Shih Tzu Dry Nose Issues

Overview

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Most Common Reasons for Having a Dry Nose

#1 Morning Dryness: A Shih Tzu's nose may be dry upon waking up, especially for deep sleepers. During sleep, they don't lick their noses, which normally stimulates mucus secretion, aiding in scent detection and cooling. This temporary dryness, common in dogs that sleep soundly through the night, typically resolves within 30 minutes after waking.

#2 Heat Exposure: In winter, Shih Tzu dogs lying near heat sources like radiators may experience nose dryness due to the dry heat. Dry heat can suck moisture out of the nose quickly.

#3 Inadequate Water Intake: Dehydration, often from not drinking enough water, can lead to a dry nose. Factors like increased exercise, hotter conditions, or a reluctance to drink warm water can affect a dog's hydration levels, and this sort of dehydration can manifest first as a dry nose.

#4 Reaction to Plastic Bowls: Allergic reactions to plastic bowls can cause nose dryness. Plastic bowls can also cause other issues like rashes along the mouth.

#5 Sun Exposure: Regular sun exposure via daily walks or outdoor playtime, especially in the summer, can cause mild sunburn on the nose, leading to dryness.

#6 Dry air in the Winter. Cold winter air cannot hold moisture, so it's easy for dogs to get dry noses (while we humans tend to get dry hands). Once a Shih Tzu's nose is dry from this, increased licking to tend to the discomfort often exacerbates things.

#7 Winter Chapping: Cold, dry winter air can chap a Shih Tzu's nose. As soon as a nose gets even a little bit chapped, it can become an endless cycle; a Shih Tzu may lick their nose due to discomfort and the saliva from the lick, exposed to cold air, leads to more chapping.

Other Issues that May Accompany a Dry Nose in Shih Tzu Dogs

If you catch it early, a dry nose may be the only issue your Shih Tzu has. But, if left untreated, it can worsen to include any of the following: 

• Cracking: As the skin on the nose loses moisture, it can become more susceptible to cracking. This can be very painful for a dog and may lead to bleeding or increased risk of infection.
• Peeling: Along with dryness, the outer layers of the nose skin may start to peel off. This peeling can be a natural response to healing but can also cause discomfort or sensitivity in the area.
• Chapping: Similar to human lips, a dog's nose can become chapped. This condition is often exacerbated by cold or windy weather and can lead to a rough, uncomfortable texture.
• Bleeding: In more severe cases, the dryness and subsequent cracking or peeling can lead to bleeding. This is often a sign that the nose requires more intensive care and protection.
• Thickening of Skin: In some cases, the nose may develop a condition called nasal hyperkeratosis, where the skin thickens and becomes excessively hard and dry.
• Infection: A dry nose, especially if cracked or bleeding, can be more vulnerable to infections. Signs of infection might include unusual discharge, increased redness, or swelling.
• Discoloration: Sometimes, dryness can lead to changes in the color of the nose, which may indicate underlying health issues or just be a reaction to external factors.
• Loss of Nose Texture: The normally rough texture of a dog's nose can become smooth when dry, affecting a dog's overall comfort.

When these symptoms are observed, it's important to take appropriate steps to moisturize and protect your Shih Tzu's nose or seek veterinary care in severe cases. At-home treatments are covered next.

At-home Treatments for a Dry Nose

Below is each of the common reasons for having a dry or cracked nose and their remedies.

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For Morning Dryness: Generally resolves on its own. Ensure your Shih Tzu wakes up in a comfortable environment and monitor their hydration.

For Heat Exposure: Move your Shih Tzu away from direct heat sources. Assess sleeping and resting areas to ensure they are not too close to radiators or other sources of dry heat.

If There is Inadequate Water Intake: Encourage regular water consumption by:

• Washing the water bowl daily with warm water and dish soap.
• Frequently changing the water.
• Considering a water fountain or dispenser, like the Pawque Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain, which can entice a dog to drink more.
• Bringing water during walks or outings, using convenient containers like the KONG H2O Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle.

For Reaction to Plastic Bowls: Replace plastic bowls with stainless steel or ceramic options. Silicone rubber is also suitable for collapsible travel bowls or lick mats.

For Issues with Dry Air in Winter: Use a humidifier in the area where your Shih Tzu spends most of its time to add moisture to the air.

For summer sun exposure, winter chapping, and everything from a dry nose to peeling, cracking, or even crusting, a good nose balm like Snout Soother by Natural Dog Company. This  can protect, soothe, moisturize, and penetrate the skin in order to regenerate the nose leather. Apply it several times a day heal a dry, cracked nose and then use it regularly to prevent problems. 

Reasons to Seek Veterinary Treatment for Your Shih Tzu's Dry Nose

While a Shih Tzu's dry nose can usually be managed with home care, there are certain situations where it's crucial to seek veterinary treatment. Identifying these signs ensures your little guy or gal receives the appropriate care and attention for their health. Here are key reasons to consider consulting a veterinarian:

• Persistent Dryness: If the dryness persists for an extended period, despite attempts at home care, it might indicate an underlying health issue that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
• Excessive Cracking or Bleeding: When the dryness leads to severe cracking or bleeding that doesn't resolve with regular care, it’s essential to get veterinary help to prevent infections and more serious complications.
• Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as unusual nasal discharge, swelling, excessive redness, or a foul odor from the nose are signs of possible infection that need medical attention.
• Accompanying Health Symptoms: If the dry nose is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual changes in drinking or urinating habits, it could be part of a larger health issue.
• No Improvement with Treatment: If you've been applying appropriate balms or moisturizers and making environmental changes without seeing improvement, a vet can provide additional treatments or identify underlying conditions.
• Severe Peeling or Thickening of Skin: When the nose shows signs of severe peeling, thickening (as in nasal hyperkeratosis), or any drastic changes in texture or color, professional evaluation is necessary.

In these scenarios, a veterinarian can offer a comprehensive examination, conduct necessary tests, and prescribe treatments or lifestyle changes tailored to your Shih Tzu's specific needs.

More Articles:

Shih Tzu Eye Care - A helpful guide for keeping your Shih Tzu's eye area clean and free of eye 'sleep' and other irritants. This also leads to articles regarding tear stains and eye issues.

Shih Tzu Exercise - How much exercise a Shih Tzu should have and fun ways to get your little guy or gal moving. Applies to puppies, adults and seniors. 

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