White film on the dog's nose. Discoloration of the nose in dogs - causes and treatment. Vitiligo and other diseases

26.01.2018

Any owner will be wary if a dog's nose becomes lighter. It is especially strange when pink stripes or even spots appear on a completely black nose. Should we worry, and what are the reasons for such changes, we will discuss below.

Let us immediately note that most dogs have a black or brown nose.. This pigmentation corresponds to breed standards and plays an important role in the assessment. Only for a few breeds is lightened nose pigmentation accepted as the norm. Don't forget about the existence of albinos., which, although recognized as a tribal marriage, have pink noses and feel quite comfortable.

Natural causes

Most white puppies of any breed have pink or light colored noses. With age, the lobe darkens and completely turns into an adult color, but this does not always happen. No one can guarantee that the nose will be completely colored, that is, that the exterior of an adult puppy will meet the standard. In this case, nothing can be done incomplete pigmentation of the nose is a breeding defect(for most breeds), which does not affect the quality of life in any way.

The most common and absolutely harmless reason for the lightening of the nose is sun rays. A dark nose is more susceptible to ultraviolet rays and its pigmentation can be said to fade. In animals with a black nose, there is a lightening of the color on the top of the nose and this is normal.

It is worth understanding that the sun, or more precisely, its irradiation, can cause the development of tumor and oncological processes. Such a fate is unlikely if the dog is potentially healthy, but there are breeds with certain genetic predispositions. If you don’t know what to do to protect your pet, you need to consult a doctor, since recommendations are very individual. The pet’s age, coat color, predisposition and even diet are taken into account. Without a doctor's prescription, you can use a special sunscreen for animals; human cosmetics are not suitable for dogs!

Important! When using sunscreens, it is better to choose sprays. The finely sprayed liquid is absorbed faster by the skin, which reduces the risk of licking.

The second most common natural cause of lightening of pigmentation is cold. There is a special concept - winter nose. However, do not confuse the genetic characteristics of some breeds with natural lightening. In the first case, pink stripes appear on the nose in the form of individual strokes or cobwebs. In the second, uniform lightening occurs, which affects the upper part and bends of the nostrils.

When the phenomenon of nose lightening in winter reached the level of study, all veterinarians came to a dead end. The true reasons for the changes are unknown to this day, so the winter nose is considered a natural seasonal change. In purebred dogs, lightening with cobwebs can cause a decrease in the show grade.

Household reasons

Dry air in the home- this is a common situation for dogs living in apartments. The situation is especially noticeable in winter, when the home is heated using radiators. According to the rules of a healthy lifestyle in winter, the home needs to be ventilated in the morning and evening, but not all owners follow this recommendation, which harms not only themselves, but also their pets. Dry air has a detrimental effect on the condition of the coat, skin and mucous membranes.

Note! Dry air is a formidable enemy of health. In addition to loss of color, dogs' noses can become cracked, which is quite uncomfortable and painful. Dry skin becomes covered with scales, which causes itching.

Plastic products- some plastic or rubber accessories may contain melatonin and similar lightening components. Such substances act at the molecular level and deeply and severely irritate the nasal mucosa. Roughly speaking, lightening pigmentation is the lesser of the evils when mucous membranes come into contact with such strong chemistry. In the event of an allergic reaction, the earlobe becomes hot, noticeably purple, and the tip of the nose lightens to pink, yellow or white.

Incorrectly selected shampoocan cause a severe reaction of the skin and mucous membranes. The scale of the tragedy is difficult to predict; it all depends on the health of the dog. For mild allergies , the skin and nose become discolored, and scales or bald patches may appear. In case of an acute reaction, wounds (ulcers) appear on the mucous membranes, which take a long time to heal and leave scars.

Note! Scar tissue is always lighter than the skin, meaning spots at the site of ulcers and wounds can remain forever.

Pathologies

Skin damage can occur for a number of reasons: active walks, itching, burns, hypothermia, run-in with a cat. Curious puppies often injure their nose, which is very painful, so adult dogs are very careful. However, no pet is immune from receiving a basic scratch. The danger is not in slight damage, but in the healing process, which is accompanied by crust formation and itching. During this period, it is important to ensure that the pet does not scratch the healing wound.

