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My dog has growing bumps on her tongue and face. Are they contagious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 60 lbs

My dog has a bump which started out looking like an inflamed taste bud on her tounge but now has grown larger. She also has a bump by her whiskers which has gotten larger over time. Any idea what these might be and whether I should seek medical attention? I’m worried they will spread to my other dog.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using PetCoach to address your concern. What I am seeing in the photos appears to be what we call a papilloma. These are a result of the canine papilloma virus and it is likely that Georgia picked it up from another dog. It is possible that your other dog could get it but if your other dog is much older, it is less likely to happen. These bumps typically go away on their own but can take months to resolve. There are treatment options that may or may not work. Please follow the below link for more information on this viral infection. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=465

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