Unlike other parts of the body, the dog nose does not need any cleaning or taking care of. A dog's nose is usually cool and moist, but a warm, dry nose is not necessarily a reason for concern. A warm, dry dog nose can be a problem only if there are other characteristics associated with it, such as cracked skin, scabs or open sores with changes in the color of the nose. Dogs can also be prone to sunburn on their noses which can lead to skin cancer. A dog owner should pay attention to any physical changes in their dog's nose. For instance:
Any type of discharge from your dog’s nose can indicate a health problem. There are many illnesses associated with nasal discharge, such as sinus infections, kennel cough, distemper, etc. Dogs do not get colds, therefore, this can also be a sign of a respiratory infection. Do not ignore this. This requires a trip to the vet.
If your dog is experiencing breathing problems and/or sneezing a lot, this may be a sign of a tumor or other type of mass which should be removed in order to avoid any later complications, such as cancer. These symptoms can also indicate a foreign object in the nostril. Do not attempt to remove it yourself as the nasal passages are very delicate and can be perforated easily. Have your vet take care of it. Keep in mind that an occasional sneeze may just be a sign of an irritation in the nose or excitement from playing.
Sometimes a dog's nose will change color. This can be caused by having your dog eat or drink from a plastic dish. There is a reaction with a substance in the plastic which causes color change. Stainless steel bowls for food and water are highly recommended. Other causes of color change are vitaligo (loss of skin pigment) and cold weather. Color usually goes back to normal in warmer climate. This is usually no reason for concern.
Nancy Settecasi, Owner of Happy K-9 Dog Care Proud owner of Skippy and Cookie, Cocker Spaniels Dog Lover ttp://www.happyk-9.com
