dog warts/skin tags

Question
My 12 y/o shitzu/poodle has developed warts (5) a local vet says not to worry unless the dog bites them and causes irritation. He has started to lick them and had actually thinned the hair in several areas. I don't have the $ to have him have surgical removal. I was wondering if you had ever heard of putting something on the area that tasted bad so the dog won't lick, but won't hurt him either? Or maybe a homeopathic solution? Or what do you think of that freeze off wart removal they have on the market for people?

Answer
I don't know about the freezing.  It might work but it might make it worse, so I wouldn't try it, especially if you can't take him to the vet if it gets worse.  They make a bitter apple spray that you should be able to pick up at your local pet store.  That may help to deter him from licking.  But that's only going to be a temporary solution, and often dogs will eventually start licking anyway despite the spray.  You are going to need to save up to have them removed if its something that he can't leave alone.    If he doesn't stop he is eventually going to cause damage to himself.  Sometimes, however, its just a matter of breaking the cycle.  If you can get him to stop licking it for a little while he may stop all together.  You can even try picking up an Elizabethan collar to help.  With the collar on he won't be able to reach them to lick.

Amanda