Noses Calluses
Nose calluses are common in many of our small and short nosed breeds. Like human hands, the callus builds as a response to chronic irritation like sun, nasal discharge, licking, plastic bowls, or rubbing. Sometimes they are small while other times they are quite involved. In order to “heal” these, it is important to use a hydrating, penetrating compound like our Nose Moisturizer. It needs to be applied often and the dog needs to be distracted so the dog won’t lick it off as soon as it is applied. Taking the dog for a walk or playing a game of ball are good distractions!
What Is a Dog Nose Callus?
A nose callus is an area of thickened, dry and sometimes cracked skin on the nose (nasal planum) or the top of the muzzle. In many dogs it looks like rough, crusty or “furry” keratin built up on the nose. It forms the same way a callus forms on a human hand: the skin thickens to protect itself from repeated irritation.
Which Dogs Get Nose Calluses?
Small and short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are especially prone, including Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus and Pekingese. Older dogs are also more likely to develop dry, thickened noses.
Common Causes
- Sun exposure, especially on lightly pigmented noses
- Chronic nasal discharge that keeps the nose wet and irritated
- Frequent licking
- Rubbing on bedding, carpets, crates or fences
- Plastic food and water bowls, which can irritate sensitive skin
- Dry indoor air in winter
How to Soften and Care for a Nose Callus
- Remove the irritant. Switch to stainless steel or ceramic bowls, protect a pale nose from strong sun, and look for anything the dog rubs on.
- Hydrate often. Apply a hydrating, penetrating moisturizer such as our Nose Moisturizer several times a day. Consistency matters more than the amount.
- Distract after applying. Take the dog for a walk or play a game of ball so the product has time to absorb before it is licked off.
- Be patient. Thickened skin softens gradually over weeks. Never pick or cut away the callus.
Shop our products for dry, cracked noses and paws. The same principles help with rough, dry paw pads.
When to See Your Veterinarian
Most nose calluses are cosmetic, but some nose changes need a veterinary exam. See your veterinarian if the nose is bleeding, ulcerated, painful or has deep cracks, if it loses color, or if paw pads are thickening at the same time. These can be signs of conditions such as autoimmune disease or nasal hyperkeratosis that need medical diagnosis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a callus on a dog’s nose?
Nose calluses form in response to chronic irritation such as sun exposure, nasal discharge, licking, rubbing, or plastic food and water bowls. The skin thickens to protect itself.
How do you treat a dry, crusty dog nose?
Remove the source of irritation and apply a hydrating, penetrating nose moisturizer several times a day, then distract the dog so it does not lick the product off.
Which breeds are prone to nose calluses?
Small and short-nosed breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus are especially prone, as are older dogs.
When is a crusty nose a sign of something serious?
See a veterinarian if the nose bleeds, cracks deeply, ulcerates, loses pigment or is painful, or if the paw pads are also thickening.