Dry Noses Should Be a Thing of the Past!

What Causes a Dog’s Dry Nose?
Rain or shine, most dogs love romping outdoors, be it in the sun or snow. Unfortunately, summer can mean the risk of a sunburned snout, and winter says, “Hello, frostbite!” While a dry snout could be hereditary or a symptom of old age, the environment is often the greatest culprit. A few others are:

• Fever - An extremely dry snout is often a sign of illness.
• Infection - A dog's nose that is flaky or crusty in texture or has lost some of its pigmentation may be a sign of infection. A nasty infection can lead to loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, diarrhea or vomiting. A dry snout is often the very first indicator of infection, so if your dog has one, heed its warning, contact your vet and nip other symptoms in the bud.
• Dermatological Problem. Some dogs are simply prone to skin problems. Pemphigus Foliaceus is an autoimmune disorder that affects the epidermis, the outermost superficial skin layer, and is commonly found in the nasal area. In some cases, a nose that is light pink in color can be indicative of solar dermatitis, which somestimes puts a dog at risk for skin cancer.
• Respiratory Problem. A dry nose accompanied by nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing is a cause for alarm. If your pet is struggling to breathe, he or she should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
• Allergy. Allergies may seem to sprout out of nowhere but in most cases they are a reaction to food or the environment. Be vigilant about everything – everything! -  that your dog comes into contact with – dog park pathogens, household cleaning products, grooming products, toys, beds, and certainly the foods and treats they consume. Homemade food is often the best recipe (so to speak), but there are some excellent commercial foods on the market these days as well. When preparing a homemade diet, a nutritionally balanced one is essential. This means no random scoops of chicken and rice. It means precise measurements of specific ingredients and a good vitamin/mineral supplement. I like supplementing Opal and Dixie’s diets with probiotics as well, to keep their digestive flora healthy.

It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that if your dog shows symptoms of any of the above afflictions, it is always best to seek medical advice. Always keep in mind that prolonged dryness, scabbing, peeling or bleeding of the nose can be symptoms of serious illness. Rather than risk long-term consequences, bringing your dog to the vet will make you glad you were safe rather than sorry.

Are There Specific Breeds More Susceptible to Dry Noses?
Indeed… Bulldogs, Pugs, Mastiffs, Boxers and Boston Terriers are particularly prone to dry noses.

Dry Noses Are No Match for Opie & Dixie's Snoutstik!
While we know that certain breeds of dogs are prone to dry noses and that age, genetics, illness or the environment can also cause a sore sniffer, no matter the cause, your pup is counting on you for defense, and Snoutstik is your most trusted weapon!

With its combination of natural, nourishing ingredients that include natural sunscreens Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and Jojoba Seed Oil, Snoutstik offers fast, healing relief without the effects of harsh chemicals. It’s time to say goodbye to dryness, irritation or itchy spots!

To restore and protect the skin from environmental damage we use pumpkin, high in Vitamin A which helps restore healthy skin tissue and Vitamin C, whose antioxidant properties protect skin from free radicals. Rosemary is famous for its ability to soothe inflammation, and lavender is legendary for its calming, balancing properties.

The unique, no-mess Snoutstik dispenser and silky-smooth formula make it easy to swipe on healing moisture to your dog’s dry nose several times a day, so don't let your dog's dry nose be a discomfort for them. Pick up Snoutstik on your next trip to your favorite pet supply store!