Did you know a dry nose in aging dogs could be a sign of allergies? Our dog Titan, a Weimaraner, developed a cracked and dry nose as he aged. His is fair skinned and very sensitive. Many Weimaraners are prone to rashes, dryness and skin irritation.
Our veterinarian assessed Titan’s dry nose and determined it was an allergic reaction. We thought it might have been the dry electrical heating we used in winter time. Not an actual allergy.
Nothing had changed in Titan’s life. When we consider a sudden allergic reaction where there was not one before, we need to start thinking of new “things” the dog may have been exposed to in their recent environment.
Did he eat something new or different? No. Did he have a new shampoo? No. New bedding? No. Did we change laundry soaps? No. Did he get a new toy? No. Did he experience a new walking or playing environment outside where he may have come in contact with a irritating plant? No.
The only thing different about Titan was that he was getting older. So that left us with still the possibility of age-onset allergy. He had become allergic to something in the environment that was not an issue before. Or the electrically heat was drying out his nose too much.
Sometimes his nose would bleed if it got too dry. It was suggested we use Vaseline because although petroleum based, it would provide moisture and a barrier to guard against the elements while allowing time to heal his sensitive, sore skin.
Why Vaseline did not work For Doggy Dry Nose
At our vets initial, cost-effective first-line treatment, we applied Vaseline daily for two weeks before we realized it wasn’t for us. The first thing that made the Vaseline treatment unsuccessful was that Titan would lick it off almost as soon as you applied it! It would still remain a bit moisturized and greasy, but for 30 minutes all Titan could do was compulsively lick it off his nose!
The other reason it was not a success is because after Titan had ingested all that Vaseline when he should have left it on his nose, he got terrible diarrhea. In the 24 hours following Vaseline ingestion the petroleum would reck havoc with his digestive system! So after 2 weeks of that we knew we needed to find something else that would work better.
Simple Natural Products For Humans Work For Doggy Dry Nose
I have been known to have a bottle of Flax Seed Oil in the fridge. I use it for us – for people. It contains natural Omega 3 and Omega 6 found in the Flax Seed, but the oil consistency makes it versatile and it can be used many ways. Although not providing the fiber benefit of actual Flax Seeds, when ingesting the oil, the person still benefits from the Omegas for brain development and maintenance, with the added benefit of moisture to mucous membranes and skin and hair when taken on a regular basis. The oil helps the skin develop and maintain it’s natural moisture barrier.
How to use Flax Seed Oil For Doggy Dry Nose
Now you are wondering how to use human products successfully with your dog. Ask your vet if they think a small dose of daily flax seed would be okay for your dog. To use the flax seed oil, simply add one teaspoon to one meal a day. Sprinkle over the kibbles or moist food items in the bowl. As your dog chumps away, chances are they are getting some oil on their nose as they rub their nose and the saturated food around the bowl while they eat. The amount they ingest is metabolized and works internally to enhance their skin and coat. You’ll know if you are giving your dog too much flax seed if they get diarrhea. You don’t want their normal stool consistency to change. You can always cut back the amount of flax seed oil you use. Instead of 1 tea spoon, use only about 1/2 a tea spoon. Or only add it on alternating days if doggy digestion is a problem. Check with your veterinarian if you are experiencing doggy dry nose to determine the cause.
How Does Your Dog React to Allergies?
Other topics you might be interested in:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in dogs, causes, treatment, tips.