Why Does My Dog Have Sores On Their Upper Lip?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Why Does My Dog Have Sores On Their Upper Lip?“.

Sores on the lips can occur in dogs just as they do in humans. 

Due to the fact that they use their mouths as hands dogs are far more prone to acquiring certain diseases in their mouth. 

The things they like to pick up eat and lick including their favorite human companion. 

Therefore if you have ever noticed a sore a bump or a pink spot on your dogs upper lip it could be due to a periodontal or autoimmune condition. 

In order to begin lets take a look at the main type of sores that may be present on their lips.

Four types of sores that dogs can get on their lips

Tumors in the mouth cause abnormal cell growth. Dogs contain many different types of cells such as skin cells bone cells and fibrous cells.

A benign tumor on the other hand does not cause cancerous cells to multiply. On the other hand malignant tumors grow quickly and spread widely.

Moreover specific breeds of dogs are more prone to certain types of cancer. Often the tumors in the mouth are darker in color or lack color altogether.  

The cause of oral warts is the oral papillomavirus found in dogs. These lumps are located on the upper lip or inside the mouth of a dog.

There are warts that appear in the mouth known as viral papillomas. Small wart-like growths can appear on the tongue roof of the mouth cheeks and on the dogs lips. 

A very difficult condition to treat is Canine Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis (CUPS).

In addition to affecting the gums CUPS can cause inflamed gums tooth loss and can cause damage to the jawbone.

Described as whitish grayish fleshy lesions warts are found in the mouth. Lipos mouths tongues and throats may develop these lumps.

Generally it affects older dogs and affects their immune systems. It comes in three forms.

Dogs suffering from Pemphigus Foliaceus develop ulcers and sores all over their bodies including their mouths. 

Pemphigus Erythematosus only occurs in certain breeds of dogs listed below and is not as bad as it sounds.

Dogs with Pemphigus Vulgaris suffer more severe cases of blisters vesicles that rupture and lesions on their bodies as a result of this condition. 

What causes sores on a dog’s lip?

Humans are susceptible to the papillomavirus (HPV).

The dog version is available however.

Oral warts are caused by the papillomavirus which causes warts around a dogs mouth. 

Viruses are responsible for the outbreak.

Only dogs are affected by the virus which is harmless to humans.

Newborn puppies as young as 2 years old can be affected by the papillomavirus.

The pups have a weak immune system so they are more likely to contract the virus.

As the puppies grow their bodies will produce more antibodies to help destroy the virus permanently. 

Stomatitis or Chronic Ulcerative Paradental (CCUP) is a chronic condition that affects the mouth lining in dogs.

A dogs teeth can get painful bumps from plaque buildup the higher concentration of antibodies fighting off tissue and bacterial film and sometimes the cause is unknown. 

Dogs are also prone to getting cancer in the same way humans do because of hereditary factors or unknown causes.

Nevertheless environmental factors may play a role in some forms of oral tumors.

Strangely enough male dogs are more likely than female dogs to get cancer.

A tumors size and location as well as if it is spreading determine whether it is oral cancer.

Small swollen lumps with no color and cauliflower-shaped bumps cover the gum line. 

How can they be treated?

The best treatment option for oral tumors is surgical removal.

To pinpoint the extent and source of the disease the veterinarian will first use a simple CT scan of the head and neck.

Additionally this exam helps locate any lymph nodes which the doctor will also remove.

The best way to prevent cancer from spreading is by surgically removing oral tumors. 

If left untreated for a few months oral warts may disappear resulting in immunity to the virus.

In contrast if the dog has a large number of bumps it will develop other symptoms like lameness: it will move slowly and sometimes limp. 

It is possible for warts to become cancerous if they do not disappear within 3-5 months.

Oral warts should be surgically removed when they become a cause for concern.

Intense cold is used to destroy warts with a scalpel laser and cryosurgery. 

Furthermore other treatment plans like the use of medication is only considered if there are a lot of lumps.

