Akita Nose Butter

#1 Tip - Warm product before application for faster absorption
• To warm; stick in your pocket, bra, or scoop some out & warm in palm
• Open the tin or tube
• Gently control your dog's face (jowls, side of face or under their chin)
• Don't use a head-lock - that is a big trigger
• Tag Team - have someone hold & you apply
• (Tin) Scoop a bit out appropriate to the size of your dog’s nose
• Dab it on their nose (doesn't have to be precise)
• You do not have to rub it in, it will melt quickly, especially if you warmed it up a bit
• Distract to keep them from licking or rubbing it off
• Repeat 2-3x a day for 1-3 days or until nose is back in shape
• Then use as needed for maintenance (usually 1-2x a week)

It's not rocket science, but there are tips that make application faster and easier for you and your dog.

• Give a cookie or treat before, during and after application
• Cuddles, pets, repeat as needed
• Feed their dinner (with extra yummies)
• Play your dog's fave game
• Throw a ball
• Go for a walk
• Pet them, lavish praise on them for their overall good dog-ness
• TIP! Not only does something positive (like cookies) take their mind off having something done to them, it also build an association between GOOD STUFF and Nose Butter application.

• Apply as in the previous tip
• After 2-3 days of multiple daily application (do the best you can, 2-3x a day is great), test the crusty stuff with a bit of tissue and see if it will crumbles off
• If it does NOT crumble right off (it will look like black, greasy dirt), keep applying Nose Butter 2-3x a day until it easily, without picking, comes off.
• Resist the urge to pick as tempting as it may be.

The crusty stuff is actually skin and hurts your dog if you pick it off, just like us pulling a scab off a skinned knee too soon.

The Bad News is there is no CURE for Nasal Hyperkeratosis, it is a condition.

If you stop using Nose Butter, the dryness and crust will probably come back.

The Good News is maintenance usage of Nose Butter keeps the Nasal Hyperkeratosis under control.

When our hands are really cracked and dry we can use lotion to get them in shape, but we can't slather lotion on our hands once and be moisturized for life.

Like cutting your dog's toenails...Nose Butter is part of their health care regimen.

Ouch! That stung! It's not that your dog dislikes Nose Butter (we hope not), they DO dislike being held tightly and restrained.

Bully and flat-faced breeds already have compromised breathing systems due to their adorable flat faces. If held tightly they will struggle to protect their breathing.

Toy breeds know they are small and will often put up an unbelievable tussle to get away.

Dogs are often triggered by being held tightly or controlled. This may come from puppy play, when they wrestle and play-fight. It's not fun for dogs (or us) to have siblings pile on and make us feel helpless. (I'm looking at my three sisters).

Also, keep the mood upbeat and fun. Make a game of applying Nose Butter and follow it up with treats and most dogs can be won over.