Have you noticed that your puppy’s nose is looking dry lately? First, always discuss any medical issues with your veterinarian.
That being said, while you’re waiting for your appointment, you can try these three steps to help explore how you can better care for your pup.
STEP 1: Monitor Your Dog’s Nose
One of the first steps I highly recommend is to take notes and keep track of when your puppy’s nose is wet and dry. Are you noticing it at specific times of the year? Is it happening in the day or in night? How long does it last? As you start to investigate the possible causes, consider these options below:
- Consider weather and elements of air. It’s possible that your puppy’s nose could be sunburned in the hot and summer months. In the cold and winter months, it could be dry from heaters.
- Allergies could be an issue. Your puppy can develop allergies to food, plastic toys, cleaning products. So you want to see if you can pinpoint and eliminate the irritation.
- It’s hard to lick their nose. Some breeds that have short snouts like Pugs or Bulldogs have a hard time licking their nose. Other breeds like Poodles and Lhasa Apsos tend to have blocked tear ducts, which can cause a dry nose.
- Just Woke up. During sleep time, puppies don’t lick their noses which can cause a dry nose right when they wake up.
- Dehydration could be an issue. After any strenuous activity, dehydration can occur. Remember to keep your puppies hydrated! It is suggested that dogs drink one ounce of water per pound every day.
STEP 2: Identify Dog Allergies
If you’re wondering about allergies, it’s always best to consult your dog’s veterinarian! While I am not a medical professional, I can share what I’ve done with my personal dogs. Because plastic is a widely known dog allergy that can cause a dry nose, I recommend switching out plastic dishes that are used for food or water with stainless steel bowls.
Certain dog treats and household products can also trigger allergies in dogs. By removing common allergens like chicken, I was able to identify which ingredients were causing allergies in my own dogs. It’s also important to consider environmental allergies – my dog Ziggy, like me sadly, experiences severe allergies during the Spring season.
STEP 3: Use a Puppy Nose Balm
Sometimes your puppy needs a nose relief or a daily regimen to help soothe a dry nose. One of my favorites is this nose balm here from the Natural Dog Company. It is organic, all-natural, vegan, and my puppies feel immediate relief. When I take my puppies on hikes, this is also perfect to bring with me because of its travel size. You can easily purchase the puppy nose balm here.
To wrap up, it’s important to communicate any medical concerns you have about your furry friend with their veterinarian. The more information you offer, the better equipped they’ll be to assist you. So, if you try any at-home remedies, be sure to highlight their effectiveness during your next appointment.