Question:
I have volunteered at a no-kill animal shelter for the past six years. During this time, I have learned many wonderful holistic treatments for dogs and cats. I am writing you for help in treating dog warts.
My brother has a 10-year-old female black Labrador who weighs 50 pounds. It started as one wart on her foot, and now she must have at least 20 all over her body. The local vet examined the dog and said nothing could be done to stop them; they are most likely from papillomavirus. Most do not seem to bother this sweet dog, but some are on her paws, and she chews them open. Another is in the center of her forehead, and she rubs furniture with her head. I know these must itch, and I wish she could talk to me about them.
From what I have read, if the immune system is boosted, it could help reduce and clear them up. I have three FIV cats, and I sprinkle L-Lysine on their food to keep immune systems in check. I have also read about a liquid called Thuja that could help the warts. This liquid is taken as drops internally. I have also read about another product called FlexPet; it's a wafer with natural ingredients that are supposed to boost the immune system, which in turn makes warts go away.
L.B., Fairfax, Va Apr 03, 2011
Answer:
The L-Lysine may certainly help your cats but probably not the old dog. She may benefit from skin-improving supplements like flaxseed and hempseed oil and brewer's yeast -- providing half the recommended daily human dose, twice daily.
Essential oils -- diluted in almond oil or similar "carrier" oil (about one drop in 20 drops of carrier) such as frankincense, myrrh, lavender and helichrysum -- applied to the warts several times daily could make a big difference. Smaller warts can be dissolved with salicylic acid or cauterized. A wide-banded neck collar may be needed to stop the dog from licking her paws until they are wart-free and healed.
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