THE NOSE KNOWS: COLOR CHANGES IN THE CAVALIER NOSE

Thanks to Anik, Cooper's Mom for the great nose video!

We get some funny questions about puppy and dog noses, especially the change in color from birth to adolescent puppy (pink to black) and again in older dogs (often lightening from black to gray). It never fails that at puppy pick up, someone thinks we're giving them the wrong puppy b/c the puppy they chose had a pink nose! Here are some useful tips to know about your dog's nose including when it might indicate a health problem in your pet: 

1. When I chose my puppy, he/she had a pink nose but now it's black. What happened?  In some dog breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, the nose of a newborn puppy will be pink, but will darken to black as the puppy matures. This is a totally natural process and is caused by an increase in the production of a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for the color of the nose. In other breeds, such as the Australian Shepherd and English Springer Spaniel it may stay pink!
2. My dog's nose continues to get darker as he ages. Is this normal? Sunlight exposure can also cause a dog's nose to darken. This is because the UV rays in sunlight can stimulate the production of melanin in the nose, resulting in a darker color. This is totally normal and rarely harmful.
3. My older dog is having changes in his nose color. Is this a sign of a health problem? Not necessarily. A change in a dog's nose color can be a normal part of the aging process or due to exposure to sunlight, as mentioned earlier. However, in some cases, a change in nose color can be a sign of an underlying health problem. For example, a pale or white nose could indicate anemia or a decrease in blood flow to the nose, while a red or inflamed nose could be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection. Additionally, a loss of pigment in the nose, called "snow nose" or "winter nose," can be a temporary condition that resolves on its own or a more serious condition called "vitiligo," which can cause depigmentation in other parts of the body as well. Tt is always best to consult with a veterinarian if you notice a significant or concerning change in your dog's nose color, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, swelling, or changes in behavior.
4. My dog's nose is dry, making it look lighter and somewhat scaly. Is there something I should do? There are several things you can do to treat a dry dog nose.
   1. Moisturize the nose: Apply a dog-safe moisturizer, such as petroleum jelly or coconut oil, to the nose several times a day. This will help to hydrate and soothe the dry, cracked skin.
   2. If you live in a dry climate, use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help to prevent dryness in the nose and other parts of the body. This will be great for your skin as well.
   3. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration can cause dryness in the nose and other areas.
   4. Avoid irritants: Keep your dog away from irritants such as smoke, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures, which can make a dry nose worse.
   5. Check for allergies: If your dog's dry nose is caused by allergies, identifying and avoiding the allergen can help to prevent further irritation.
   6. Consult with a veterinarian: If the dry, crusty nose persists despite these home remedies or is accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, swelling, or changes in behavior, it's best to consult with a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend a prescription medication or additional tests to identify and treat the underlying cause.