7 Serious Reasons Your Schnauzer’s Nose is Dry & What to Do

Having been a pet parent for over a decade now, I’ve become accustomed to noticing the state of Livi’s nose. Is it moist? Does it seem dry? Is she sick and her nose is trying to clue me in? With what has become an old wives’ tale of almost mythical proportion, we’ve all picked up the idea that healthy dogs have wet noses and that dry noses indicate a problem. But, is it true?

Not so, apparently.

So, should your Schnauzer’s be dry? Schnauzers have warm, dry noses as well as cold, wet noses even when they are healthy. The moisture is a combination of saliva and mucus and can fluctuate based on a range of factors such as climate, humidity, the Schnauzer’s age, and how often the Schnauzer licks her nose.

The truth is that the question is a good one, but the answer is not so simple. As it turns out, a dry nose is not always a cause for concern, but alternatively, it can actually be a sign of something serious.

Livi’s nose, for example, is cool and moist somewhat often. However, it honestly seems to be dry much of the time. I used to really worry about her health and hydration level. We live in a very dry climate and it’s a valid concern, but all other signs say she’s healthy and well-hydrated.

Paying attention to your Schnauzer’s nose can alert you to early signs of health problems and be an act of nurturing for your pup.

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Visiting with her veterinarian, and doing some extra research put my mind at ease, generally speaking. However, a dry nose can also alert you to some very serious issues.

While Livi’s dry nose has not been a sign of health issues, I do keep an eye on it and stay alert to other symptoms that could indicate a concern.

While dry noses aren’t always cause for panic, let’s cover seven serious reasons your Schnauzer’s dry nose most likely IS a problem.

When Should You Worry About Your Schnauzer’s Dry Nose?

A dry nose becomes a cause for concern if your Schnauzer exhibits other symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting.

Allergies, infection, dermatitis, dehydration, cancer, chapped skin are also known to cause a dry nose, all of which need to be recognized and addressed.

Here are seven situations to take seriously, all of which should include a visit to your veterinarian if they don’t clear up.

Serious Reason #1: Illness or Declining Health

If your Schnauzer’s nose changes color or begins to bleed, crack or form scales, then you need to visit your veterinarian. Your Schnauzer may also develop lumps around the nose or the muzzle, or have a nosebleed. These symptoms, including a dry nose, are probably signs of an illness that needs to be identified.

Serious Reason #2: Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like pemphigus or lupus lead to an excessively dry of the nose. The nose may also crack or bleed, sometimes developing open sores and lesions. Just as with humans, autoimmune disorders are caused when your Schnauzer’s immune system attacks him by mistake, meaning that his immune cells cannot tell the difference between healthy cells and foreign cells.

The disorders are not fully understood as yet, but are thought to be due to genetics, environmental pollutants, or even Ultraviolet exposure (in some dogs). The result is that the Schnauzer’s own immune system attacks one or more of his body’s systems, resulting in deterioration and even death.

Serious Reason #3: Cancer

Dogs with conditions like Squamous skin cell carcinoma may experience excessive drying, cracking, and irritation of the nose. It is a malignant tumor that affects the epidermal layer of a dog’s skin and often forms a mass of white skin.

This type of tumor is likely malignant and tends to be extremely invasive. Light-colored Schnauzers (such as white Schnauzers) and any dog that lives at high altitudes or spends a lot of time in the sun are at risk.

Nasal cancer is also a possibility. While a dry nose isn’t the primary symptom, it could be a signal for you to check your Schnauzer’s nose more closely. Sudden-onset snoring, bleeding, excessive sneezing, and facial deformity are all signs to watch for.

Not surprisingly, older Schnauzers are at higher risk for any type of cancer.

Serious Reason #4: Dehydration and Sunburn

A dehydrated Schnauzer is likely to develop a dry nose. He is especially vulnerable if he is in a hot place with little or no air circulation, when he does not get enough fresh water, or if he stays out in the sun for too long. Schnauzer’s noses are susceptible to sunburn as well.

Speaking of water, Schnauzers require 0.5 – 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.

Schnauzers, like other dogs, do not perspire and do not have body sweat glands like we do. They can, however, perspire through their paws and, incredibly, their noses; both of which contain sweat glands to regulate body temperature. However, Schnauzers will generally pant to circulate air throughout their body in an attempt to cool down.

A dry nose can be your sign that he is struggling to cool down in hot situations, or is dangerously dehydrated. In addition to a dry nose, be alert to vomiting, poor skin, elasticity, and seizures. Read my article Can Schnauzers Hack the Hot Weather for more life-saving details.

