Why is my dog's nose dry, crusty, and raised on the top surface?

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 Summer. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She may have a common condition known as hyperkeratosis of the nasal planum. If this is not the case, a more serious condition such as an autoimmune disease should be considered. Discoid lupus usually appears as a cracked, bleeding and ulcerated nose. This is diagnosed by a skin biopsy. I hope this information helps!

When dogs have nasal discharge on one side only it indicates a problem in that nostril or sinus. They can get pieces of grass or seeds in their nose that can cause this in addition to a nasal polyp or tumor. This looks infected so I recommend a veterinary exam. They may need to sedate Bowser to flush out and examine in the nostril, the throat and may need an X-ray of his sinus. Often flushing out or removing an object will cure this. If it’s a polyp or mass removing some of it to get a biopsy and diagnosis may be needed. Antibiotics may be prescribed as well for the infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bowser.

Foxy appears to have a condition known as hyperkeratosis; where the skin cells grow too much and irregularly. This condition can be caused by a previous infection with distemper virus, an autoimmune (self-attacking) disease, a metabolic disease or some other cause of irritation to the nose. One possibility is too much sun exposure. If this is a possibility, then you can apply sunscreen (SPF 50) to his nose twice a day and see if it helps. Otherwise, you need cream to help keep the skin from drying out. You can use vaseline. Just make sure to rub it in as much as you can, because he will be licking. If the treatment is not working well, then it's best if you can take Harley to get examined by the vet. They can look for other signs of a problem and help identify the cause.

Thank you for posting the picture of Bruce’s nose. Many different disease processes can look almost identical on the nose. Often a bacterial infection can be the problem. Often underlying thyroid disease can redispose to the infection. If antibiotics dont resolve it then a biopsy is usially done to obtain a diagnosis. Zinc deficiency, skin disorders such as discoid lupus, and even more aggressive problems such as pemphigus can begin with this symptom. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Poor Thunder. He likely has an upper respiratory infection going on. Infectious disease (i.e. Distemper) are also possible if he is also acting unwell. I would highly recommend taking Thunder to your local vet by morning for a good thorough exam and auscultation of his lungs to ensure his lower airway isn't affected as well. Best case scenario, he will need a short of antibiotics to get him back to normal. Best wishes with Thunder and his care moving forward. Take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tawket. I worry that she could have an autoimmune skin disease. This is where the dog's body attacks its own skin cells resulting in an ulcerated and cracked nose. A common type of this disease is known as discoid lupus. There are other types as well though. It is typically diagnosed by a skin biopsy. I would ask her veterinarian if this is a possibility. I hope this information helps!