Dry Nose in Dogs – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

“The moisture level of a dog’s nose varies naturally and is not a reliable indicator of illness.”

What Causes Dry Nose in Dogs?

A dry nose in dogs can be caused by:

• Natural moisture variation, for example when the dog is sleeping
• Light-coloured nose leather that is more sensitive to sunburn
• Autoimmune diseases
• Hormonal disorders

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Dogs can sometimes have a slightly drier nose than usual without it being anything to worry about. However, if the problem doesn’t go away or if the dog shows other symptoms around the nose, then a vet should examine it. Sometimes, a dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms that should be taken seriously such as:

• Thickened skin leading to cracks and/or sores
• Sunburned areas on light-pigmented noses
• Dried secretions or crusts, which may indicate that the dog isn’t feeling well
• Sore or flaky skin spreading up toward the bridge of the nose

What Can I Do At Home?

Get to know your dog’s normal variation. How does the nose feel when your dog is asleep compared to when it’s active? If there’s dried discharge on the nose, you can clean it with lukewarm water or saline solution. If your dog also has discharge from the eyes, clean them as well and contact a veterinarian for an examination.

There are ointments and creams that can be used for dry noses, but it’s often difficult to make them stay on since dogs tend to lick their noses. Always consult a veterinarian before starting any home treatment as it is important to rule out any underlying causes.

Common Breeds With Dry Nose

Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as Shih tzu’s, Boxers and French Bulldogs are more prone to dry noses due to their anatomy making breathing through the nose and licking of the nose more difficult.

This can often become a chronic condition. Your vet will be able to advise you on treatment which can soften the nose and help prevent cracks. 

Can My Dog Get A Sun Burned Nose?

Dogs with light-pigmented noses can suffer from sun burn, especially during the summer months when the sun is strong. A sunburned nose may become dry, red, sore, and in severe cases, cracked.

To protect the nose, you can apply dog-safe sunscreen or keep your dog in the shade during the hottest part of the day. You should always contact your vet if the nose becomes sore or fails to heal. 

When Should I See a Vet?

Contact your vet if:

• The nose is cracked, has sores, or shows pus-like changes
• The dryness doesn’t go away or keeps returning
• There are crusts, thickening, or pigment changes
• The dog seems tired, sluggish, or shows other signs of being unwell

Treatment for Dry Nose in Dogs

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. You should always see a vet if your dog has ongoing issues with a dry nose. The dog may need medical treatment or special veterinary care if the dryness is caused by allergies, infections, or autoimmune diseases..

Prognosis

Natural variations usually don’t require treatment and often resolve on their own. The prognosis for a dog with a dry nose depends on the underlying cause.

It’s important to rule out autoimmune diseases that require medical treatment. With proper care, the prognosis is usually good, even in many severe cases.