Remedies for Dry Noses on Dogs

The common misconception is that a dog's nose must always be cold and wet and that other nose conditions indicate illness or worse. But, according to the American Kennel Club, or AKC, a dog can be perfectly healthy but still have a dry or warm nose. They also note that, for determining a dog's health, taking the dog's temperature is more accurate than checking the nose. There are, however, remedies for dry noses on dogs if the owner feels it is necessary to correct the situation.

  1. Swap Out the Dog's Bowls

    • Some dogs can suffer from sensitivity or an allergic reaction to plastic, which can trigger a dry nose. The simplest remedy for this situation is to swap out the plastic bowls for stainless steel bowls or ceramic bowls. Of course, it should be noted that results may not be immediate and it may take a couple of days for the dog's nose to return to normal -- if the bowls actually are the cause.

    Sun and Moisturizers, Lotions, Creams or Petroleum Jelly

    • Exposure to enough sunlight can dry out just about anything and the same goes for a dog's nose. Too much sunshine can result in a dry nose. In these instances, moisturizers, creams, lotions or petroleum jelly may be necessary to protect or remedy the dry nose. Be sure to choose products that are dog-safe as recommended by the dog's veterinarian. Generally these include lotions that are free of perfumes and other harsh chemicals that may cause an issue with the dog. This is important, since the dog will likely try to lick his nose after the product is applied, which means some will inadvertently be swallowed.

    Dog-safe Products

    • As expected, there are several different products available on the market that are made specifically for treating the canine's occasional dry nose. These products are safe for dogs, meaning that if the dog licks the product off his nose, it will not cause illness or other issues. For example, some products are similar to a balm and are applied directly onto the nose of the dog to relieve dryness and cracking.

    Chronic Dry Nose

    • While there are remedies to treat dry nose, it should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian if the dog suffers from chronic dry nose. Chronic dry nose can indicate some type of underlying health issue that only a trained veterinarian can diagnose. This is especially true if the dry nose is accompanied by other issues such as cracking or changes in color.