Dog Nose Care 101: Beat Dryness, Cracks, and Hyperkeratosis Year-Round
Your dog’s nose does more than just sniff! It helps them explore the world, stay cool, and even stay healthy. Just like your skin, your pup’s nose can get dry, cracked, or crusty, especially in hot summer months or freezing winter weather. That’s where nose balm for dogs becomes a must-have in your dog grooming and care routine.
Let’s dig into why nose balm is important year-round, which dog breeds need it most, and how to keep your pup’s snout soft, smooth, and sniff-worthy.
Why Does Your Dog’s Nose Get Dry or Crusty?
A healthy dog nose is usually moist and cool. When the weather gets extreme, like dry summer heat or icy winter wind, your dog’s nose can lose moisture fast. This can lead to cracking, flaking, or even bleeding in severe cases.
Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors, sunbathe, or live in dry climates are especially at risk. In the winter, cold air and indoor heaters make things worse by drying out the sensitive skin on their nose.
Sometimes, a dry nose is more than just dry skin—it can be a sign of nasal hyperkeratosis, a condition where the skin on the nose thickens and hardens. It often looks like crusty, rough layers building up on top of your dog’s nose. This condition can be uncomfortable or even painful if left untreated.
Dog Breeds That Need Extra Nose Care
Some dog breeds are more prone to dry noses and hyperkeratosis than others. If you have one of these cuties, nose balm should definitely be part of your regular dog care routine:
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English Bulldogs – Their flat faces and short snouts make it harder for them to keep their noses moist on their own.
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French Bulldogs – Just like English bulldogs, their short snouts need extra love.
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Labrador Retrievers – Labs are active and love to be outdoors, which exposes their noses to sun, wind, and dust.
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Cocker Spaniels – This breed can be prone to skin issues, including dryness and hyperkeratosis.
Regular dog grooming that includes moisturizing their nose can make a huge difference for these dog breeds.
What Makes a Good Dog Nose Balm?
Not all nose balms are created equal. You want something safe, natural, and effective. That’s why Squishface Nose Balm is a top pick for pet parents. It’s made with:
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Shea Butter – Deeply hydrates and softens rough skin
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Avocado Oil – Rich in vitamins A, D, and E to nourish the skin
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Berry Seed Oils – Help repair damaged skin with powerful antioxidants
These gentle, natural ingredients make Squishface safe for daily use—even if your dog licks it off!
How to Use Nose Balm on Your Dog
Using a dog nose balm like Squishface is easy:
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Apply a small amount of balm to the dry or crusty area.
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Use your finger or a the tube of Nose Balm to rub it in.
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Reapply 1–2 times a day until the nose is smooth and hydrated again.
Including this in your dog grooming routine is a simple way to boost your dog’s comfort and health. Plus, a healthy nose means better sniffing, and we all know how much dogs love that!
Extra Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Nose Moist and Healthy
In addition to using Squishface Nose Balm, there are several other ways to help keep your dog’s nose hydrated and healthy throughout the year. These simple tips can easily become part of your regular dog grooming and care routine:
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Keep your pup hydrated
Just like with humans, dehydration can cause a dry nose in dogs. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, especially during hot summer days or after exercise. -
Use a humidifier indoors
Dry air from heaters in winter or air conditioners in summer can zap moisture from your dog’s nose. A small humidifier helps keep indoor air moist and gentle on your dog’s skin and snout. -
Avoid plastic bowls
Believe it or not, plastic food and water bowls can sometimes cause skin irritation or even allergic reactions around the nose and muzzle. Try switching to stainless steel or ceramic bowls, which are safer and easier to clean. -
Limit sun exposure
Too much sun can dry out or even burn your dog’s nose—especially in light-colored or short-haired breeds. Apply nose balm before walks to act as a natural barrier, and try walking during cooler parts of the day.
The Bottom Line:
Whether it’s sunny and dry or chilly and windy, your dog’s nose needs protection. Dry, cracked snouts aren’t just uncomfortable—they can lead to bigger issues like infections or hyperkeratosis. That’s why Squishface nose balm is one of our top tools to keep your dog's nose nourished for every season.
Help your pup stay sniff-ready with Squishface Nose Balm, packed with natural ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and berry seed oils. Your dog will thank you—with nose boops!
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