my dogs nose looks scaly

Question
HI< I Have a 1 year old shortcoated tan dog-50lbs-who just lately has started having a scaly looking top of her nose. have you ever encountered this? write me please...robin

Answer
Hi Robin,

You didn't say if you live in an area of the country where it's cold right now, and you have the heat in your home running. It's possible that the skin at the top of your dog's nose is just dry, the same way many people get dry skin during the winter months. Try using a cotton ball, and dab some olive oil on the dry area of your dog's nose. You could also use Chapstick on your dog's dry nose. You can do this a few times a day, since she will probably lick it off.

If your dog has plastic food or water bowl, that could reason behind your her dry nose. Plastic can sometimes lead to irritation because of the chemicals causing an allergic reaction. You should consider changing your dog's bowls to either metal or ceramic.

If neither the oil/Chapstick or a change of bowl's seem to clear up her dry nose skin, or if your dog develops any colored discharge from her nostrils, then you should have examined by your vet, there are some skin and hormonal conditions which could cause dry or flaky skin.

Best of luck,
Patti