biopsy. Lab cost for tissue analysis is usually $100-$150.

In answer to your questions:

1. Do I know what type of wart this is? From the photo I would say it was a benign wart. From the history that it grew to this size in 3 weeks, I would be suspicious of a more malignant type of growth.

2. Can it be removed by a home remedy? The safest and most effective remedy would be a homeopathic ointment called, . Use a 1X potency. Apply one time daily for a minimum of 3-6 weeks.

3. If there is a possibility of cancer, could it become worse with home treatment? Not by using the Thuya.

In the meantime, I would advise improving her diet--see our page on the 10 Best Dog Food diets, and check out the RAW dog food diets.

NO MORE VACCINATIONS. A holistic veterinarian would be able to write an exemption form to avoid vaccinations. And check into supplements to boost her immune system, such as OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder. Add 1/3 -1/2 tsp of powder to her food two times daily.

Also, try Immuplex from Standard Process. Add one capsule to her food two times daily.

A holistic vet would be able to guide your situation more specifically.
Click here to find a holistic veterinarian in your area.

Please click the 'click here to add your own comments' link below to keep us posted.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Warts,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Warts, Cysts and Strange Growths Section

Sep 29, 2011

Thuja Occidentals
by: Erin

Thank-you for your reply, I couldn't find the Thuya Occidentalis ointment at the local Health food store, but they had the pellet format (30CH). Should that still work, or should I keep looking for the ointment format? How long should it take before I see results?

Sep 29, 2011

My Online Vet Response for Wart on Dog's Head Changing & Getting Bigger
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Erin,
Using the oral thuya is best used under the supervision of a holistic veterinarian.

The thuja ointment can be found here: (spelled either "thuja" or "thuya")

Apply one time daily for 3-6 weeks.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Oct 15, 2012

wart treatment
by: Anonymous

our 11 year old golden got a wart on his head, we too got the quote of $400 to remove. I started to dab it with peroxide a few times per day....it started to bleed a bit-then it would foam up....i just kept cleaing it daily....it has shruck in size by 99%, just a small amount is visible....this process took a few weeks....keep pressing hard a bit on the wart, you need to get the peroxide inside to help with the healing....it is almost gone !

Oct 15, 2012

My Online Vet Response for: Wart on Dog's Head Changing & Getting Bigger
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your comments. Hydrogen peroxide is useful for cleansing skin, removing crusts and debris. I am not sure if this method of wart 'removal' will work completely. Or if the wart will continue to return. But it is certainly a great alternative to surgery for your 11 year old Golden Retriever.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us
by clicking the like button at the top of the left
margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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