Boxer is sniffling and has a dry nose??

Question
Hello.  My 4 month old boxer pup has been on Doxycycline, an antibiotic, for almost 2 weeks now due to a suspected kennel cough (she has a dry cough, sniffly nose, and some clear eye discharge).  I've noticed lately her nose is very dry and looked chafed (light brown, not black).  She drinks plenty of fluids and we have an open water policy (except at night before we kennel).  Any suggestions on what could be causing the nost dryness or what to do?  Also, should we try a different antibiotic since the cough is still lingering, although better??  Thanks so much.

Jason

Answer
I apologize for the delay in answering, I've had hard drive issues!

Hopefully your pup is back to herself now. Kennel cough usually clears up in about 2 weeks, with or without antibiotics; if it hasn't, you'll want to look for other causes of the coughing.  The dry noes could be a number of things; sometimes it's just dirt that gets in the crevices, or dry skin from furnaces etc.  There are a couple of conditions that can cause dry/discolored nose, commonly called "snow nose" and "keratitis".  Often something like Bag Balm rubbed into the top of the nose will help soften it up, allowing any dirt to be wiped off and keeping the dry skin from cracking and peeling.

Good luck, and hope all is well!