One of the best ways to monitor your dog's health is to keep an eye on its appearance. A dull coat or hair loss can indicate a health problem that requires a trip to the veterinarian to correct. If you see your dog's nose changing color, the cause of the change is probably benign, but your veterinarian can examine your dog and let you know for certain.
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Dog Nose
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Depending on your dog's breed, the normal color of its nose could be pink, black or the color of its coat. Most dogs have a cool, wet nose when healthy, but a dry or warm nose does not always signal a health problem. Normal nasal discharge is clear and watery. Any discharge that is yellow, thick or foamy indicates a health issue, according to the American Kennel Club.
Color Change
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Your dog's nose can change color by gradually fading from black to brown and even to pinkish-white. This condition, called Dudley nose, is most common in golden retrievers, yellow Labrador retrievers and other light-colored dogs. If your dog has snow nose, then its nose slowly turns from black to pinkish-brown during the winter, then returns to its normal black color in spring. This change can happen every year.
Causes
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The cause of Dudley nose is unknown. It could be a form of vitiligo, a chronic condition that triggers the loss of skin pigmentation and usually affects the rest of a dog's body. According to the "Complete Healthy Dog Handbook," snow nose is a reaction to the cold in winter. If your dog has lost pigmentation on its nose and its lips and drinks from a plastic water bowl, then a chemical in the plastic might be interfering with your dog's ability to produce melanin. This results in plastic dish nasal dermatitis.
Treatment
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Because the cause of Dudley nose is unknown, there is no treatment available. Some dogs do experience spontaneous remission of the condition, but their noses often fade again, according to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook." Snow nose resolves itself in the spring with no treatment required. If your dog experiences plastic dish nasal dermatitis, switching its food and water dishes from plastic to ceramic, steel or glass will solve the problem.
Considerations
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If your dog's nose lacks pigment, it will be at an increased risk of developing skin cancer on its nose. Talk to your veterinarian about sunscreen options that can help protect your dog when it is outside. If you plan to show your dog, be aware that Dudley nose is considered an imperfection and your dog will lose points for it when it competes.
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