Dog’s noses aren’t just cute; they can be an indicator of overall health. A healthy dog generally has a cold, wet nose when they’re awake, but what happens if they develop small cuts on their nose?
This condition, known as “kennel nose,” is the result of your dog rubbing its nose repeatedly into something until the skin becomes irritated. The skin may also form abrasions that, if agitated enough, can bleed.
Fortunately, kennel nose is easy to recognize, treat, and prevent, and Top Dog is here to help.
Top Dog offers comfortable dog boarding near you, with dog boarding near Mebane, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Hillsborough, NC, and Durham, NC. When dogs board with us, they can also take advantage of our amazing dog training and dog grooming.
What Causes Kennel Nose?
Kennel nose is driven by anxiety. Similar to kennel cough, this condition’s name is a misnomer. Kennel nose is as likely to occur at home as it is at a dog boarding resort.
Usually, a dog develops kennel nose from burying items in their bedding (showing a need to protect their resources), attempting to “dig” themselves out of a stressful situation, or rubbing their nose against surfaces to clean it.
What causes these anxiety responses? There are a few factors:
- New environments, such as a move to a new house or a stay at a new dog daycare and boarding facility
- Diet changes
- Spending too much time in a crate
- Separation anxiety
- A dirty face
- Pain
- Itching
Keep an eye on your pup, especially if they are about to undergo a period of stress or change. If you notice them digging, burying, or scratching their nose against anything, try to calm them down before they develop kennel nose.
How Do You Treat Kennel Nose?
If your dog develops kennel nose, there are some simple, straightforward ways to treat it.
Your number one goal will be to avoid further irritation to the skin on your dog’s nose can heal.
Common treatments for kennel nose include:
- An e-collar to prevent further scratching or burying
- Gently clean the nose with soap and a warm washcloth to prevent infection and irritation (about 2-3 times a day)
- Applying a pet-safe antibacterial ointment or balm to the nose
- Using calming techniques to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety
- Distracting your dog with an activity to discourage scratching and burying
Kennel nose healing times vary depending on the extent of the initial skin irritation and abrasions. However, you should see slow but steady signs of healing with treatment.
When your dog is fully healed, its nose should be back to its normal, healthy black color. However, if the kennel nose abrasions were particularly deep, your dog may experience some permanent discoloration (but no change in nose function).
If your dog’s kennel nose doesn’t improve, your veterinarian may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics.
Prevent Kennel Nose with Top Dog Daycare and Boarding
Kennel nose has its roots in anxiety behaviors. Training and boarding with Top Dog will give you and your furry friend the tools necessary to address these underlying triggers.
Our dog boarding resort pairs comfortable, sanitized bedding with soothing music to keep your dog relaxed, even if they suffer from separation anxiety. We have expert caretakers on staff who will help your dog feel safe.
Our boarders also get to experience our day school, where they can receive training and learn to stop anxiety-driven behaviors.
The more a dog gets exposed to new situations, dogs, and people through dog parks, dog daycare, and dog boarding near you, the easier it will be to avoid kennel nose.
Contact us today for the best dog training, dog grooming, and dog boarding near Mebane, NC!
