Are Brachycephalic Breeds More Prone to Dry Nose?

As a pet parent, you may have noticed that your flat-faced or wrinkly dog breed has a dry nose. You may be wondering why this is the case, and if there are any potential problems that could arise from having a dry nose. In this post, we will list the main reasons why brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to dry nose than other breeds, as well as some tips on how to keep your dog's nose healthy.

 

Why Are their Noses So Dry?

The first reason why brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to dry nose is because they have a shorter muzzle. This means that they have less space for their nostrils, which can lead to difficulty breathing and drying out of the nasal passages. In addition, these breeds often have smaller tear ducts, which can also contribute to a dry nose.

Another reason for the higher incidence of dry nose in brachycephalic breeds is due to their anatomy. These dogs often have an elongated soft palate, which can block the airway and cause respiratory problems. Additionally, they may have narrow nostrils or stenotic nares, which can further restrict airflow. All of these factors can lead to a drying out of the nose.

What Are the Potential Problems?

While a dry nose is not necessarily a cause for concern, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as BOAS. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, has a chronic cough, or is showing other signs of respiratory distress, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. Additionally, a dry nose can be a sign of dehydration, so it is important to make sure that your dog is getting enough water. Wintertime is particularly hard on dog's noses because of the dry air, so it is important to take extra care of them during this time. Summertime, on the other hand, can be a time when your dog's nose is more likely to get sunburned. Be sure to apply a pet-safe sunscreen to their nose when they are going to be outside for extended periods of time.

How Can I Keep My Dog's Nose Healthy?

There are a few things that you can do to help keep your dog's nose healthy and prevent it from drying out. One of the most important things is to make sure that they are getting enough water. You can do this by ensuring that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times and by adding wet food to their diet. 

Squishface nose balm serves as the ultimate solution for creating a protective barrier, especially for brachycephalic breeds that are more susceptible to hyperkeratosis (due to their shortened snouts). This condition leads to excessive dryness and cracking of the nose, making it important to provide extra care to their delicate snouts. With its soothing blend of ingredients like shea butter and oat kernel oil, this balm not only moisturizes but calms the skin offering much-needed relief to your furry friend. 

You should also avoid exposing your dog to harsh chemicals or cleaning products, as these can irritate the nose and cause drying. If you must use these products, be sure to ventilate the area well and keep your dog away from the fumes. Additionally, you should avoid using a blow dryer on your dog's coat, as this can also dry out the nose.

Avoid processed foods and choose a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as these can help to keep the skin healthy. You can also supplement with fish oil or flaxseed oil. Finally, you can use a humidifier in your home to help keep the air moist and prevent drying of the nose. Just be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria build-up.

Keeping Their Face Folds Clean

Another way to help keep your dog's nose healthy is to regularly clean their face folds. This area can trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to irritation and infection. Use Squishface Wrinkle Paste as a protective barrier on your dog’s nose rope, wrinkles and skin folds. Our Wrinkle Paste acts as armor against fungus, bacteria and infection.

The Bottom Line

While Brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to dry nose due to their shorter muzzle and anatomical abnormalities, a dry nose is not necessarily a cause for concern, but it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. There are a few things that you can do to help keep your doggo's nose healthy, such as ensuring that they are getting enough water and cleaning their face folds. You should also avoid exposing your pup to harsh chemicals or cleaning products and choose the right food and supplement. If you are concerned about your dog's dry nose, or if they are showing other signs of respiratory distress, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.

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