My dog's nose is dry and cracked. Is it normal or a health concern?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is actually not necessarily accurate. This does not necessarily mean that he is dehydrated or sick in any way. If he is doing well otherwise, you can just have him evaluated at the time of your appointment on Wednesday. Enjoy your pup! Have a great day!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Corel. Yes dogs can get colds, but a dry nose does not mean they are not feeling good. A dog's nose can go from wet to dry just by laying in the sun or near a heat source. Two signs that a dog isn't feeling well is a decrease or lack of appetite, and lethargy. I hope this helps!

A dry or wet nose means nothing. Throughout the day his nose may go through periods or dry and wet. Monitor for discharge, lethargy or difficulty breathing. If he is eating, drinking and acting normally then he is likely fine.

That is perfectly normal. The sayings about a dog's nose are old wives tales. They will have wet noses after drinking or licking their nose and dry the rest of the time. You only need to be concerned if the nose seems excessively dry, cracked or painful.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This could be an indication of a systemic illness such as discoid lupus. This could also be a response to environmental change (dry air, warm temperature, etc.). If he is otherwise doing well, I would recommend trying a moisturizing balm such as BioBalm by Dermoscent, which can be found online quite easily. I would give this 1-2 months to see if it works. If there is no change, then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Logan so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Murphy. A common condition known as hyperkeratosis can cause a crusty nose. This is more of a cosmetic probelm and may be what his veterinarian was referring to at your last appointment. If the nose cracks, bleeds or the pigment changes to white or pink though, this is concerning. It can indicate an autoimmune disease. This would need to be diagnosed with a biopsy. In the first scenario, I usually will treat with a topical ointment to dissolve the extra skin or keratin. You need to wear gloves when applying it though as it can dissolve the skin on your finger tips. His veterinarian will be able to prescribe this ointment. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Capone. If the nose cracks to the point of bleeding or changes color, these are signs of significant skin disease. Dry skin can be managed with topical treatment. It is worth having him see a veterinarian to determine the extent of his signs. I hope this information helps!