Lose of nose color.

Question
What does it mean when your dog's nose is losing pigment?  My female dog, approximately 7 years old, is losing the blackness of her nose.  Should I see her doctor?

Answer
Some dogs "root" with their noses and scrape off the pigment, others have diseases that affect the skin of the nose.  These depigmenting diseases are known as autoimmune diseases because the body's own immune system causes the disease.  YOu should let your vet look at the nose to see if biopsies are needed to confirm a diagnosis of pemphigus or discoid lupus erythematosus.