Infected skin damage is more dangerous because a foreign microorganism enters the wound and wants to live. Bacteria that get into the cracks of the mucous membrane find themselves in a very favorable environment and actively multiply. Deep wounds can form in the area of ​​inflammation, and if the situation is ignored, necrosis can occur. What such a condition entails can only be determined by assessing the dog’s condition with a veterinarian.

Neoplasms lead to lightening of the nose, and benign or malignant tumor does not play a role. Seals, non-healing wounds and cracks on the nose are not a temporary phenomenon. If you find something like this in your pet, your veterinarian will likely recommend a biopsy before developing a treatment plan. The nose of dogs is very sensitive, and they try to avoid surgery in this area as much as possible, since the potential benefit (most often) is much lower than the level of risk.

Vitiligo is considered to be a safe pathology. The deviation consists of a decrease in the level of melanin production, which is responsible for the intensity of coloring of the skin and coat. Vitiligo is a very rare and mysterious phenomenon for which there is no therapy. Based on the rare cases encountered by the veterinarian, it was possible to conclude that the pathology is progressing. Over time, the dog loses pigmentation not only of its nose, but also of its fur.. Some animals experience lightening of the iris. This process does not affect the quality of life.

Lupus - a rare, autoimmune disease, the diagnosis and treatment of which is very difficult. Discoid lupus erythematosus is a subtype of the disease in which the dog's nose becomes pink and covered with scabs. In parallel with the lightening of the nose, the dog intensively loses hair. Fortunately, discoid lupus erythematosus is quite treatable or controlled with immunosuppressive medications.

Important! Any deviation associated with pigmentation of the nose, skin or fur may indicate disturbances in the functioning of metabolic processes and the hormonal system. Don't forget to visit your veterinarian for preventive examinations and take care of your pets' health.

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For various reasons, a dog's nose can lose pigment, turning pink or white. There are many reasons for this, some of which have not yet been studied. Depigmentation of the noselobe in some cases is not the cause of the disease and over time the color of the noselobe is restored, but sometimes this sign serves as a signal to seek veterinary help.

Causes of nose depigmentation in dogs

As a result of changes in weather conditions, when daylight hours are shortened, the dog's nose loses pigment. In winter, the lobe becomes lighter and partially turns pink, but with the onset of warm days, the pigmentation is restored. This phenomenon is considered normal and harmless for animals. Depigmentation is explained by the fact that the enzyme tyrosinase, which catalyzes the synthesis of melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation, is sensitive to temperature changes. This is why some dogs' noses become lighter in color in winter. “Snow nose” is typical for Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Shepherd Dogs.

Dudley nose

In some dogs, the color of the lobe changes for no apparent reason. A puppy's black nose may turn brown as the baby grows, or even turn pink or white. Scientists have not figured out the reasons for this genetic quirk. Unlike the “snow nose”, “Dudley nose” is permanent, i.e. the changes that occur are permanent and the pigmentation is not restored. In addition, the “snow nose” is not white. Light-colored Labradors with a brown nose, Doberman Pinschers, Pointers, Afghan Hounds, Poodles, and Irish Setters are prone to the “Dudley Nose.”

Vitiligo

This immune disease is characterized by the fact that healthy cells responsible for pigmentation are blocked. As a result, the lobe turns pink, the pigmentation of other parts of the body is disrupted, for example, in some places the hair turns white. Vitiligo does not affect the health of dogs, only the appearance changes. Dobermans, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Rottweilers, Labradors, Irish Setters, and Poodles are prone to vitiligo. The disease is determined by biopsy, and the introduction of nutritional supplements into the diet allows you to restore pigmentation.

Age processes

Old age can cause problems with nasal pigmentation in dogs, because with age, some body functions weaken, for example, melanin begins to be produced slowly.

In some dogs, a “snowy nose” is observed after the animals reach middle age, and in old age the earlobe remains pinkish all year round.

Damage to the nose

The nose may turn pink due to injury, such as scratches or burns, as it is a sensitive area. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to burns, and the lobe becomes pink, swelling is possible. Therefore, in summer you should protect this area using sunscreen. Over time, the pigment returns completely or partially, it all depends on the nature of the injuries.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, one of the symptoms of which is loss of pigment. The skin peels, becomes covered with scales, especially on the nose, along the ears, and on the muzzle. German shepherds, border collies, and shelties are predisposed to the disease.