The effectiveness of this treatment option can however be difficult to judge since most bumps go away on their own. There are several treatment options available. 

• An oral injection of Interferon aids in restoring the dogs defense system. 

• It is a combination of antiviral medication and antitumor medication.

• The immune system may be negatively affected by Cimetidine-oral treatment. 

• It is an oral medication called azithromycin 

• The autogenous vaccination is a vaccine for strengthening the immune system in order to fight off the wart virus.

• To reduce immunosuppression reduce the number of drugs that suppress the immune system. 

Papillomavirus does not cause symptoms in dogs.

Therefore there is no need for treatment unless the red sores on your dogs upper lip become infected.

Furthermore antibodies will help clear up an infection if your dogs upper lip lesions become infected. 

• Stomatitis in dogs is sometimes difficult to treat. You may see lesions on your dogs lip or around the tooth. An infected tooth will be removed by the veterinarian along with the plaque buildup. 

• Plaque and decay are removed.

• A sealant that prevents plaque buildup on the teeth. 

• Use a toothbrush antibacterial wipes and gel regularly at home.

• A mouthwash that contains antibacterial agents. 

• Reducing inflammation with medicine.

• Your dog can feel comfortable with pain relief medication. 

Do any breeds tend to develop mouth sores more often than others?

• It is more common in breeds such as Boerboel Great Dean and Mastiff to develop oral warts. 

• Breeds such as Chow Chows Boxer Dogs German Shepherds German Shorthaired Pointers Weimaraners Golden Setters Minister Poodles and Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop oral tumors.

• The dogs most likely to contract canine stomatitis are dachshunds Pugs Cavalier King Charles Spaniels petite fully white dogs Havanese and Eskimo dogs.

• Typically German Shepherds Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs are affected by Pemphigus Erythematosus. There is nothing serious about this type of condition. 

Why has my dog got sores on his lips?

Humans can contract many forms of the herpes virus just as there are many types of herpes. Unfortunately dogs can also contract the virus.

Canine herpesvirus (CHV) causes these kinds of cold sores. Fortunately CHV does not cause death.

In addition to getting cold sores from contact with a humans bodily fluids or an infected dog dogs can also develop cold sores through normal doggy behaviors such as licking and nosing.

It is also possible for puppies to be born with the virus which can be fatal. In contrast sores on your dogs lips or nose may indicate a more serious underlying condition.  

• There are several signs and symptoms your dog has cold sores such as consent licking of the sore. 

•  The color of the tongue changes

•  Chewing unnaturally no appetite

• Placing their paws on the sores

What are the best home remedies for these sores?

Even though you can cure cold sores on your dog if the blisters on his upper lip become infected seek veterinary care! It is possible to relieve your dogs symptoms at home with a few treatments. 

• If your dog is in pain put a muzzle on his mouth to protect yourself. 

•  The bumps on the dogs upper lip should be washed with antibacterial soap. If necessary trim your dogs hair to be able to see the pink spots on his upper lip. 

• Rather than antibiotics apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area three to four times a day.

•  Place a teaspoon of salt and a cup of water in a dish to create your own saline solution. You should then apply the solution to the sores three to four times a day. 

• Reduce the redness of your dogs upper lip by applying damp tea bags directly to the infected area.

•  Wormwood oil should be made. Dogs with swollen bumps on their upper lips can benefit from this remedy. Combining thyme oil with olive oil can be extremely helpful. Yeast can also be added to the mixture for quicker healing.

A dogs upper lip can develop cold sores for many different reasons. It may not always be as simple as it seems.

You can however control the blister on your dogs upper lip with simple home remedies. When your dog touches the infected area he may feel pain.

If you’re not sure its best to take your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. It is better to be on the safe side and your best friend will thank you for it.

If you want to read more about dogs’ health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.

Why Does My Dog Have Sores On Their Upper Lip? (Watch Video)