What is the reason for my dog’s rough nose?

Hyperkeratosis is one of the reasons why your dog’s nose is rough and dry. This condition is caused by excess keratin production in your dog’s skin, particularly in their nose. Cold air and dry weather can also cause your dog’s nose to get dehydrated, leading to drying and cracking.

Why do dog’s noses get dry and cracked?

Your dog’s nose is essential for their daily activities.

From smelling their food to knowing who they’re playing with, these activities primarily use their nose’s power.

This is why if your furry friend’s nose suffers from skin issues, it can irritate and be uncomfortable.

“What should I do if my dog’s nose gets cracked and dry?”

Before we dive into what remedies you can give your pup, let’s talk about the reasons for your dog’s dry nose and why it happens.

Hyperkeratosis

As the name implies, hyperkeratosis is a skin condition where there’s an excessive production of keratin. While keratin is needed for healthy skin, having too much of it can cause cracking and dryness.

This can be due to external factors such as:

• Wounds.
• Diseases.
• Infections.

In other cases, hyperkeratosis is also caused by genetics. Some dog breeds that are predisposed to having this condition include:

• Boxers.
• Bulldogs.
• Labradors.
• Golden Retrievers.

Weather

If you live somewhere warm, there’s a high chance that your dog can develop skin disorders. This is because of the dry and humid air that typically can be found in these areas, such as the UAE and countries in the GCC.

On the other hand, cold, dry air can also cause your pup to have lesions and cracks in their noses. Because of the low temperatures, your dog’s skin and nose tend to lose moisture.

This is why if the temperatures in your area are a bit extreme, it’s best to keep your pup’s activities indoors.

Allergies

Since dog noses are sensitive, they can be easily affected by any changes in their immediate environment.

Some of the known allergens that affect dogs include:

• Dust.
• Mold.
• Sand.
• Pollen.

If you are in an area with many trees and other flowering plants, your dog might get affected by their pollen, especially during spring. Dust and sand can also harm your dog’s nose if you live near the beach or where sandstorms frequently happen.

What do I do if my dog’s nose is dry and cracked?

Luckily, dry and cracked noses aren’t a life-or-death situation in dogs. However, this doesn’t mean you can leave it without doing anything. It’s still best to give them a remedy as soon as possible.

Some vets suggest applying balms and other hydrating oils specifically made for dogs.

If, after visiting the vet, you learned that their nose’s condition is due to the environment, it’s best to keep them indoors first for a few days. Give them a lot of water to help them hydrate. One trick you can do is to give them small chunks of ice so they’ll get hydrated while having fun!