Allergy

Contact dermatitis appears on the nose if the dog is allergic to things that the nose comes into direct contact with, such as a plastic bowl or toy. With constant contact with the irritant, the earlobe turns pink, and the lips become inflamed or lose pigment. It is important to find out what the allergen is and prevent the dog from coming into contact with it. So, if the cause of contact dermatitis is a plastic bowl, then you should change it to a bowl made of another material.

Other Causes of Nasal Depigmentation in Dogs

With a bacterial infection, the nose becomes inflamed and the color of the earlobe changes, usually becoming lighter. In addition, skin cancer can be a cause of depigmentation. In these cases, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian who will prescribe a course of treatment.

An idiopathic condition, depending on the personal characteristics of the animal’s body and predispositions, can cause a violation of nasal pigmentation.

A sudden change in the color of the lobe may be a warning sign of the presence of a disease, so you should pay attention to such changes. In some cases, depigmentation is a sign of developing diseases, accompanied by other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, dry skin, prolonged shedding, excess weight, and increased excitability.

The color of a dog's nose changes both temporarily and permanently. If in the second case the matter is most likely in the characteristics of the breed and age, then with the first option everything is not so simple. It may indeed be a sign of illness if the dog's nose becomes lighter and any other suspicious symptoms are observed.

It’s not very good if something like this happened too suddenly, in one day. Owners have no reason to be afraid, even in such circumstances, if the animal has not lost any activity or appetite. For example, huskies and malamutes lose the brightness of their nose pigment. in winter, and in Dalmatians, some owners note spots on it that disappear after puppyhood.

Growing up and color features

It is quite normal for a puppy's touching pink nose to gradually darken and eventually turn black. After all, initially animals may not have the characteristic color of the breed at all and their spots disappear or appear, the shade of the coat, its thickness and length change. All this is explained by the maturation process and the specifics of each breed. For example, in spotted dogs, a small dot on the nose can gradually change and only after a certain period take on a certain size and shape.

Much depends on what the standard color should be. The black pigment (eumelanin) is very strong and is unlikely to lighten during life. But brown, or rather red (pheomelanin), may well gradually turn into pink. This will depend on the breed and age of the animal, but not on its overall health. In other words, there is no danger here; rather, it is a normal manifestation of genetics.

It is noted that during puberty and estrus, a dog’s nose changes color, although not always. This is not a sign of abnormalities in the hormonal system. This is absolutely normal and does not require visiting a veterinarian. If the pet is on a nutritious diet with vitamin supplements, then additional immunostimulating drugs are also not needed.

Injuries with hemorrhage

In this case, it is difficult to confuse a dangerous situation with ordinary genetically determined pigmentation. A bruised nose swells; while initially light in color, it darkens and turns burgundy or black. The pet reacts painfully and nervously to touch, the surface is hot and soft.

Animals with a black nose “hide” this longer, unless the top layer of the epidermis is peeled off - then, of course, it becomes pink or reddish. It is better not to do anything at home; you need to contact a veterinary clinic in order to clarify the extent of the damage. You can treat superficial scratches on your own, but it is important to find out whether there is a risk of loss or deterioration of your sense of smell.

If a dog is bitten directly on the nose by some insect, then the need to visit a doctor depends on the breed and age. Active large animals can stay indoors, just need to treat the nose with a non-baking disinfectant (chlorhexidine) and possibly apply an ointment for hives. Toy breeds, puppies and older dogs may react differently to bites from, for example, wasps. It is better to have them examined by a veterinarian to rule out the possibility of allergic edema, which is risky for the respiratory system. First, then the nasopharynx area, if measures are not taken in time. If your dog's nose color has changed after using medications at home, this should also be checked by a doctor.

Vitiligo and other diseases

At its core, vitiligo is a pathology in which the animal’s health does not suffer significantly. His body cells responsible for breed-specific pigmentation simply do not function. This is an immune disease, for which there is no direct need for active treatment. Much more dangerous is the risk of lupus, skin cancer, bacteriological or fungal infection. However, all these ailments do not come with just one symptom of a whitened respiratory organ.

