My beagle's nose is dry, peeling, and cracked. What's happening?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ariel. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She may need to have biopsies taken from the affected skin on her nose. I am concerned that she has developed an autoimmune skin disease where the body attacks it's own skin cells. In this case, an accurate diagnosis is necessary to prescribe medications to manage the disease. I recommend having her seems soon as the cracking skin on the nose can result in terrible bleeding if it gets deep enough. I hope this information helps!

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!

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!

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!

Several problems can cause irritated nasal planum. However, especially in herding breeds other immune disorders such as discoid lupus, pemphigus, or zinc deficiency can also cause these signs. I typically treat with oral antibiotics for 3 weeks and if it’s not resolving then I biopsy the nose for a diagnosis. Good luck and I hope it heals soon!

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 submitting your question regarding T-Bone. The picture is a little blurry, but he may have a condition known as hyperkeratosis of the nasal planum. If so, his veterinarian can prescribe an ointment to dissolve the roughened skin. It is a common condition and does not cause the dog any harm. I hope this information helps!