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My dog has a bump on his mouth. Could it be a wart? Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 23 lbs

Klaus has a strange bump/sore on his mouth. Is it serious?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 11th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! From the pictures you provided and knowing that Klaus is young, what you are seeing appears to be what we call a papilloma. These benign masses are caused by contact with the papilloma virus, usually picked up from another infected dog. The good news is that these masses typically resolve on their own and require no specific treatment. Sometimes these do not go away and need to be removed or are getting too large and become an eye sore or catch on objects and bleed. In these cases, sometimes we will prescribe an antibiotic such as Azithromycin which has been shown to reduce the size and even resolve some papillomas. Most of the time, however, these masses will turn gray or purple in color, shrink and then fall off. If you are concerned about the mass then I would get this examined by your vet. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text consultation if needed.

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    It's always difficult to diagnose any type of lump or bump from a picture alone. From what I can see in that picture it looks like Klaus may have a papilloma (wart) or possibly an ulcer on his mouth. Papilloma are usually not serious, however it would be best to have your veterinarian examine Klaus to make sure that is what is going on. There are other types of skin tumors that can appear even in young dogs so it's probably best to err on the side of caution and have Klaus checked out. Ulcers can develop if a tooth is rubbing over the area. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope this helps!

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