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FAQs Crusty Dry Dog Nose Info

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Dry Dog Nose Info

My dog’s nose is dry, crusty, cracked and looks awful! His poor dry dog nose is so rough, he cannot be comfortable. Plus, it looks so bad! What do I do?

The “My dog’s nose is dry”. I think we all grew up hearing some supposedly wise relative or another telling us that a warm or dry dog nose means a dog is sick and that all healthy dogs have moist, wet noses.

In actuality, dog’s noses can be a bit warm and all is still just fine. Just as we have moments when we may feel a little hotter or flush and then fine in a few minutes, so can our dogs. (No hot flash jokes, I hear you out there!) So, a bit of a warm nose, with no other symptoms of illness is no cause for concern. Of course, lethargy, fever or other symptoms may necessitate a trip to the vet.

A dry, cracked crusty nose CAN be cause for attention. Of course, (blatant plug), we want you to get Nose Butter™ and take care of it…but let’s look at the WHY of the crusties.

Nasodigital Hyperkeratosis is an idiopathic (unknown cause) condition that is marked by the excessive formulation of nose or footpad crusts that vets call keratin. It is common in older dogs. Thick, crusty, hard, dry crud accumulates on the top of the nose, paw pads, or both. The accumulated crusty, dry keratin is usually most visible on the top of the nose and at the edges of the paw pads. This is not life-threatening and is considered cosmetic, but we want to eradicate this condition! Nose Butter and Paw Butter are the key line of defense…not getting all infomercial on you. But that is why I created this line of products…it all started with Frenchie crusties that did not want to go away!

The paw pad variety of this is called Footpad Hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis runs in bloodlines and  results in severe digital hyperkeratosis (overgrowth of crusts and crud) by 5-6 months of age. Once again, not life threatening, but needs to be addressed for their comfort and your peace of mind.

Sensitivities to plastic bowls can cause some nose issues. Switch to stainless shell or a well-made ceramic pronto. All those bad chemicals that we now know were in water bottles have often been used in pet food bowls!

There is another, serious condition, called Pemphigus foliates, which DOES need veterinarian intervention. It is characterized by blisters on the dry nose of a dog. They can burst and form crust that can covers the nostrils and makes breathing difficult. This is an autoimmune skin disease that is so very common amongst our modern dogs and cats. I repeat, your dog’s dry nose in this case would certainly need a vet’s attention.

Some dogs may even be sensitive to the sun and need a bit of sunscreen…The Blissful Dog Sunscreen option will be available in spring of 2013!

This is intended to give you a bit of info on the various conditions that can cause your best friend to have a dry, crusty dog nose. If you need more info, visit the Merck Vet manual site, email us or Google it!

Official The Blissful Dog Disclaimer: This article is not intended as a substitute for veterinarian care. Please consult your veterinarian if your dog needs medical care.