Causes of Dry, Peeling Dog Nose: What to Know

Attention: There are only two areas on a dog's body that can become excessively keratinized, and the keratinization in these areas does not affect each other. It is possible for both of these areas to undergo keratinization simultaneously in a single dog.

Nose:

Overkeratinization in this area can impair a dog's sense of smell, as the excess keratin can cause the tip of the nose to dry out, losing its natural moisture.

Not only does this affect the dog's sense of smell, but it can also impact the dog's overall appearance. If left unchecked, the keratinized skin can eventually crack completely, leading to wounds and infections on the nose.

Pads of the Feet:

Overkeratinization in this area can affect a dog's gait, causing limping and a decreased willingness to exercise. This can lead to a range of issues, so it's crucial to pay attention to the pads of the feet.

Just as with the nose, if the pads are not properly cared for, they can crack excessively due to dryness, leading to wounds and infections.

Why Does OverKeratinization Occur?

It could be keratin, a fibrous protein that makes up the outer layer of a dog's skin. An excess of keratin in the body can lead to the skin overgrowing.

It might be a consequence of canine distemper, one of the diseases that can cause excessive keratinization of the nose.

It could be a zinc absorption issue; some dogs are genetically predisposed to not absorb zinc, leading to overkeratinization on the pads and nose.

It might be genetic; many breeds are prone to overkeratinization.

Professional data shows that hereditary overkeratinization typically appears around a dog's first birthday. If your dog is over a year old and neither of these areas has shown signs of overkeratinization,恭喜 you, it's unlikely to develop this issue on its own.

It could be breedrelated; shortnosed breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, and Pugs are more prone to overkeratinization, as are some longnosed breeds like German Shepherds, Poodles, and Pomeranians.

It might be a weakened immune system; even if your dog seems very robust, features like a very short nose, a smaller or larger body size than its peers, heavy bones, or obesity can indicate a lower immune response, making overkeratinization more likely.

It could be the dog bowl; it's recommended to switch from plastic bowls to stainless steel or ceramic ones, as these materials are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.

Not only can plastic bowls harbor a multitude of bacteria, but the material itself can cause a dog's nose to become overkeratinized if it's in contact with it for a long time.

How to Deal with These Keratin BuildUps?

First and foremost, it's advisable to take your dog to the vet for a checkup and follow their recommendations.

Most veterinarians will suggest applying Vaseline or other moisturizing products regularly to keep the areas moist and soften the keratin. If the keratinization is extremely severe, you may need to trim the affected areas yourself or with the vet's assistance.

Remember: To date, there is no medication that can cure overkeratinization. The only way to alleviate the condition is through regular application of moisturizing products like Vaseline or coconut oil.