You may have noticed your labrador’s nose has changed color recently, which is understandably concerning. If your labrador’s once black nose has faded to a light color, you’re probably wondering if it’ll ever turn black again or if it’s a cause of concern you should discuss with your vet.
Your labrador’s nose should turn black again in the summer if it has faded to a lighter color. It’s common for dogs’ noses to change color due to changing seasons, so a change in nose color isn’t a cause for concern. But if your dog’s nose is dry or cracked, take your dog to the vet.
The rest of this article will discuss why a dog’s nose changes color in more detail. So, be sure to keep reading if you want to learn more about your dog’s nose and whether or not it’ll turn black again.
Can a Labrador’s Nose Change Color Many Times?
A labrador’s nose can change colors many times. That’s because the weather may impact nose pigmentation in labradors. It’s normal for a labrador’s nose to turn black during the longer summer days and then fade to a lighter color during the shorter winter days.
The lightening of the nose is often referred to as snow nose due to it occurring during winter. There’s no explanation for why this happens, but it’s not harmful to your labrador in any way, so don’t worry about it.
Your Labrador’s Nose Should Turn Black Again After Winter
You may worry if your labrador will never get its black nose again. But don’t worry. Once the weather begins to warm up and the days are longer, you should notice your dog’s nose darkening; eventually, it’ll become black again!
However, if your lab’s nose doesn’t turn black again during the summer or you notice a change in the nose’s texture, you should contact your vet. The changing color of the nose should be the only thing that changes.
Any other changes, such as the nose becoming dry or cracking, could indicate something serious.
Is It Safe if My Labrador’s Nose Changes Color?
It’s safe if your labrador’s nose changes color, in general. If your labrador seems healthy and hasn’t been acting out of character or like it’s in pain, the color change is likely just a case of ‘snow nose,’ which should resolve once winter is over.
You’ll be happy to know that snow nose is extremely common in Labrador Retrievers, as well as Huskies and Golden Retrievers. Nothing bad has ever come of snow nose, so it’s entirely safe for your labrador to experience it.
Ensure That Only Your Dog’s Nose Color Is Changing
While a change in pigment alone isn’t a cause for concern, other symptoms accompanying the change in pigment should be observed.
Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Excessive moisture
- Dry nose
- Cracked nose
- Spots or bumps on the nose
- Change in behavior
If your lab experiences any of the above symptoms, I recommend contacting a vet. Although there’s a chance it’s nothing serious, you want to make sure you get your dog taken care of sooner rather than later.
Can You Prevent Snow Nose in a Labrador?
You can’t prevent snow nose in a labrador. That’s because no one truly knows what causes it in the first place. There’s also no treatment for snow nose, but it usually resolves within a few months. Since the condition isn’t harmful to dogs, there’s no prevention method for it.
When humans get very cold, our noses will often turn red. So, you could say that snow nose in dogs is a similar reaction to cold weather.
All you need to do is keep an eye on your labrador while its nose is a lighter color. Then, once it turns black again, you can relax and be reassured that there’s nothing wrong with your pooch!
Is Snow Nose Uncomfortable for Dogs?
Snow nose isn’t uncomfortable for dogs, thankfully. For that reason, there’s no need to treat the condition. However, if the change in pigment is caused by something other than a snow nose, your dog may be uncomfortable. You should consult with a vet if you have concerns.
If you’re unsure whether your labrador is uncomfortable or not, pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If you notice whimpering, that means your dog may be ill. Other behavioral changes to look out for include sluggishness, confusion, lack of balance, and fatigue.
Why Hasn’t My Labrador’s Nose Turned Black?
Your labrador’s nose hasn’t turned black likely because it has an issue that requires your vet’s attention. Since snow nose only affects dogs during winter, there’s no reason for your dog’s nose to remain a light color for an extended period.
Your labrador’s nose may have permanently lost pigmentation, or it could have an underlying condition. Whatever it may be, your best course of action would be to speak with a vet.
Why Is My Labrador’s Nose Red and Dry?
Your labrador’s nose is red and dry, probably because of the cold weather, dehydration, or sleeping. Your dog can’t lick its noses while sleeping, so it’s understandable that the nose can sometimes get dry. More severe conditions could cause it, so consult your vet.
Dogs’ noses are supposed to be wet, so you should keep an eye on your labrador if it has a dry nose. Labradors rely on their noses being wet because it helps them pick up scents more easily. So, if a labrador’s nose is dry, it loses much of its smelling capability, and dogs rely on this capability to live and survive.
If you notice your labrador’s nose is dry for more than a few days, you should consult a vet to rule out any severe conditions. Since labradors need wet noses, a dry nose can be slightly uncomfortable and feel unnatural.
A Red, Dry Nose Could Also Indicate Allergies
If your labrador’s nose has faded from black to red and has become dry, it could be due to allergies. Like humans, dogs are prone to having allergies and sensitivities to different things; this is normal, and you should talk to a vet to discuss a treatment plan.
The treatment for allergies will depend on what’s causing them. Some of the most common medications a vet will prescribe for dog allergies are antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids.
Although a red, dry nose can indicate an allergy, it can also mean there’s something more serious going on, such as cancer. Even if you think it’s allergies or something non-serious, you should get it checked by a professional if the issue doesn’t go away.
Conclusion
Generally, your labrador’s nose should turn black again once winter is over. It’s normal for dogs’ noses to change color throughout the year, so it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Here are the most important things to remember from this article:
- It’s normal for your labrador’s nose to change to a lighter color during winter.
- You should talk to a vet if your labrador’s nose doesn’t return to black within a few months.
- A change in nose color accompanied by other symptoms could be a concern, so you should contact a vet as soon as possible.
Sources
- American Kennel Club: Loss Of Pigmentation In Dogs
- PetMD: What is Dog Snow Nose and What Can You Do About it?
- The Spruce Pets: Snow Nose in Dogs
- VCA Hospitals: Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?
- Healthline: Dog Allergies
- American Kennel Club: Why Is My Dog’s Nose Dry?