Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has dry, cracked nostrils. What can I use to moisturize them?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 2 months old | 54 lbs

So my dog had w at looks to be cracks in her nostrils. She does not act like they hurt and her nose is dry. Is there something I can do to get then to go awaym

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2017

I see a small superficial abrasion on the right side of her nostril. This can be caused by the dry nose situation that you described earlier or from a traumatic event. You can try applying either Vasoline or Bag balm on her nostrils to keep them moisturized. However, typically most dogs don’t require this unless they are older senior dogs or have a skin condition (ie Lupus). Best wishes and take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. In the picture you have provided, I can see the cracked and dry spot you are speaking of. This can be caused by a number of factors. The environment can play a role, so moisturizing the nose can be quite helpful. Other causes can be infection, skin disease or immune-mediated disease. I would recommend moisturizing the nose to start with. The product that I recommend is Biobalm by dermoscent. This product can easily be found online. If after one to two months of using this product there is no change or if the nose worsens during this time I would have a veterinarian examine this and perform additional testing to determine what the cause could be. In very severe cases, I recommend taking a tissue sample of the nose and sending it out for further testing. A Veterinary dermatologist can also be helpful in diagnosing abnormal skin conditions. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has a dry nose. What can I use that he won't lick or rub off?

You could try using a small amount of Vaseline or Bag Balm on this area to help with the dryness - some dogs will try to rub off any topical medications that might be applied, unfortunately, so I can't say if he will leave these alone or not. Normally, using only a small amount is best, so that it doesn't feel sticky and strange to the dog :)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What causes a dog's crusty nose and how can I treat it at home?

Yes, some pets have a particularly crusty spot on their nose that can be treated with Vaseline or Bag Balm ointment. Just a small amount should be used and it can be used daily. I hope this helps! Best wishes with your Lella.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's nose dry, cracked, and bleeding? How can I help?

Dry noses can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including infectious conditions, immune mediated issues, allergies, or more systemic diseases. Since this seems to be a recurring annual issue, I would be inclined to think that allergies seem most likely. Max will lick anything off of his nose, so try to apply topical treatments as he is eating to at least allow for a brief period of contact time. You can try starting an oral omega 3 fatty acid supplement (such as Welactin). Topically, you can try applying vitamin E (buy OTC capsules and open them up to apply the contents to his nose) and moisturize with small amounts of lanolin. If the cracking continues or worsens, a trip to the vet is in order for further diagnostic testing. I hope that all goes well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My young French Bulldog's nose is cracked. What can I put on it?

This is common in this breed. You can apply Bag balm to the nose once a day to help with this. After a few weeks of use it should improve, however if it doesn't then an immune mediated disorder (i..e Lupus) may be the cause, and its best to get the area tested through your vet for further treatment options.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What can I put on my dog's dry, cracked, and rough nose to help?

Anything you will put on a dog's nose he will lick right away, so it is usually pointless. cracked and dry nose appears mainly in dogs that tend to dig in the ground, the only solution is to prevent them from doing that.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My newly adopted dog has a dry nose. Can I use Vaseline or is it serious?

Yes you can use Vaseline (A and D ointment works well too) but they usually just lick it off. This is mild and does not suggest to me an underlying issue. Best of luck and congratulations on the new family member!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a dry, crusty nose. Is it serious and what should I do?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share