If dogs have dry and crusty noses, it is usually due to the weather or age. In individual cases, allergies, autoimmune diseases, dehydration, distemper, a nasal infection or other illnesses can also be responsible.
Below you will find a list of the most common harmless causes:
- Weather: In hot weather and low humidity, the nose becomes dry and crusty faster than average.
- Age: For reasons that are still unclear, older dogs are increasingly neglecting their personal hygiene and thus also moistening their noses.
- Nasal blockage: If grass or other objects get caught in the nasal canal, the moist nasal mucus can no longer move forward. [1]
- Burns: If the dog has burned its nose on fire or hot metal, the dead tissue will gradually fall off.
- Nutrient deficiency: If your four-legged friend doesn't get enough vitamin A, zinc or protein, it can dry out both the skin and the nose.
- Location: If the dog bed is near a radiator or oven, the dry air also affects nasal moisture.
- Bedtime: Dogs rarely wet their noses while sleeping. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. [2]
- Medication: Some medications have a side effect of reducing the production of sebum, nasal mucus and saliva.
- Sunburn: Too much exposure to the sun can burn the top layer of the nose. The crust serves to shed the dead tissue.
- Brachycephalic dogs: Breeds with a flat face often struggle with a crusty nose due to their breeding. [3]
According to statistics, the following breeds are most commonly affected:
- pug
- French bulldog
- Pomeranian
- German boxer
- Pekingese
- English bulldog
Our tip at this point: Save yourself the money for an expensive dog balm and simply smear some coconut oil on your nose. That should be completely sufficient here.
If there is no improvement and other pathological symptoms occur in addition to the crusting, then the following 7 causes could also be behind it.
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#1 Allergies
According to studies, between 10 and 20% of all dogs struggle with allergies. When you come into contact with allergens, an allergic reaction occurs.
In dogs, fleas are the most common allergy. More specifically, against the saliva of fleas. Other typical allergens are:
- mold spores
- Animal hair and dandruff
- Feathers
- Soaps and cleaning products
- Cigarette smoke
- Grasses and pollen [4]
Mild allergies usually lead to contact dermatitis. This means that the symptoms only occur where there was direct contact with the allergen.
For example, if your allergic dog digs around in grass with its snout, then only the nose may be affected. Classic symptoms here are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Crusts on the nose
- Severe redness
- Dog is breathing heavily
- Frequent sneezing
- Dry skin
- Sudden swelling [5]
In rare cases, allergies are also caused by food. Soy products, grains, dairy products and certain types of meat are the most common triggers.
Here it is important to carry out an allergy test and then prevent the allergens. If you have very severe allergic reactions, antihistamines can also help. [6]
If dogs react allergically to their own food or to other everyday allergens, this can manifest itself in, among other things, a crusty nose. In most cases, there are also other pathological symptoms.
#2 Hyperkeratosis
If your dog produces too much creatine and therefore forms an above-average amount of calluses, then doctors speak of “hyperkeratosis”.
Callus is generally good because it protects the paws from sharp objects, for example. But too much of it can also be negative. Common causes here are:
- genetics
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Old age
- Parasites [7]
It becomes a problem when the skin becomes cracked and constantly tears open. In addition to a crusty nose, there are usually other complaints:
- Sudden bleeding of the paws
- Lack of motivation
- Chronic dry nose
- Constant licking of paws
- Nose sensitive to touch
- Dog avoids jumping [8]
According to statistics, Labrador Retrievers, Bedlington Terriers, Golden Retrievers and all brachycephalic dog breeds in particular suffer from this.
This refers to dogs with a short snout. Hyperkeratosis can rarely be cured, but the symptoms can be treated well. [9]
Dogs with hyperkeratosis develop excessive calluses on both their paws and nose. Among other things, it causes cracked crusts to form on the nose, which can tear and bleed upon contact. There is currently no cure here.
