Dogs’ nose is meant to be wet as they rely on it for their acute sense of smell. Hence, while we sometimes do not like it when they start to nose their wet nose on us, their wet nose is an indication that their nose is still functioning well. But what happens when the dog’s nose is dry or even cracked? Should this be a cause for concern?
Why dogs get dry and cracked noses
Most owners may mistakenly assume that their dogs are in grave danger when their nose is dry and cracked. While it may be a cause for concern, there are times at which this is perfectly normal. Let us find out why dogs get dry and cracked noses and what you can do to rectify this.
- Your dog is old: In most cases, if your dog is old, it may then be common for them to have drier nose simply because of age and nothing more.
- Short snouts: For Brachycephalic breeds, it is common for them to have dry nose at times because of the lack of a snout which makes it tougher for them to lick their noses.
- Blocked ducts: In some cases, the dog might have blocked tears duct that cases the dog’s nose to be drier than others.
- Cold weather: This is one of the main causes for the dog’s dry nose if they are not subject to a medical condition. The colder weather can be dehydrating and less humid, hence causes the dog’s nose to dry up and hence causing them to crack.
- Under the sun: It is possible that the dog is actually suffering from sunburn. As a result of being under direct sun, the dog’s nose starts to dry up as the sun dries up any moisture that is left on the dog’s nose.
- Dehydration: There are many causes for dehydration. From not drinking enough water from being under the Sun for too long, all of these are potential causes for your dog’s dry and cracked nose.
- Allergies: Most dog owners might not know this, but it is very possible that your dog is suffering from an allergic attack that is causing the nose to dry up! If unsure, seek help from the professionals!
- Underlying medical condition: If your dog has an underlying medical condition, then it is very likely that they have a dry nose. One of the most common skin conditions that affects most dogs is Dog Nose Hyperkeratosis.
Hyperkeratosis: what is it
The name is derived from the root word Keratin. Keratin is a protein that is commonly found on the dog’s nose itself. When the protein starts to grow and propagate fast (hence the word Hyper), it will inevitably cause your dog’s nose to dry up and hence crack. If you have experienced cracked and dry skin before, you will know that it is an irritating condition that can cause pain to us, and this is the same for dogs too. Worst still, dogs are not equipped with mechanisms to stop them from further aggravating the condition.
If Hyperkeratosis in dogs is not addressed, it can cause a wide spectrum of problems for them. For very minor issues, Hyperkeratosis can cause minor discomfort to the dog as well as causing them to temporality lose their sense of smell. Though minor, it can be worrying if the dog loses its senses of smell as they rely a lot on it.
On the other spectrum, if we still do not treat it, or we do not even know how to spot Hyperkeratosis in dogs, sores will start to grow, and this will require immediate medical attention!
How to spot Hyperkeratosis
So, now that you know what it is, how do you spot it? Based on what we have said earlier, dried, and cracked nose are the most obvious signs that should warrant a reaction from you. If you notice the sores, then the condition might have worsened already!
How to treat or prevent Hyperkeratosis
There are several ways at which you can treat or prevent Hyperkeratosis. Some involves using common sense more than anything else, and some includes using natural treatments that can help to prevent Hyperkeratosis from happening.
To first prevent Hyperkeratosis, the most obvious way is to ensure that your dog is properly hydrated, especially if they tend to be on the active side, or if they have shorter snouts. Also, if your likes to play under the hot sun, then hydration is a must. Make it a point to check your dog’s nose after each activity to ensure that it is not too hot or dry. If it is possible, get them to play under the shelter too. Last but not least, ensure that the humidity level in the house is adequate so that the humidity levels do not dry out your dog’s nose.
The best way to prevent Hyperkeratosis in dogs is actually to apply moisturizers on the dog’s nose. The moisturizers help to protect the dog. There are several of these around that are effective. From shea butter to nose balm, all of these helps to moisturize the dog’s nose and hence effectively prevent their nose from drying and cracking up.
One of the best nose balm that you can get is our very own Paw & Nose Balm. It is made from naturally occurring ingredients that is proven to have the ability to protect the dog from Hyperkeratosis. These ingredients can help to prevent dry and cracked skin by moisturizing the nose. It works like our regular lip balm that we use to help protect our lips from cracking.
Wrapping things up
In most cases, Hyperkeratosis is not life threatening. It only serves to provide a high level of discomfort to the dog. But even so, we all have a duty towards our dog in helping to prevent Hyperkeratosis in them as it can be painful and uncomfortable to the dog. Always make it a point to moisturize your dog’s nose with Paw & Nose Balm so that the nose will be protected from the elements!