Serious Reason #5: Chapped Skin Can Become Nasal Hyperkeratosis

This condition can become chronic if it’s not addressed. Your Schnauzer’s nose can become dry and cracked when there are changes in temperature. Schnauzers often develop chapped skin during the winter if they spend long hours in the cold. Also, using dry heat in the house worsens the condition.

If the dryness becomes chronic, especially if your Schnauzer is experiencing any type of autoimmune disease, he may have Nasal Hyperkeratosis. This is a condition that cannot be cured, hence the seriousness (and frustration).

Nasal Hyperkeratosis literally means an overgrowth of nasal protein. It results in crusty layers of rough dry tissue that often cracks open and bleeds. Treatment is simply deep, consistent moisturization.

Schnauzers tend to have slightly oily skin, but it can become chapped and itchy in dry weather and with too much bathing, making them potentially susceptible to dry skins conditions. Read my article Can Schnauzers Cope with the Cold for essential cold weather and skin-related tips.

Serious Reason #6: Infection

Infections affecting the skin can also cause dry noses. Those caused by bacteria like folliculitis, staph, and pyoderma or fungi like yeast or ringworm may cause your Schnauzer to develop a dry nose.

There are too many possible infections to cover here, and the only way to know what your Schnauzer is dealing with is to visit your veterinarian. She will most likely do a biopsy of any crusts, bumps, or sores. She may also scrape the affected area and submit the cells for testing. Identifying the cause of any dryness, crustiness, or other symptoms will be the first step toward a solution.

Serious Reason #7: Allergies

A dry nose can be a sign of allergic reactions to pollen, laundry agents, and other elements in your Schnauzer’s environment.

Fo example, plastic water and food bowls are known to cause allergies. Opt for ceramic or stainless steel bowls to eliminate potential allergy problems. Be sure to keep them clean and sterile.

Often, determining the allergen is a challenge. You many also need to cycle through an elimination process, removing one suspected allergen at a time to see if your Schnauzer improves.

You also have the option of working with your veterinarian to perform a blood allergy test. The test could identify food allergies as well as allergies to common materials like nylon and cotton.

How Should You Treat a Possible Nasal Problem at Home?

Watching your Schnauzer suffer with a dry, crusty, or inflamed nose can be heartbreaking and frightening. Knowing what to do that will help (not exacerbate) the problem is key.

There are some safe things you can do at home to give some comfort.

• Call your veterinarian if the problem has worsened or become chronic. It might be time for a biopsy or skin scrape. At the very least, a professional opinion is essential.
  
• If your Schnauzer’s nose condition has become worse, play it safe. Some diseases are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread from animal to man. Wear latex gloves if you decide to treat his nose or face area.
  
• Gently wash his face with warm water.
  
• Be sure your canine first aid kit is stocked with Betadine, which is a canine-safe topical antiseptic. It provides infection protection against a variety of germs for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. If your Schnauzer is experiencing an infection, this can help to keep it superficially at bay.
  
• Dab your Schnauzer’s nose gently with the Betadine, then dab his skin dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t scrub as it might affect a biopsy.
  
• Consider using coconut oil as a natural moisturizer and natural antibiotic to help ease your Schnauzer’s discomfort.
  
• Do not treat his nose with topical antibiotics, especially without veterinary approval. In addition, your Schnauzer might lick his nose and the antibiotics could cause diarrhea.

How to Moisten Your Schnauzer’s Dry Nose

As we’ve discussed above, if your Schnauzer has a chronically dry nose, it is just best to visit your veterinarian. She may prescribe a canine-friendly lotion formulated to nourish and hydrate the sensitive skin on the nose. In addition, she can perform a biopsy, skin scrape, and other tests to help determine the cause.

However, if your Schnauzer and his nose are given a clean bill of health, and yet it’s still somewhat dry, there are plenty of things you can do to help.

Here are other ways to moisten your Schnauzer’s nose:

General Tips For Keeping Your Schnauzer’s Nose Moist

• Apply a nose balm. Your Schnauzer may have a sunburn or simply dry skin, causing his nose to dry out. A nose balm eases the symptoms.
  
• Reduce allergens through a system of elimination. Remove one suspected allergen at a time to see if your Schnauzer’s symptoms decrease.
  
• Ensure your Schnauzer is well hydrated. Remember that Schnauzers require 0.5 – 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
  
• Stay alert for signs of autoimmune diseases, infections, cancer, among other ailments.

Healthy Topical Treatments to Keep Your Schnauzer’s Nose Moist

If you decide to use skin-soothing products, they should be 100% dog-safe. Avoid products that contain zinc oxide, diclofenac, and calcipotriene as they are toxic to dogs. Other ingredients used in topical treatments that can be harmful to dogs include hydrocortisone and lidocaine.