If a dog's nose color has changed, but there is no fever, no lethargy, no hair falling out, no loss of appetite, then it is unlikely that it has one of these diseases. In addition, with them we are talking not so much about a simple change in color, but about plaque, a dry or wet crust on the nose. The pet will definitely show health problems in some other way or even openly and constantly scratch the sore spot.

In most cases, the fact that a dog's nose has changed color does not mean anything dangerous. This occurs in animals of different ages and breeds for completely natural reasons, determined genetically. It is possible to determine whether there is a real probability of having a disease by observing the pet and having precise knowledge of the characteristics of the breed. An examination by a veterinarian is necessary if the dog has a chronically weakened immune system and there is a risk of catching the disease at every step. Purely aesthetic issues in this case are absolutely not important, and cannot be solved, even if they relate to color standards.

Why does a dog's nose turn white?

Many owners are faced with a problem when a spot appears on their dog’s nose. Sometimes it happens that the entire nose may turn white. Pigmentation is a phenomenon that should be studied in more detail, since it can indicate both normal changes associated with processes in the body and the presence of serious diseases.

Why does a white coating appear on the nose?

There are several reasons why dogs' noses change color to white:

Changes in weather conditions due to seasonality. When daylight hours shorten, your dog's nose may turn white. This phenomenon is absolutely harmless to the dog's health. When the weather becomes warm again and the days become longer, the pigmentation will be restored without any consequences. Some enzymes in the animal’s body are sensitive to temperature changes, which explains this phenomenon. There is a list of breeds for which it is typical. These are Labrador, Husky, Golden Retriever, Shepherd and Bernese Mountain Dog.

Sometimes a white crust appears in a dog for no apparent reason, due to genetic changes. So, as the puppy grows older, the nose may become white. Unlike the previous reason, this phenomenon is permanent. That is, the color will never be the same. Breeds that are prone to genetic changes in pigmentation: Doberman, Labrador, poodle, pointer, Afghan hound.

Vitiligo is a disease of the dog's immune system in which the cells responsible for pigmentation are blocked. In this case, spots can appear not only on the nose, but on the entire body. The disease does not affect the pet's health, only its appearance changes.

Age-related changes. With age, irreversible processes begin to occur in the animal’s body; melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation, is destroyed.

If the nose is subjected to various mechanical damage, weak pigmentation may also occur. This may occur due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation or other injuries from walking or contact with other animals. In summer, you need to lubricate your pet's mucous membranes with sunscreen to avoid discoloration.

Lupus is a disease of an animal's immune system that not only causes a white nose, but also a number of other symptoms. These include: peeling of the skin, formation of scales. If signs of lupus appear, your dog should be taken to the vet immediately. Sheepdogs, collies and shelties are the breeds most prone to this condition.

Allergic reactions are one of the common reasons why a dog's nose changes color. In this case, an allergy occurs when there is contact with an allergen. For example, a dog plays with a ball or other object to which his body reacts negatively. Also, do not exclude the possibility that the bowl from which the animal eats is made of unnatural materials that provoke allergies.

There are a number of more dangerous causes of pigmentation, if identified, you should immediately take the animal to the doctor and begin appropriate treatment.

Other dangerous causes of pigmentation

There are several other reasons for changes in nose color:

Bacterial infection. This is an inflammation in which the wings of the nose change color to a lighter color.

Skin cancer.

Idiopathic condition. This problem depends on the genetic characteristics of the state of the animal’s body.

You need to sound the alarm if pigmentation is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Loss of appetite.

Reducing body weight.

Nausea and vomiting.

Increased excitability.

Dry skin.

Overweight.

Unreasonable shedding.

In this case, a white nose may indicate the presence of serious diseases that cannot be eliminated without the help of a veterinarian. Sometimes treatment should absolutely not be delayed, since any delay can cost the pet’s health or even life.

Thus, nasal pigmentation is a phenomenon that often occurs in dogs. Sometimes it does not give cause for concern, but if there are additional symptoms, you should immediately contact your veterinarian and follow his recommendations.