How to Heal a Dry and Crusty Dog Nose

Contrary to popular belief, a dry or crusty dog nose is not a sure sign your dog is sick but it can give hints to things going on in your dog’s body. To find out why your dog’s nose is dry or crusty, try and pinpoint when the issue originated and if it’s a reoccurring thing. By finding out the cause you can prevent it from reoccurring in the future.

Your dog relies on a moist nose to smell the surrounding world and analyze their environment. If your dog’s nose is dry they cannot smell as well, so not only is it uncomfortable but it can be debilitating as well. The goal is to get your dog’s nose looking and feeling better as soon as possible.

As soon as you notice your dog’s nose is dry or crusty, do these three things:

#1. Clean Your Dog’s Nose

Wipe your dog’s nose clean using a soft clean cloth.

#2. Apply Snout Soother

Snout Soother can help soothe, heal and treat the problem. Snout Soother is effective on so many canine nose conditions, from allergies to hyperkeratosis. Regularly applying Snout Soother hydrates the nose and helps prevent the condition from returning.

#3. Determine the Cause

It’s important to find out what caused your dog’s nose to dry out in the first place. That way you can work to prevent it from happening in the future. The following common causes of dry and crusty dog noses can help guide you in the right direction.

Dry or Crusty Dog Nose Caused by Dehydration

Is your dog drinking enough water? Does their nose tend to dry out only during hot summer months? Dehydration can cause a dry dog nose, and it can also impact your dog’s kidneys and other vital organs. Make sure your dog always has plenty of clean drinking water available.

Your Dog’s Nose is Sunburned

If your dog spends a lot of time in the sun, a sunburn can cause his or her nose to dry out or become crusty. Snout Soother contains natural sunblock to help prevent future sunburns.

Your Dog’s Nose is Overheated

In the winter time, it’s common for dogs to sleep in front of heaters. While it’s nice and cozy for your pup, the constant puff of warm air causes their nose to dry out and become crusty over time.

Allergies Could Also be to Blame

Allergies to food, chemicals, plants, or even the bowl your dog eats out of can cause a dry, crusty dog nose. It’s important to remove the allergen, although you’ll need to go through a process of elimination to identify the culprit. Switch out plastic food bowls for glass or stainless steel, as plastics commonly cause allergies in dogs. Avoid using sunblock, lotion or other products that are not made for dogs, as they can cause a serious negative reaction to your pup’s sensitive nose.

When to Visit Your Vet for a Crusty Dog Nose

When is a dog nose so dry and crusty that it’s cause for concern? If your dog’s dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms, such as cracking, bleeding, or changes in mood or behavior, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

When to see the vet:

Your dog’s nose is producing colored and/or thick discharge
Your dog’s nose is bleeding
There are lumps or bumps
The nose is excessively cracking
Your dog won’t stop scratching, licking or rubbing at their nose
Your dog’s personality, mood or demeanor has changed

Snout Soother remains an ideal product for treating and healing cracked or bleeding dog noses. It is used to treat and prevent the following conditions: