Dog’s Nose is Dry and Cracked – Top 3 Reasons Why

The appearance of a dog’s nose can give important clues to the state of a dog’s health. Here are a few common reasons that may explain dogs with a dry and cracked nose.

1. Dry and cold weather

Dogs that are exposed to dry and cold weather, especially in the winter season, are more likely to develop dry and cracked noses. Dog nose balms, such as the Natural Dog Company Snout Smoother, may help protect your dog nose from developing a dry and cracked appearance during the dry season.

You should also keep check of where your dog sleeps when the weather gets cold. Some dogs may develop a dry and cracked nose if they are sleep or nap right next to a heat vent. A similar effect can happen in the summer if a dog’s nose is exposed to direct sunlight for too long of a period.

2. Effects of hyperketosis

Hyperketosis is a condition that occurs when the dog’s body produces too much keratin, a type of protein which makes up various parts of the dog’s body including the hair, skin, and nails. Hyperketosis is typically seen more often with the dog’s paws but may also appear in the dog’s nose.

The overgrowth of skin cells thickens the dog’s nose and gives it a dry and cracked appearance. It’s not considered a serious health condition but will cause plenty of pain if left untreated. This idiopathic condition can be managed and controlled with proper care.

3. Collie Nose Disease

Some dogs may have a dry and cracked nose due to collie nose, an inflammatory skin disease that mainly affects certain breeds including collies, Austrian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. The scientific name is ‘Discoid Lupus Erythematosus’. In addition to developing crusting and scabbing around the nose, it may also cause a lot of skin pigmentation.

How to treat a dog with a dry and cracked nose

It’s important to keep the dog’s nose hydrated. A dry and cracked nose can increase the dog’s chances of getting an infection. The safest way to protect the dog’s nose would be to use a topical cream or balm that’s pet-safe. Otherwise, there are products you may already have that can also be used, such as coconut oil and shea butter.