#3 Autoimmune diseases
Depending on the breed, a dog's nose is up to 100,000 times better than ours. With existing autoimmune diseases, the sense of smell usually also suffers. [10]
Here the body itself or a miscontrolled immune system causes the problems. The following 2 diseases in particular can affect the nose:
The cause of this rare skin disease is unclear in most cases. This can usually be recognized by the dog constantly scratching itself and getting flaky skin. [11]
Among other things, the top of the muzzle often becomes bald and the nose becomes crusty. Treatment usually involves the use of medications that suppress the immune system.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
This autoimmune disease is known to primarily affect the four-legged friend's nose. More rarely, the ears or genitals are also affected.
First of all, the nose usually loses its dark color. Redness and crusting then occur. Sun exposure often worsens symptoms.
Here, too, drugs to suppress the immune system are primarily used for treatment. If you suspect anything, you should visit the vet. [12]
The autoimmune diseases “pemphigus” and “discoid lupus erythematosus” are known to cause a crusty dog nose. The nose often loses its typical black color. However, these diseases are relatively rare.
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#4 Nasal infection
If bacteria, fungi, parasites or allergens settle in the nose, it can become inflamed. Basically, two different types are distinguished here:
- Rhinitis = inflammation of the nasal mucosa
- Sinusitis = inflammation of the nasal sinuses
Australian Shepherds, Greyhounds, Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs are said to be most commonly affected. Typical symptoms here are:
- Loss of appetite
- Strong bad breath
- Frequent sneezing
- Dog breathes loudly
- Dry and crusty nose
- Dog constantly rubs his muzzle
- restlessness [13]
If the symptoms occur permanently, then allergies are usually responsible. An allergy test can help here to prevent allergic reactions.
Antibiotics are usually used for bacteria, parasites and fungi. You should visit your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. [14]
If the nasal mucosa or sinuses become inflamed, the dog's nose usually dries out. It can be recognized primarily by cracked crusts, constant sneezing, unusual breathing and severe itching on the nose.
#5 Zinc-reactive dermatosis
Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a central role in cell growth, the immune system and wound healing.
Chronic zinc deficiency can also cause a skin condition called “zinc-reactive dermatosis” in dogs. Two types are distinguished here:
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Bull Terriers are particularly affected. The cause here is genetic, so that too little zinc is absorbed by the intestine.
It can usually be recognized by the skin on the ears, around the eyes and on the nose becoming red, dry and flaky. Hair loss and crusts are also common here. [15]
The cause here lies in diet. Since the zinc requirement of young dogs is increased, adolescent four-legged friends are primarily affected. The symptoms are very similar.
Among other things, this also results in a reduced appetite, cracked skin, excessive calluses on the paws and severe incrustations. [16]
This is usually because the food is too rich in calcium, which reduces the absorption of zinc. Zinc supplements are used for treatment.
Dogs with a chronic zinc deficiency often have skin problems. Among other things, this also leads to a dry and crusty nose. If you have a severe zinc deficiency, your hair may even fall out. Zinc supplements can help here.
#6 Dehydration
If there is a lack of fluids, the dog automatically produces less saliva and nasal mucus. However, drinking a small amount is only one of many possible triggers:
- Frequent vomiting
- diabetes
- Constant diarrhea
- Kidney problems
- Contaminated drinking water
- Medication [17]
The easiest way to recognize this is dark-colored and strong-smelling urine. But dry and cracked skin is also common here. Other symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken eyes
- Dry gums
- Sudden stagger
- Crusty nose
- Declining skin elasticity
- Lack of energy [18]
If your dog is a lazy drinker, I recommend a drinking fountain like this. This means that four-legged friends automatically drink more.
Alternatively, certain flavors in the water can also increase the amount you drink. If illnesses are suspected, the vet is the right person to contact.
Dehydration in dogs can cause both their gums and nose to dry out. Among other things, this also causes cracks and crusts to form more frequently on the tip of the nose. Here it is important to take measures to ensure that the dog increases the amount of water he drinks.
#7 Distemper
Distemper is a viral disease that is now part of compulsory vaccinations in Germany. And yet dogs are still affected from time to time.
This is primarily because they were already infected before the initial vaccination or strays were imported and sold from abroad. Typical symptoms here are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Frequent sneezing
- Constant coughing
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite [19]
Later on, this viral disease also affects the skin…