If you have spent any amount of time around a dog then you know they have wet noses. You probably experience this quite a lot when they wake you up in the morning, give you kisses, or when you are on their level playing.
A moist or wet nose is perfectly normal and healthy, but it may not always be that way. A dog’s nose can be millions of times more sensitive than a person’s nose and its ability to process scents is greater as well.
Because of this, a dog uses their nose much like we use our hands for exploring their environment. This means it gets pushed around in the grass, dirt, snow, on windows, and anything else that is around them.
With so much work cut out for it a dog’s nose can become dry, cracked, and crusty. Not only can this be a result of where the nose has been, but it can also be a result of air temperature, sun exposure, a fever, and many other underlying issues. If a dog’s nose begins to dry out, can you put Chapstick on it?
First Things First
Before giving your dog food, medications, or any other product designed for people, it is best to always check with your veterinarian first.
Just because a product is safe for us does not mean it is safe for a dog. This is especially important to consider when applying any type of ointment to their nose because dogs lick their nose all the time. Whatever you put on their nose will likely be licked and therefore ingested.
Can Chapstick be Used?
The brand name Chapstick is petroleum-based and is very similar to Vaseline. Chapstick is okay to use on a dog’s nose as a means of soothing dry or cracked tissue. It is also an effective barrier at protecting it from exposure to the sun and windy conditions.
Just like people, every dog is different. If you know of another dog that does okay with Chapstick on their nose, it does not necessarily mean your dog will be okay with it.
Ointments, salves, oils may affect one dog’s skin and stomach differently than another. Always start off with the smallest amount possible and observe if there are any negative side effects. If there are, discontinue use.
Wrap Up
A dog’s nose is supposed to be wet and moist, if it is drying out there is a reason for it. As mentioned earlier this could be due to air temperature, sun exposure, a fever, illness, and several other factors.
If small amounts of Chapstick are ingested, through licking of the nose, it should not hurt your pooch. However, since it is not designed for dogs it may be best to avoid using it regularly.
An ointment or oil can be a temporary solution that is soothing but if the underlying cause of the dry nose is not addressed it will continue. Consult your veterinarian when the problem arises or if it persists after applying a treatment.
