Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs: What Are They and How Are They Diagnosed?

Nasal dermatoses in dogs refer to skin conditions in dogs that affect the muzzle and tip of the nose.

What Are Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs?

Nasal dermatoses in dogs occur for several reasons, ranging from genetics to infections. Due to numerous possible causes, dogs can experience varying symptoms, including nasal discharge or crusty skin, for example.  

In these conditions, the skin barrier on the muzzle and nose is compromised, leading to ulceration and crusting. Dogs may also lose the “cobblestone” appearance of their nose that is normally present.  

Nasal dermatoses are not generally considered medical emergencies, but they can lead to significant discomfort and worsening of symptoms if left untreated.  

However, if your dog is experiencing nasal dermatosis due to an underlying autoimmune condition, this can quickly progress and become an emergency.  

For this reason, if your dog is experiencing skin issues on their nose, schedule a veterinary appointment promptly to determine the underlying cause.    

Symptoms of Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs

Symptoms of nasal dermatoses in dogs include:  

• Nasal crusting  

• Flaky skin on muzzle 

• Loss of nasal pigmentation 

• Cracks or ulcers on nose 

• Nasal swelling 

• Hair loss on muzzle 

• Sneezing 

• Reddening of nose and muzzle 

• Nasal discharge (sometimes bloody) 

• Loss of “cobblestone” appearance to nose 

Causes of Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs

Major causes of nasal dermatoses can be any of the following:  

• Genetics: Some dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Huskies, are predisposed to nasal dermatoses because of their genetic makeup.   

• Autoimmune diseases: Dogs with dysregulated immune systems may develop conditions such as pemphigus foliaceus that can result in concerning symptoms of the skin on their noses.   

• Infectious diseases: Bacterial and fungal infections, such as Staphylococcus or blastomycosis, can be the cause of nasal dermatoses.  

• Parasites: Skin mites, such as demodex, can result in flaky skin and scabbing of the nose.   

• Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as cutaneous lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma, can cause abnormalities of the nose or muzzle.    

• Neurological conditions: Damage to nerves that innervate the face can lead to drying of the nose and flaky or ulcerated skin.  

• Nutrient deficiency: Dogs with zinc deficiency may develop crusty and cracked noses.  

• Environmental factors: Dogs spending frequent time outdoors may develop this condition due to sunlight exposure and bug bites.  

Nasal dermatoses can affect both males and females. They can also affect any age of dog, though adult dogs are more frequently affected, most likely due to environmental factors. 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs

A diagnosis of nasal dermatoses in dogs begins with a thorough physical exam.  

A veterinarian will pay close attention to your dog’s muzzle and nose, noting obvious abnormalities like nasal discharge or irregular appearances. The pet parent should discuss when symptoms began and any history of underlying medical conditions.  

To determine the underlying cause for the nasal dermatoses, diagnostic testing may be done, which can include:  

• Blood work: A small sample of the dog’s blood is collected and tested to check for signs of underlying infection and abnormalities with internal organ function.  

• Urinalysis: A sample of urine is used to test for abnormalities, such as bacteria or fungus, that may indicate an underlying health issue.  

• Skin biopsy: A small portion of the dog’s skin on the nose or muzzle is collected while the dog is under anesthesia. It’s sent to a special laboratory to determine the underlying cause for the skin abnormalities.  

• Bacterial/fungal culture: If an infection is suspected, samples of hair or crusts from the abnormal regions of skin can be sent to a laboratory for testing.  

• Skin scrape: If skin mites may be causing the nasal dermatoses, a dull blade is gently used to scrape skin cells from the affected area. The sample is added to a drop of oil and viewed underneath the microscope to identify mites and their eggs.  

Sometimes, your veterinarian will try treating the nasal dermatoses based on the suspected underlying cause—or if it can’t be accurately identified. If your dog responds, your veterinarian can make a diagnosis. 

This is commonly referred to as the “response to treatment” method for diagnosis.  

Treatment of Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs

Treatment of nasal dermatoses in dogs depends on the underlying cause.  

Possible treatments that your veterinarian may prescribe include:  

• Oral zinc supplementation, such as NutviVed zinc chewable tablets 

• Antibiotics, such as cephalexin 

• Antifungals, such as fluconazole 

• Immunosuppressive medications, such as azathioprine   

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone  

• Antiparasitic medications, such as fluralaner 

Treatment may last for weeks to months depending on the cause. In some cases, treatment is necessary for the remainder of the dog’s life.  

In cases of cancer, surgical removal of the affected portion of the skin or radiation therapy may be necessary.  

Recovery and Management of Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs

Dogs can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months to recover from nasal dermatoses. In instances where dogs have autoimmune conditions, they may never fully recover, and they may have relapses of symptoms throughout their lives. This requires long-term medication management.  

Pet parents should ensure they closely follow the veterinarian’s instructions when giving medications and when scheduling follow-up visits to ensure recovery and management is successful.  

Prevention of Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs 

Some cases of nasal dermatoses in dogs are not preventable, such as those with an underlying genetic component.  

In other cases, pet parents can ensure they do the following: 

• Apply dog-safe sunscreen to the noses of predisposed breeds and dogs who have light fur on their noses.  

• Keep dogs on a monthly flea-and-tick preventative, such as Bravecto.  

• Ensure dogs receive regular wellness veterinary care to promote overall health.