Dogs use their noses for so much more than just breathing! They also drain excessive tears from the eyes through tear ducts, and they have sweat glands that help cool them down by sweating. In addition, breeders worldwide have long recognized that some healthy breeds are prone to dry and firm noses. This buying guide will show you our top picks for dog nose balms in 2022.
An NCBI 2021 study explains that worldwide breeders and pet parents have long recognized that healthy dogs can have dry and firm noses and that pet parents refer to this as ‘dry nose’ and frequently treat it with various over‐the‐counter moisturizers, creams, and balms.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your pup’s nose moisturized and healthy, then nose balm is the perfect solution. Dog nose balm should only feature natural and safe ingredients that won’t irritate your pup’s skin and provide deep nourishment that will help protect their nose from drying out or becoming damaged. Dog nose balms need to be safe and easy to use. Finally, consider a nose balm lotion with sunblock if your pup is spending time outdoors.
Dog nose balms create an effective barrier of protection against moisture loss while providing nourishing and soothing ingredients to keep your pup’s nose healthy.
Repairing and protecting nose, pads, and non-infected calluses
If your dog suffers from a dry and sensitive nose or rough, cracked paw pads, applying a topical moisturizer to nourish and promote repair is key to healing. Nose and paw balms should be water-resistant to manage
hyperkeratosis, reduce pain and improve comfort.
- Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Repairs and protects
- Not harmful if swallowed
- It can be used on cats and dogs
- Easy to apply
- It can be used together with treatments.
- It helps repair and protect dry or damaged noses, paws, or interdigital areas.
- Cons
- More sizes needed
Dermoscent BIO Balm is a certified organic, natural paw balm that repairs and protects dry, cracked paws and noses. This rich and thick paw butter goes on easily and absorbs rapidly, providing long-lasting, water-resistant protection from the outdoors.
A team of pharmaceutical specialists in dermo-cosmetics developed Dermoscent BIO Balm. We like this dog nose balm for all dog breeds because it’s soothing, moisturizing, and non-irritating. So if you parent a pup with painful paws or a cracked nose, you’ll need to pat the product on instead of rubbing it in so that you’re not applying any pressure on sensitive areas.
It soothes and softens, cracking as it absorbs. This is an all-organic and natural ingredient-based product for dogs with scientifically proven efficacy. This product has over 1,600 positive reviews and is waterproof and veterinarian-recommended.
Dermoscent BIO BALM can be used on puppies over three months old. The key takeaway with this product is that the efficacy of Dermoscent BIO BALM was demonstrated through several studies published in peer-reviewed veterinary publications.
Features
- 100% organic
- Waterproof
- Crafted with organic soybean oil plus cajeput essential oil
- Protects your pet’s skin from drying or cracking.
- Suitable for noses, paw pads, and non-infected calluses
- Affordable
- Does not contain mineral oil or petroleum-based ingredients.
- Over 1,600 positive reviews
- Pros
- Suitable for allergies, hot spots, paw irritations, and infected skin folds, achy joints
- Good for hyperkeratosis
- Not harmful if swallowed
- Veterinarian approved
- Prevents and treats irritations
- It can be used on the face, lips, and ears
- Soothes and nourishes
- Fragrance-free
- Made in the US
- Cons
- Some may prefer a different brand
Natural Dog Company Snout Soother is designed to moisturize your pup’s snouts, keeping them soft and healthy. It also nourishes dog noses and protects them from dryness and irritation.
This award-winning nose balm helps with broken skin or overgrowth, hyperkeratosis, and dry skin.
It’s made with plant-based ingredients that help ensure a healthy snout for your beloved dog. The organic ingredients include hemp seed oil, chamomile, jojoba oil, rosemary, and vitamin E. This is a best-selling product that has over 14,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Best-selling nose balm for dogs
- Over 14,000 positive reviews
- Three size options
- Includes natural SPF
- Includes an extensive line of products
- Vegan
- Crafted with plant-based ingredients
- Includes hemp seed oil, chamomile, jojoba oil, rosemary, and vitamin E.
- Safe for all life stages
- Pros
- It offers intense hydration and revitalization
- It contains no harsh synthetic perfumes
- No fillers or additives
- Not harmful if swallowed
- It contains vitamins and essential fatty acids.
- Natural vanilla scent
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand.
Hydro Snouts is a revolutionary new product developed as a safe, natural alternative to using steroids and other harmful chemicals on your dog. The skin around your dog’s nose is very sensitive.
It’s hypoallergenic, handcrafted, and contains no fillers or additives commonly found in lotion, moisturizers, creams, ointments, and sprays. Some ingredients included are the following:
- Beeswax
- Candelilla
- Shea Butter
- Castor Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
If you have ever used any steroid cream or ointment on their nose, you will know how difficult it can be to get them to stop licking their noses or even leave the house because they are in so much pain! Hydro Snout is a natural antioxidant and contains vitamins and essential fatty acids. It also improves collagen synthesis.
Hydro Snout provides relief for your dog immediately upon application. It quickly absorbs intense moisture for moderate to severely dry, cracked, or sunburnt noses. This product is lightly scented but has no added perfumes, and it is one of the best to offer immediate relief and intense moisture for moderate to severely dry, cracked, or chapped doggie noses.
