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Remedies for a Dog’s Dry Nose

Does your dog have a dry nose? If so, it might be a sign that your dog is sick or otherwise faring poorly. However, more often than not, it stems from harmless external factors, most notably conditions and changes in his environment.

Regardless, it is normal for a dog’s nose to be wet and shiny, but some have a hard time keeping it that way. Short-nosed breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, for instance, have the most difficulties, but all dogs can be affected. Although canines will regularly lick their noses to ensure they stay moist, in very hot or cold weather, such efforts might not be enough.

Still, before you go about treating a dry nose, you’ll want to be sure things didn’t get to that point for the wrong reasons. When the dryness is accompanied by a fever, pale or very red gums, or general lethargy, it may well indicate that your dog is not well. In so, then it’s time to pay your veterinarian a visit.

However, if your dog isn’t sick, there’s a good chance that the weather is to blame. Just as people can get chapped hands or lips when the temperature outside is very hot or cold, a dog’s skin can also suffer because of exposure to the elements. While he will do his best to keep his nose nice and wet, his persistence can actually lead to further irritation.

Getting your dog’s dry nose wet again

Assuming you’ve totally ruled out illness as the cause, you may want to consider taking certain steps to remedy the situation. Not only will your efforts make him more comfortable, it will also diminish the risk that his nose will dry out and crack, causing discomfort, scabbing and crusting, and inflammation that can make your dog susceptible to picking up an infection.

Luckily, there are products on the market that have been specially designed to address this issue (not to mention at least one home remedy). Often referred to as “nose butters” or “nose balms,” these creams, liquids and ointments are generally non-toxic for pets and can be applied to the skin on your dog’s nose multiple times a day.

In fact, they can also come in handy in helping to relieve irritation affecting other parts of your pet’s body. During the cold months, for example, they can be applied to the pad’s on the bottom of his feet to soothe the dryness and irritation associated with wintry weather, as well the salt used to melt ice and snow.

Many of these products are edible oil or butter-based, which means they are unlikely to cause your dog any harm. Indeed, a quick Internet search reveals that there are a wide variety of organic and/or non-toxic remedies available nowadays, at your local pet store and at online retailers. Below are just a few options worth considering:

  • Olive oil. This long-time staple is not just great for cooking food; it can often do wonders for a canine’s dry nose. Gently apply a small amount to your dog’s sniffer a few times a day and let it get to work. Bear in mind that some might like the taste and will try to lick it all off. Although olive oil it is not toxic, too much of a good thing is generally not beneficial for animals or people.
  • Shea butter. If you go this route, ensure you use human-grade shea butter and not the scented or colored varieties. The fragrances and other chemicals contained in the cosmetics that you might use on your skin, for example, may cause irritation or other problems if they end up on your dog’s nose. Assuming you’ve got the appropriate version, rub a little on his nose two or three times daily for a week. 
  • Vitamin E. Available in ointment or liquid form, this fat soluble vitamin might be just the trick for remoistening your dog’s nose and easing related symptoms. As with the other remedies, you don’t need to use a lot of it; simply apply a dab to the affected area twice a day. And even if your little one manages to lick it all off, there’s no reason to worry, as it is basically harmless. In fact, some believe that can supplement your efforts to get his snout back up to speed.

If you have any doubts, of course, about the efficacy or safety of any product you’d like to use on your dog, you should check with a veterinarian or other knowledgable professional. As with all treatments and remedies intended to help those you care about, you should ensure, to paraphrase the Hippocratic oath, that you “do no harm.” Once it’s clear that there’s no underlying illness involved and that the product is safe, then you should do what’s necessary to get his nose back in good working order.

The post Remedies for a Dog’s Dry Nose appeared first on Keep Pet Safe.



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