Some healthy options include:

• Coconut oil: It is the most effective moisturizer. A little bit goes a long way in keeping your dog’s nose moist. In addition, it has antibacterial properties.
  
• Burt’s Bees Lotion: This dogs-only lotion is formulated to soothe dry and cracked noses. It contains the soothing olive oil and rosemary which helps repair your Schnauzer’s skin quickly.
  
• Particular Healing Balm for snout and paws: It has a mixture of aloe vera and tea tree oil making it ideal for treating a dry nose and cracked skin.
  
• Natural Paw Nectar 100% Organic balm: The balm contains natural ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, lavender oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and rosemary seed extract.
  
• Olive oil: Be sure to rub a small amount to your Schnauzer’s nose. It also helps to moisten the ears and the nose. Adding a teaspoon to your dog’s breakfast could also keep his skin hydrated and nourished.
  
• Shea Butter: This oil moisturizes and softens dry, and cracked skin.

What is the Function of a Dog’s Nose?

Now that you know seven serious reasons your Schnauzer’s nose might be dry, what to look for, and effective ways to address the problems, let’s get a better overall understanding of your dog’s nose.

Dog noses have up to 300 million olfactory receptors that enable him to carry out a range of tasks and navigate his environment. It is this large number of receptors that heightens a dog’s ability to smell by 10,000-100,000 times better than humans. In addition, the area of the brain that interprets odors is 40 times larger than ours. Not only do dogs use the noses for breathing, but they also drain excessive tears from their eyes. Noses also have sweat glands that regulate body temperature.

A dog’s nose has a unique construction that enables it to breathe in and out at the same time as well as facilitate respiration. Once it breathes in, the air follows a side route and enters the olfactory recess that contains olfactory receptor genes and receptor cells that absorb odorants.

The gaseous odorants come into contact with the olfactory membrane, which dissolves in the layer of mucus for recognition. The odorants are then transformed into an electrical signal that travels through the olfactory nerve to the olfactory part of the brain for interpretation.

It is this part of the brain that also enables a dog to differentiate odors. It also allows your Schnauzer to determine the exact location of smelly objects in his environment.

A dog’s nose also has a unique scent-detecting organ called the vomeronasal organ that enables canines to detect pheromones (chemicals released by animals affecting other members of the same species). The organ plays a critical role in a dog’s reproduction system and other aspects of a dog’s behavior and physiology.

Read my article What are Schnauzer Senses Like? (Compared to Humans) for fascinating details on how well your Schnauzer can see, hear, smell, and taste (compared to you!).

Why Schnauzers Have Wet Noses

A Schnauzer’s wet nose is the result of a mixture of mucus and saliva. The nose secretes a thin layer of mucus, which increases when your Schnauzer licks his nose. A wet nose is an essential feature of a dog’s body.

First, it helps regulate the body temperature as dogs don’t have sweat glands around the body like humans.

As such, they rely on sweat glands in their noses and those located on the pads of their feet to maintain a safe internal temperature. The moisture facilitates the evaporation of heat, keeping the body temperature cool.

Second, the moisture contributes to their heightened sense of smell. Once a dog breathes in, small particles floating in the air get trapped in the mucus, which helps break down and interpret the smell. You may find a dog licking its nose when smelling to enhance its sense of smell. 

The tongue picks up the scent particles trapped in the mucus, which come into contact with an olfactory gland known as Jacobson’s organ. The organ gives your Schnauzer a more nuanced reading of the chemical compounds making up the scent.

Normal, Healthy Reasons Your Schnauzer’s Nose is Dry

Your Schnauzer’s nose can be dry due to a range of reasons. First, its nose may be less moist when it wakes up from a long sleep, especially a full night’s sleep. This is simply because he has probably not licked his nose for several hours.

Also, if your Schnauzer has been sleeping in a warm room with low humidity, his nose may become dry. Feel free to see if his nose becomes moist as the day goes on before beginning to worry.

Age also comes into play. Older dogs often have dry noses because they are producing less mucus than their younger pup counterparts.

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Clearly, your Schnauzer’s dry nose does not necessarily mean he is not healthy. However, a dry nose can signal problems.

Keep the seven serious situations in mind, and stay alert for accompanying symptoms. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian for chronic or worsening symptoms, and work to understand and address the underlying issue.

If the dry nose is a result of normal causes, the topical treatments listed should restore a normal level of moisture.

Above all, paying attention to your Schnauzer’s nose can alert you to early signs of health problems and be an act of nurturing for your pup.

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