Features
- 100% organic ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
- 100% organic
- 10SPF UV protection
- Affordable
- Pros
- pH balanced
- Vet recommended formula
- Delivers moisture and protection to your pet's dry paws and nose.
- Provides soothing relief
- Not harmful if swallowed
- 98.2% natural
- An extensive array of pet products to opt from
- Cons
- No UV protection
Burt’s Bees for Dogs Care Plus+ Natural Sea Buckthorn & Kelp Restoring Nose & Paw Lotion is a must-have for all pet parents. This gentle yet effective paw wax-style formula includes a unique blend of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein.
It’s a great addition to any dog grooming supplies. We like this because it’s vegan and all-natural. It also works quickly and helps soothe sore chapped noses and paws. The takeaway with this nose balm is that it’s free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, parabens, and harsh chemicals.
Features
- Crafted with natural sea buckhorn and kelp
- Affordable
- Includes a unique blend of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein
- A Burt’s Bees pet product
- Formulated without colorants, sulfates, and added fragrances.
- Vegan
- Pros
- Good application instructions
- Available in 1,2,4, and 8 ounce tins,15 ounces and .50 ounce tubes
- Easy to apply
- No toxic ingredients
- Moisturizing
- Not harmful if swallowed
- No active ingredients
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand
The Blissful dog nose butter for dry or cracked dog noses and paws is a moisturizing butter that revives and softens your dog’s nose with layers of all-natural butters and oils. Easy to apply, dab it onto your dog’s nose – that’s it! We like this brand because you can choose a scented or unscented option. This dog nose balm is very popular and has over 18,000 positive reviews.
Enriched with shea butter, this dog nose moisturizing butter brings relief to your dog’s dry nose. It’s also available in available, in, 1,2,4, 8, and 16 ounces’ tins,15 ounces, and .50 ounce tubes. The takeaway from this product is that the scented version of this dog nose butter features a
dash of cedar wood, cypress, and ylang-ylang. The ingredients included are the following:
- Shea Butter
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Almond Oil
- Castor Oil
- Cocoa Seed Butter
- Beeswax
Features
- Over 18,000 positive reviews
- Non-toxic formulation
- Unscented or scented option with essential oils
- Thick, dense texture
- Crafted with all-natural ingredients
- Pros
- Crafted with no alcohol, iodine, or any other ingredients that would cause burning, stinging, or irritation
- Safe and effective
- Money back guarantee
- Affordable
- Suitable for cats and dogs
- GMP certified product
- It starts working after the first application
- Cons
- No eye contact
- It cannot be swallowed
Blue Butter is a safe, effective first-aid solution for better wound care in dogs. This antimicrobial gel helps prevent skin infections and promotes healing in acute wounds. This company explains that Blue Butter is a safer alternative to antibiotics and steroids for proper wound management.
The non-toxic pH-balanced formula is safe for the entire family, from newborns to elderly adults; in addition, it is safe enough to use around sensitive areas like ears, nose, and mouth. It features no alcohol, iodine, or any other ingredients that would cause burning, stinging, or irritation during application.
Forticept’s unique technology powers this hot spot treatment gel to start working after the very first application. This is an excellent product to keep on hand for all your pet’s first aid and skin care needs.
This product has over 8,900 positive reviews. The takeaway with this nose balm for dogs is that it treats cuts and scrapes, promotes the healing of wounds, sores, and rashes, and resolves various skin infections, including canine pyoderma, acne, yeast infection, and ringworm. Blue Butter is an effective dog wound treatment that’s easy to apply.
Features
- Hot spot treatment and nose balm gel effectively disinfect wounds
- A safer alternative to antibiotics
- Antiseptic wound care based on botanicals
- Clinically proven
- Non-toxic pH-balanced formula
- Veterinarian recommended
- Anti-itch gel
- Antimicrobial gel
- Over 8,900 positive reviews
- Pros
- Easy to use
- Value for money product
- Safe and effective
- Crafted with organic beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil
- Safe if licked off
- Made in the US
- Cons
- Some may prefer a different brand
Snout Magic’s organic and natural dog nose butter is enriched with organic coconut oil to soothe and heal your dog’s dry nose. If your dog is in pain because of a rough, dry, and cracked nose, Snout Magic can help!
This #1 premium organic dog nose balm and dog nose salve are made in the USA with carefully selected and crafted ingredients safe for all dogs – even humans!
Veterinarian recommended Snout Magic can soothe your dog’s dry nose caused by hyperkeratosis in just three days. We like this product because it’s made with all-natural, organic ingredients and is 100% safe. This product has over 4,600 positive reviews.
This is a must-have as an everyday moisturizer, and if you live in a dry climate or your dog enjoys dog snow sports. Some of the ingredients included in this product are organic shea butter, premium organic olive oil, premium organic almond oil, premium organic coconut oil, and premium organic beeswax.
