Why do some dogs have pink noses?

Let us admit dog nose is one of the most adored features. The black button-like nose is a trademark of the canines. 

However, you may have noticed that your dog may change the color of its nose from black to pink. Here we will discuss all the reasons why some dogs have pink noses.

What are the causes of dog pink nose?

Well, there is little information regarding the nose of the dogs. Mostly, dogs get their liver and nose genes from their parents, making them unique in nature. It also increases the likelihood of genetic mutation in the dog. 

Apart from it, some canines are born with pink noses. Owners who live at higher altitudes might observe a sudden color change in the dog’s nose when the temperature drops down; this condition is called a 'Snow Nose.'

What is a snow nose?

Snow nose is also called a winter nose where dogs actively lose pigmentation from the nasal region. From the standard shade of dark brown or black, the dog's nose usually turns pink or light brown. 

This hypopigmentation is generally temporary. As the temperature gets back to normal, the nose turns back to its standard color. In the beginning, you will notice the color-changing phenomenon initiates at the center of the nose.

Usually, when the dogs are younger, they retain the original color but as they age, there are chances the color would not be retained. Not all dog breeds are prone to develop hypopigmentation around their noses.  

Canine breeds such as Labrador retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and Golden Retriever can develop pink noses in the colder climate. In short, all dog breeds that have been originated from the northern regions can and will get affected by hypopigmentation.

What are prevention and Treatment For Snow Nose?

Dogs are no different from human beings, they get easily affected by environmental stimuli, just like us. The goal is to protect the canine from cold temperature exposure. Try to keep the dog inside the home during harsh weather temperatures. 

It is the triggering point for nose hypopigmentation. On the other hand, there is no definite treatment for the problem. Therefore, all you can do is prevent exposure as much as you can.

What are the other issues that can change in a dog's nose?

Apart from snow nose in canines, many other factors can cause hypopigmentation over the nasal area of the dogs. Suppose you live in a temperate zone where the temperature fluctuation is not intense. 

In that case, I advise you to consult your pet's doctor immediately as it can be a sign of something serious. Factors like crusting, bleeding, scaling, irritation, blisters, or sores should also not be neglected. Following are some health conditions that can also change the color of the nose in dogs.

1. Vitiligo

It is an autoimmune disease that causes patches of discolored skin in dogs, including the nose's inner and outer regions. Besides the skin, it also affects the fur of dogs. The reason behind discoloration is that the body of your dog starts producing antibodies that target the melatonin in the skin. 

Certain breeds of dogs are prone to contracting vitiligo, such as German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, etc. Remember that vitiligo is not a deadly disease; however, the depigmented nose caused by it may not be reversible.

2. Pemphigus

It is an autoimmune disease that can cause the dog's nose to turn pink. There are three kinds of Pemphigus: pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus Vulgaris, and pemphigus erythematosus. The condition typically causes red patches all over the canine's body, including the nose of your precious doggo. The formation of blisters can also be a sign of the disease mentioned above.

3. Trauma

When it comes to our dogs, they do not take physical trauma well. If your dog has rubbed their nose to any surface abrasively, chances are they are going to have a discolored nose within few hours. The discoloration goes away on its own once the skin is healed. However, keep in mind that these wounds take longer to heal.

4. Material Irritation

At times, some materials can cause irritation on the dog's nose. For example, drinking or eating from plastic water and food dishes can cause bleeding and scabbing at the nose of some sensitive dogs, ultimately turning the nose pink. On the other hand, this problem can go away on its own.

5. Cancer

It may sound scary, but certain forms of cancers, especially those affiliated with skin or cutaneous layers, can cause discoloration at few body areas, including the nose.

When to visit the vet?

Most of the causes of the pink nose in dogs are not life-threatening or concerning. On the other hand, certain factors of the pink nose need immediate medical attention when observed by the dog parent. As deciding to visit the vet for a pink nose can be difficult, the following are some of the signs that say take your canine baby to the doctor as soon as possible:

• Foul odor coming from your dog's nose after discoloration.
• Nasal, tongue, eyes, or facial swelling
• You found the occurrence of Bloody discharge from the nose of the dog.
• An unsettling bulge at the nose of your canine
• High fever that does not go away that easily.

Are there any remedies that can treat the discoloration of the nose in the dogs?

Although no medicine can treat the Pink nose in your doggo, you can, however, take the help of some home remedies that can fight against odd discoloration. 

Starting by giving your dogs a daily dose of fresh fruits and vegetables as it can fight against depigmentation. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, asparagus, and pumpkin can help the dog generate adequate melatonin in the body.

Regular check-up of your dog

Checking each body part of your dog's body must be a part of your grooming routine. In fact, being familiar with your dog's nasal region would make monitoring easy for you.

If your dog is feeling sick, dogs will show it by their actions. Therefore, just as mentioned above, if there is a foul nasal discharge with discoloration, you must take doggo to the doctor as soon as possible. Besides that, the changing in dog's nose color is nothing to be concerned about.

Final Thought

Most owners start to get worried when they see a sudden change in their dog's nose color. The canines usually have a black button-like nose. However, certain factors change the nasal color to light brown or pink. 

If you live on higher altitudes where the temperature can get drastically lower, do not worry about your dog's color-changing nose. This phenomenon is known as 'Pink Nose,' and it occurs when the canine remains outside in cold weather. As the temperature gets normal out, you will observe that the dog's nose would come back to its standard color without doing anything. Besides that, at times, nasal color changes are a warning sign of severe health conditions. Observe your dog closely and take them to the doctor if there is bloody or foul discharge from the dog's nose along with hypopigmentation. Keep monitoring the dog at the time of pink nose in dogs.

References

1. Pextu - dog nose turning pink

2. Dailypaws - dogs health care