Thuja for Dog Warts: Does it work?

Canine warts are unsightly but treating them may sometimes be unnecessary because they probably won’t disturb your Fido unless they occur in areas that interfere with his day-to-day activities. Besides, they typically disappear after a few weeks when your dog’s immune system builds a defense mechanism against them. Puppy warts, for instance, are likely to disappear as the dog ages because his immune system becomes stronger.

However, there are cases when warts can become quite bothersome:

• Some canine warts may stick around for longer durations than expected.

• Although most warts will eventually disappear, some may not.

• Body injuries and other physical traumas may cause warts to bleed and become infected.

• Warts located in the mouth or throat may make eating, swallowing, or breathing difficult.

• Warts located on the legs or between the toes may interfere with a dog’s everyday activities like playing, walking, or going to potty.

In the above scenarios, removing warts may be necessary. Common treatment options for warts include the use of peeling medicines, minor surgery, freezing (cryotherapy), the use of acids, and laser treatments. But some of these treatments are painful to dogs. Even worse, warts may grow back, especially if your dog’s immune system is still weak. This makes holistic remedies (like the use of Thuja) a better alternative.

But does Thuja for dog warts work? Let’s find out but before then…

What is Thuja?

Thuja (Arbor vitae) is an evergreen tree that belongs to the cypress family and is native to eastern North America. The leaves of the tree contain an active ingredient, thujone, which packs a lot of health benefits. This is why the aerial parts of the tree are often used as herbal medicine. Canadian natives, for instance, used the leaves to make a type of tea for preventing and treating scurvy. The tea has been shown to contain high amounts of Vitamin C (50 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams). In the 19^th century, the plant was used as a topical tincture and ointment for the treatment of warts, thrush, and ringworms.  

Thuja for Dog Warts

So, does Thuja work for dog warts? The short answer is: Yes, in specific concentrations, Thuja occidentalis, has demonstrated the potential to safely eradicate canine warts. Thuja represents a potent agent for the treatment of dog warts because it is rich in naturally occurring antimicrobial phytochemicals. These phytochemicals have been shown to be effective in drying out and shrinking the Keratin and dead cells in warts. It also packs excellent anti-viral properties, which allow it to kill the papillomavirus that causes warts to continue growing on your dog.

How Do You Use Thuja On Dog Warts?

Thuja can be given to dogs orally or applied topically on the skin. Typically, it comes in the form of dried leaves, tincture, or infusion. You can prepare Thuja tincture by pouring about 250 mL of boiling water over the dried leaves of the plant then steeping for about 10-15 minutes.

If you don’t have the time to make a tincture for yourself, you can opt for one of the most popular solutions on the market today: Thuja occidentalis 30c. It comes in quick-dissolving pallets, so you can easily mix it with dog food. Besides, it has no known side effects or drug interactions, making it safe for your dog.

Like any other dog medicine or supplement, ensure that you read the instructions on the label for dosage and directions of use. And if you have any questions regarding the type of warts that your dog has or the right Thuja dosage for your dog breed, always contact your vet for more professional insights.

Precautions to Take When Using Thuja

While Thuja is recommended for removing dog warts, you should use it with great care:

• For topical applications, avoid contact with your dog’s eyes, and if it occurs accidentally, flush with a lot of water and contact a vet immediately.

• If warts don’t disappear after regular use of Thuja, contact your vet and explain to him your situation.

• Don’t apply Thuja on damaged skin, wounds, or blistered surfaces.

• Some dogs may have oil sensitivities, so if you notice any irritation symptoms after using Thuja, discontinue its use.

• Don’t use Thuja on pregnant dogs without the approval of a vet.

There are many people who have had great success getting rid of dog warts with Thuja. So, it is always worth giving a shot before you consider other costly and painful treatment options like surgery, freezing (cryotherapy), or use of acids.