Part 1: Caring for Your Frenchie: Dry Nose & Peeling
DRY NOSE & PEELING
Unfortunately, nasal hyperkeratosis is a very common problem for French Bulldogs. This condition causes a protein overgrowth and leads to a dry nose that will eventually crust and peel if not cared for properly.
At various times throughout the day or even years, a Frenchies nose will become very dry. This does not mean to say that your fury friend is sick. Just be means that if your Frenchie’s nose appears rough, flaky, or cracked, their sense of smell will be affected. A crusty nose can create a fair bit of discomfort and should be addressed quickly. As with any symptom the first thing you will want to do is get a proper diagnosis from your vet so as to understand the cause and best treatment available because you want to be sure there are no other health problems.
When keratin has grown a fair amount, this will cause peeling to occur. It starts to become hard and then flakes off. This can be managed by moisturising your dogs with special ointments or lotions. There are a number of products made by the Natural Dog Company that will keep the nose in optimal health by moisturising the skin for hours after application.
Let’s take a look to see causes a dry nose with a Frenchie.
1. Bread Trait
Since Frenchies are prone to having a nose that can crust over aswell as having their snout pressed in (Brachycephalic), it creates a breeding ground for bacteria growth. Flat-faced breeds like Frenchies and Pugs cannot reach their nose with their tongue to moisten it. As such, skin fold dermatitis is a very common problem for French Bulldogs. When this happens, a Vet should be consulted. The good news is that there are a number of creams and ointments available to help manage the bacteria and fungus growth. A Vet may also prescribe some shampoos to help control the bacteria.
2. Allergies
Frenchies are susceptible to allergies due to their short snout. Allergic reactions include other symptoms like persistent sneezing, itching, hives, watery fluid from the nose, and ear infections. At times you will notice a clear discharge from the nostrils. These allergies can create discomfort for your Frenchie and a Vet may prescribe an allergy medication. In addition, diet also plays an important role in managing their allergies. Therefore, it is very important that you keep a close watch on the colour of the discharge because infection can result. If you notice a yellow or green discharge, then you should consult with your Vet.
3. Environment
In the summer, exposure to sun and dry air can cause a Frenchies nose to get crusty or flaky. In Winter, the cold air can also cause a Frenchies nose to dry up. Further, those Frenchies who like to curl up in front of a heater for long periods of time will cause their nose to dry up. Using a good quality lotion can help control this.
4. Dehydration
Strenuous exercise or hot temperatures can cause severe dehydration, which then causes a Frenchies nose to dry out. As soon as you notice a dry nose, also make sure to check the gums and get in the routine of monitoring your Frenchies gums. This is particularly important if they lead a very active lifestyle. Properly hydrated gums should be pink and moist to the touch, while gums that are dry, tacky, and pale indicate dehydration. Keep fresh water available at all times and remember dogs should drink water regularly throughout the day.
CARING FOR A FRENCH BULLDOG NOSE
Owning a French bulldog requires a lot more care than other breeds. To give your dog the best chance at avoiding nose problems, owners should be willing to apply ointment on the nose daily, as well as making sure you watch for any breathing difficulties.
When you wash your Frenchie, make sure you are cleaning under the folds of the skin, and drying in between as well. It is also wise to clean the folds with hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria and prevent an infection from forming.
The Natural Dog Company details a 4 Steps Remedy to managing a dog’s dry and cracked nose.
STEP 1: KEEP TRACK OF WHEN YOUR DOG’S NOSE IS DRY OR WET
The first thing you should do is start taking detailed notes whenever you notice your dog’s snout looks or feels a bit parched. Is their nose drier during certain times of the day or year? How often does it happen? How long does the dryness last? As you track nose condition, consider the common causes listed above to help you pinpoint the reason.
STEP 2: REMOVE POTENTIAL ALLERGENS
Allergies can be tricky to diagnose since there are so many things which can trigger an allergic reaction and many different symptoms which can indicate allergies. However, you can start with some common allergens that may come into contact with your dog’s nose.
Plastic allergies are common in dogs, so if you’re using plastic food or water bowls, try swapping them for stainless steel bowls. If you’ve recently added a new type of toy to your dog’s collection, consider removing it to see if the dry nose clears up. Same with new household products like floor cleaners, carpet deodorizers, and laundry detergents, which can cause reactions in sensitive dogs. Anything that your dog might bump with their nose and which you’ve changed recently should be temporarily removed from their environment to pinpoint the source of new allergies.
STEP 3: SOOTHE YOUR DOG’S NOSE WITH A BALM
Snout Soother treats dry dog noses of all shapes and sizes!
Whether your dog needs temporary relief or a regular nose care regimen, an all-natural balm like Snout Soother® can help keep your dog’s nose moist and healthy. Bonus: Snout Soother® acts as a natural sunscreen and moisturizer formulated specifically for canine noses. Sensitive dogs are more prone to skin issues, so we carefully source every last ingredient to ensure that our vegan, all-natural dog products are 100% safe for all pups.
The best part? This balm really works and that is why we are offering it here in Australia.
STEP 4: WATCH OUT FOR OTHER SYMPTOMS
Most dry dog noses can be solved by eliminating allergens and using an effective dog nose balm like Snout Soother®. If you don’t see any improvement after trying the steps above, consult with your veterinarian to explore allergy testing and get a check-up.
Take note of other symptoms like fever, dry eye, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, or changes in appetite. In combination with a prolonged dry nose, symptoms like those could be a sign of more serious conditions requiring medical attention, including autoimmune conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus, pemphigus, or hyperkeratosis.
Check out our range from the Natural Dog Company. It is all natural, organic, vegan and cruelty free. The Team here has tested and used these products and have seen a real difference. You should give them a go. We have different sizes for you to test and try. We are confident that your Frenchie will love this range.
