My Dog Scraped His Nose: Will It Turn Black Again?

Let me tell you about my fur baby’s recent misadventure. My dog, a playful Frenchie named Bella, scraped her nose while we were out for a walk.

I couldn’t help but worry if her precious little nose would turn black again.

If you’re anything like me, you’d want to know everything about your dog’s health and well-being, so in this post, I will give you the low-down on your dog getting in and out of this situation!

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Why Did My Dog’s Nose Get Scraped?

Why Did My Dog's Nose Get Scraped?

Have you ever noticed how quickly your furry friend’s nose can get scratched or scraped?

It’s because their nose is one of the most sensitive parts of their furry little body and is always in the midst of everything that’s happening!

Dogs love to explore the world around them by sniffing and scratching their noses everywhere they go.

I’ve seen this with my own dogs – they always have their noses in everything, whether it’s the laundry or the plants in the garden.

That’s why it’s not surprising that their noses can get scratched or scraped so easily.

The most common reason for these discolored scrapes is simply because your furry friend has been scratching their nose.

But what’s causing the itch that makes them scratch? Now, let’s explore a few possible reasons together!

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Thank you. The rest of the article continues below.

Doggy says, consider reading this too: How to keep a golden retrievers nose black?

Allergies

Can dogs have allergies as humans do?

Absolutely!

Pollen, dust, certain foods, or even new soap or shampoo can trigger an allergic reaction, making their nose itchy and irritated.

Irritation

Rough surfaces or chemicals can cause irritation to your dog’s nose, leading to scratches and scrapes.

Sunburn

Yep, dogs can get sunburned too!

Dogs with light-colored noses or thin fur on their snouts are especially vulnerable.

Injury

A cut or scrape can happen if your pup’s nose encounters a sharp object or gets caught on something.

Infection

A bacterial or fungal infection can cause discomfort and itching, eventually leading to a scrape or wound on the nose.

Behavioral issues

Does your dog seem anxious or bored lately?

Sometimes excessive scratching can be a sign of stress or boredom.

Nasal mites

Eww, nasal mites?

Unfortunately, they are a real thing and can infest a dog’s nasal passages, causing itching and irritation.

Nasal tumors

Though rare, growths inside a dog’s nose can cause discomfort and may result in scratching or rubbing of the nose.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read too: When can Golden Retriever puppies go up and down stairs?

How to Prevent a Dog From Rubbing Its Nose?

Corgi Dog Rubbing Her Nose on The Floor - SO CUTE

Here are some simple things you can do to help your furry friend stop rubbing or scratching their nose excessively:

Treat any underlying medical issues

Is your furry friend constantly scratching their nose?

They may be dealing with an underlying medical issue such as an allergy or infection.

Call your vet for a quick chat or consider using an online vet service for a quick answer.

This way, your pet will receive proper treatment to help relieve the discomfort.

Protect their nose from the sun 

Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned too!

If your pooch is prone to sunburn, make sure to keep them in the shade during peak sun hours or apply pet-safe sunscreen to their nose to protect it.

Limit exposure to allergens

Certain foods, products, or plants can trigger allergies in dogs.

If you think your pup is allergic to something in its surrounding, you’ll be better off limiting its exposure to it.

Keep them mentally and physically stimulated

Bored or anxious dogs may scratch or rub their nose excessively, so be sure to give them plenty of mental and physical exercise to keep them happy and occupied.

I highly recommend using dog puzzles to keep their mind stimulated.

Consider using a cone or collar

If your pup’s nose scratching is causing serious injury or infection, a cone or collar may be necessary to keep them from scratching.

By following these tips, you can help your furry friend avoid discomfort and potential harm from excessive nose rubbing or scratching.

What to Do if My Dog Scraped Its Nose?

What to Do if My Dog Scraped Its Nose?

If your furry pal has scraped their nose, don’t panic!

These are the steps you can take to help your furry friend:

1. Examine the wound

Assess how bad the wound is.

If it’s just a little scrape, you can probably treat it right at home. Make use of a sterile gauze to stop the bleeding first.

But if it looks deep or the bleeding won’t stop, get your pooch to the vet right away.

2. Clean the wound

Grab a clean cloth or gauze, add some warm water and betadine (or povidone-iodine), and gently clean the wound.

Should you use solutions like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide?

Nope.

Avoid using harsh solutions, as they can slow down the healing process and cause discomfort to your furry friend.