Features
- 100% natural ingredients
- Over 4,600 positive reviews
- Organic
- Moisturizes dry, rough noses
- Hyperkeratosis balm for pets
Nasal Hyperkeratosis Predisposition
The symptoms of nasal hyperkeratosis can be a challenge to live with, but there are ways you could try and reduce their severity. Breeds such as Bulldogs seem more susceptible than others due to their facial features, which cause difficulty breathing through the nose when it becomes dry or irritates from allergies.
Here are some breeds that may be prone to nasal hyperkeratosis:
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Border Collies
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs, Mastiffs
- German Shepherds
Why is my dog’s nose hot and dry?
Hot and dry noses in dogs usually mean they’re under the weather. However, if you’ve been exercising your dog a lot and the weather is hot, this can result in a dry nose and signs of dehydration. But, PetMD adds if your dog’s nose is dry, it does not necessarily mean that your dog is sick.
Nasal Allergies in Dogs
Seasonal allergies
Dogs can also suffer from seasonal allergies, usually caused by pollen exposure. This can result in a watery nasal discharge and sneezing caused by allergic rhinitis.
Non-seasonal allergies
Dogs can also be affected by non-seasonal allergies from exposure to molds, bedding feeds, or dander. After treatment with antihistamines, there’s a favorable response, and allergy signs usually disappear when the offending antigen is removed.
What your dog’s nose can tell you?
A cold, wet nose doesn’t always mean that your dog is healthy, and it should not be the only way to determine his health. So, for example, a well-hydrated dog will have a moist nose.
When the body is dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting or lack of water intake, insufficient blood reaches the nose, and its moisture level and appearance can change.
Environmental exposure
Sunburn
Issues that manifest as symptoms on your dog’s nose can come from various origins. For example, if your dog has had chronic exposure to the sun, the sun’s damaging rays can affect and change the pigment causing sunburn.
In addition, sunburn can even lead to cellular DNA changes and cancer.
Infection
Many things can cause nose infections, like fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Parasites can also cause a nose infection on the skin of the nose.
Cancer
Non-healing skin lesions on your dog’s nose are common symptoms of a cancerous process. Imbalances between how the left and right sides of your dog’s nose and masses or growth are common clues.
AVMA explains that pets can develop neoplasia on any organ or tissue and that you should consult your veterinarian if you see the following signs of neoplasia. Consult your veterinarian if you observe any of the following symptoms in your pet:
- Abdominal swelling
- Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or other body openings
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty eating
- Lumps, bumps, or discolored skin
- Non-healing wounds
- Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- Sudden changes in weight
- Unexplained swelling, heat, pain, or lameness
- Visible mass/tumor
Metabolic disease
These include glandular diseases, which include hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism like Cushing’s disease, and other conditions that can cause changes in your dog’s nose. Sometimes, these changes can be mild to severe changes to the nose skin.
Scaling and flaking
If your dog’s nose is scaling or flaking and the nose texture is changing, or your pup has sores that don’t heal, it’s best to visit your vet to rule out underlying health issues. Hyperkeratosis of the nose is where the nose takes on a scaly, dry, or cobblestone look. This is from the excess production of keratin. This can also be linked to your dog’s genes and even blocked tear ducts or dry eye.
Nasal hyperkeratosis is common in older dogs and some breeds. These breeds include the following:
- Labrador Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Brachycephalic breeds – Bulldogs, Pugs
- Golden Retrievers
- Irish and Bedlington Terriers
- Dogues de Bordeaux
- Boxers
Safe Ingredients
The best dog nose balm is made from high-quality, natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils. These ingredients are carefully blended to provide the best possible protection for your pup’s sensitive skin.
The beeswax locks in moisture, while the coconut oil and shea butter nourish and soften their nose. Essential oils like lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil help soothe itching and irritation, making your pup’s nose feel better.
FAQ’s Best 7 Dog Nose Balms
Do changes in nose pigmentation indicate a problem?
You should consult your veterinarian if you notice pigment changes in your dog’s nose. Pigmentary changes in the nose’s tissue may indicate a health issue, but not always. They can also come about as your dog ages and from environmental exposure.
What do I do if my dog’s nose changes in texture?
As usual, always visit your veterinarian early to get a fast diagnosis. Nasal hyperkeratosis is common in older dogs and certain dog breeds like brachycephalic breeds.
An NCBI study published in 2021 adds, “Other causes of nasal hyperkeratosis in dogs include cutaneous discoid lupus, distemper, ichthyosis, necrolytic migratory erythema, leishmaniosis, pemphigus complex, primary seborrheic dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and zinc‐responsive dermatosis.”
Nasal Hyperkeratosis in Dogs | Is It Just Dry Nose or Something More
Video credit: Emergency Vets USA
Final thoughts
Your pup’s nose should always look uniform, with the right side equaling the left side. The nose should be moist, and there should be airflow through both nostrils. Your dog’s nose should not go through pigmentary or textural changes, and there should be very little nasal discharge.
Some diseases affecting dogs can manifest as nose abnormalities and include immune-mediated (autoimmune conditions). For example, skin diseases can affect many breeds, like Herding groups and Nordic dog breeds. If your dog has nose issues, even if you think it’s sunburn, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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