What Can I Put on My Dog’s Dry Nose?

A dog’s nose is a vital sensory organ that needs proper care and attention. A well-moisturized, healthy nose helps dogs explore the world around them and communicate with other animals. Now you may be asking, “What can I put on my dog’s dry nose to help maintain the normal moisture content of the skin?” Fortunately, there are some good options available.

Dogs Rely Heavily On Their Nose

A dog’s nose secretes a thin layer of mucus that serves multiple purposes. The moisture helps them capture scent particles from the air, which enhances their already incredible sense of smell. The wetness of their nose also helps support their body temperature. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; they primarily pant to cool down, so wet noses can be a big help.

The moisture on their nose also aids in evaporative cooling, similar to sweating. It also affects how dogs sense the world around them. Wet noses can help dogs understand their environment better because the moisture can help them sense the direction of the wind, supporting their scent-tracking abilities.

What Can I Put On My Dog’s Dry Nose?

It’s natural for dog owners to seek remedies and wonder, “What can I put on my dog’s dry nose?” Addressing this question requires a thoughtful approach, considering the myriad of possible causes and ensuring the chosen solution is both safe and effective for our furry friends. They won’t have any difficulty licking anything applied to their warm nose. And while petroleum jelly may have once been the go-to, there are a handful of other products that may be more effective

Coconut Oil For Dry Dog Noses

Coconut oil has gained popularity as a versatile option for pet parents to help maintain the normal moisture content of skin, which could be helpful for a dog’s dry nose. Coconut oil for dogs can also provide support for sensitive skin. Just a small dab of coconut oil can go a long way toward keeping your dog in peak condition.

Shea Butter If Your Dog’s Nose Is Dry

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids. These components promote a healthy inflammatory response and help maintain healthy skin. It can penetrate deeply into the dog’s skin layers and has the benefit of promoting a healthy coat and skin. It’s imperative to choose a high-quality, organic, and unrefined shea butter to ensure the product is free from any chemical additives that could negatively impact a dog’s sensitive nose.

Aloe Vera Gel For A Dog’s Snout

Comprising multiple vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, aloe vera supports pets with seasonal allergies and helps maintain a normal inflammatory response that may help the skin on your dog’s nose. Importantly, when using aloe vera gel, it’s crucial to select a product that is free from added alcohol, fragrances, or other additives. Because some dogs may try to lick their noses after application, opt for a pet-safe, food-grade aloe vera gel.

Snout Balms To Keep Dog’s Nose Moist

Snout balm, also referred to as nose balm, has gained traction as an option for dogs. Formulated with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and plant-based oils, snout balms help maintain healthy skin by helping to maintain the normal moisture content of the skin.

These nose balms are specifically designed to be non-toxic and safe if ingested in small amounts, addressing the concern that dogs may lick their noses following application. Balm may also help with occasional discomfort by sootheing skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies dogs have.

Dog-Safe Lotions For Dry Dog Noses

Dog-safe lotions are generally free of harmful chemicals, artificial fragrances, and ingredients that could be toxic if ingested, which is a significant concern given that dogs are likely to lick their noses. These specialized lotions typically contain natural components like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter, which work synergistically to help maintain the normal moisture content of the skin. Additionally, many dog-safe lotions promote healthy inflammatory processes.

Earth Buddy’s Paw & Skin Balm

Earth Buddy offers handcrafted Paw & Skin Balm that’s organic and contains vegan ingredients. It’s safe for your pet to consume orally, which can help put your mind at ease if your dog tries to clean the area it’s applied to. Pet parents can use this product on their dog’s nose and paw pads. The ingredients include organic coconut oil, organic mango butter, organic beeswax, and whole plant hemp extract containing CBD, cannabinoids, and terpenes.

Not only are there benefits from using the oils and beeswax, but also full spectrum hemp extract to assist the body in combating environmental pollutants. Promoting a healthy immune response is another benefit of adding the extract. Plus, it may help with occasional discomfort.

The combination of these ingredients can be incredibly helpful to light colored dogs that have noses that are more affected by the sun than their darker counterparts. Coconut oil, beeswax, and full spectrum hemp extract provide support for animals with sensitive skin. In order for this to work, pet owners should limit their canine companion’s exposure to the sun.

Don’t Forget About Hydration For Canine Noses

Maintaining proper hydration is paramount to helping keep dogs in peak condition. Since hydration significantly helps maintain normal body fluid levels, hydration can also help maintain normal fluid balance in the blood and tissues. This is important because the moisture level in a dog’s nose is closely tied to hydration.

When a dog is adequately hydrated, it supports the dog’s ability to absorb scent particles and maintain optimal olfactory function. Ensuring consistent access to clean, fresh water is necessary to support normal bodily functions.

If your dog is one that won’t drink out of the water dish unless there’s fresh water that was recently added, consider using a fountain rather than a dog bowl. The fountain keeps water circulating, so it stays fresher than the standing water in the bowl.

Check For Blocked Tear Ducts

Tear ducts and a dog’s nose are interconnected in their anatomy. If a dog’s tear ducts become blocked or obstructed, the pathway to the nasal cavity won’t be accessible. In healthy dogs, the tear ducts drain into this cavity, which is what keeps the nose moist.

Observe your dog to discover any other symptoms of damage to the tear ducts. If you notice fluid coming out of the tear ducts, especially in older dogs, a moist towel should be used to wipe their face.

Brachycephalic Dogs Are More Prone To Dry Noses

Brachycephalic breeds, which are flat faced breeds with short noses like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, are often more prone to dry noses due to their unique facial structure. Their compressed nasal passages and shorter snouts mean they may not breathe as efficiently as dogs with longer snouts and cause a range of other symptoms.

As a result, brachycephalic dog breeds might pant more frequently and breathe primarily through their mouths, leading to less moisture being provided to the pup’s nose. Their flat faces are also more likely to rub against surfaces, which can contribute to a dry cracked nose.

Dog’s Nose Dry During Winter Months

During the winter months, the combination of cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating can affect various aspects of our pets’ health, including the condition of their noses. Dog noses can get dry similar to how humans’ skin becomes more dry in the wintertime. To combat the dryness caused by the wood stove or furnace, consider using a humidifier in your home. This will benefit both you and your dog by adding moisture to the air.

If you don’t think the dryness is coming from the snowy weather outside, and you’re concerned you have a sick dog, don’t hesitate to bring them to the vet. This is particularly true if they’re showing other symptoms. The overall goal is a healthy dog, with the pup’s snout being used to its full capacity, sniffing around even during the cold winter months.

For further reading, we recommend: 

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8870445/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6067592/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4624979/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/