I don’t know what’s going on... My dog Daisy, who's normally full of energy, has this strange bump on her nose that I just noticed this morning. It's small and kind of red-looking. She keeps trying to paw at it, and it's breaking my heart to watch. She didn’t have it yesterday morning, and I’m so worried. Do I need to dash to the vet, or is this something I can wait and see about? Daisy’s never had any skin issues before, so I'm feeling a bit lost. Has anyone else dealt with something like this?
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. When it comes to strange things on a dog’s nose, there are a few possible explanations. It could be something minor, like a scratch or mild irritation from digging or rubbing against rough surfaces. These usually heal on their own with time.
A more common cause could be a condition known as "nasal hyperkeratosis," where excess skin or keratin builds up on the nose, leading to crusts or thickening. This can sometimes be addressed by gently moisturizing the area with pet-safe products to keep it soft and prevent cracking.
Allergies are another possibility if there are other signs like sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy skin. Alternatively, growths such as warts or benign cysts can occur on the nose. While benign, they can still require veterinary assessment to ensure there's nothing more concerning.
Be mindful if you notice bleeding, significant swelling, persistent sores, or if your dog seems bothered, which could hint at infections or more serious skin conditions. In those cases, it's wise to consult a vet.
I recommend booking a video consult through Dial A Vet, where a veterinarian can visually assess your dog’s nose and provide more personalized advice.
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