3. Apply a healing balm

After cleaning the wound, apply a pet-safe healing balm to soothe any irritation and help promote healing.

Key Benefits

  • Relieve your dog’s suffering and repair their damaged nose
  • See results within days
  • Highest quality organic and natural ingredients on the market

4. Monitor your dog’s behavior

Keep an eye on your pup to make sure they don’t scratch or irritate the wound more.

You might want to put a cone or collar on them to keep them from bothering the area.

5. Prevent further injury

To avoid more scrapes, make sure your dog avoids rough play, sharp objects, or any potential hazards that could make the wound worse.

6. Seek veterinary care

If the wound is serious, bleeding heavily, or doesn’t get better within a few days, then go to the vet.

They might need to give your dog antibiotics or other treatments to prevent infection and promote healing.

Will the Nose of My Dog Turn Black Again?

If your pet has scraped its nose, you may notice that the wounded area turns a bit pink or white.

Will it ever get back to its regular black color?

The good news is that your furry friend’s nose will likely return to its regular black color eventually! Be patient though. The pigmentation may take some time to fully return, but that’s normal as your furry friend’s nose heals. 

Have you noticed anything unusual with your dog’s nose lately, such as swelling, bleeding, redness, or discharge?

If so, it’s time to call in the professionals and check with your veterinarian for advice.

How Do I Keep My Dogs Nose From Scarring?

If your pup has scraped its nose and you’re worried about scarring, don’t fret!

There are a few things you can do to help the healing process and reduce the chances of scarring. 

  1. Make sure to clean the wound regularly with a pet-safe antiseptic solution to prevent infection and promote healing.
  2. Applying a pet-safe healing balm can help soothe and moisturize the skin around the wound, which may help reduce the likelihood of scarring.
  3. As tempting as it may be, avoid picking at any scabs that form on the wound. This can further damage the skin and increase the likelihood of scarring.
  4. Keep an eye on the wound and monitor your dog’s behavior. If the wound doesn’t seem to be healing or if your dog seems to be in pain or discomfort, contact your veterinarian.

While some scarring may be inevitable, taking these steps can help reduce the likelihood and severity of scarring and promote healthy healing.

What is Snow Nose?

If you notice your dog’s nose changing color during the colder months, it might be because of snow nose.

This condition is also called “winter nose” or “hypopigmentation” and it can happen to some dogs during winter.

Basically, it causes the nose to lose its black color and turn pink or brown instead.

Why does this happen?

Well, some believe it’s because of a reduction in melanin production due to a lack of sunlight during the winter months. Others suggest it may be linked to genetics or hormones.

But don’t worry, snow nose is generally not harmful to your dog and does not cause any discomfort or health issues.

In most cases, the nose will return to its normal color once the warmer months arrive.

Dog breeds commonly affected by snow nose

  • Siberian Husky
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Golden Retriever
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Samoyed
  • Irish Setter
  • Doberman Pinscher

So don’t go panicking if you notice your dog’s nose changing color during the winter months!

Thankfully, this condition is harmless and your furry friend will be just fine.

FAQs

Can a dog’s nose lose its black color?

Yes, a dog’s nose can lose its black color due to various reasons, including snow nose or excessive rubbing or scraping. Discoloration from these conditions is usually temporary, and the nose will typically return to its normal color once the underlying cause is resolved.

How long does it take to heal a kennel nose?

The healing time for kennel nose depends on how serious the condition is and the treatment used. Mild cases may heal in a few days, while severe cases can take several weeks. Consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

In Conclusion: My Dog Scraped His Nose, Will It Turn Black Again?

I hope that you’ve cleared your doubts and feel more confident in your ability to care for your dog now.

To recap, dogs scraping their noses happen all the time, and with a little bit of patience and TLC, it will turn black again in no time.

Remember to keep the area clean, protect it from further injury, and provide plenty of love and attention to help speed up the healing process.

And lastly, let’s not forget that dogs are resilient creatures.

Despite the occasional bumps and scrapes, they’re gonna continue to wag their tails and fill our lives with joy and love!

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Zack Keithy
Zack Keithy

Hey, I'm Zack, the Chief Editor here. I was formerly a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) for a good 6 years before moving on to greener pastures. Right now, I am still heavily involved in dog parenting duties, and it is my desire to share all our knowledge with fellow dog owners out there! Connect with me on LinkedIn, or read more about Daily Dog Drama!

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