Change in nose colour?

Question

My Pom's nose has always been a light shade of black, ever since we got her a year ago. We used to go for walks daily back in summer, but then we quit doing so after she got attacked by another dog while we were going back home. Lately though, her nose has turned a light shade of pink. I didn't really take much notice to it at first, but it's been going lighter and lighter. Is it beause she's not being taken outside anymore? Or is it something else that I should have checked out?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I hate having to worry. D:

Thanks very much for all of the answers. I've read through them, and I appreciate them all.

To add some more details though, I haven't been feeding or giving my Pomeranian anything from plastic dishes. I give them their food from ceramic bowls.

Also, I'm a bit worried if it might be contagious, by any chance? My other Pom also has gotten the same condition, even though her nose was pitch black before.

Some people are saying that the change of colour in them is completely normal due to the fact that it's winter. ...Is it likely to be that reason though?

Answer 1

There is a condition (most commonly seen in Rottiweilers) that causes pigmentation lose on nose.
There could be an immune related reason for the pigmentation lose so best to have it checked by vet. Also be careful if your pom spends lots of time in the sun apply as light pigmented noses can develope skin cancer.

Answer 2

No, it's not from not being outside. Unless you notice that the texture of her nose has changed or she has a lot of discharge coming from her nose, you should be pretty safe until the next time you see your vet. But keep an eye on it.

I got this off the internet for you:

# Some dogs experience loss of pigment on the nose leather or blistering of the nose. Collies and related breeds can get a weepy, crusty dermatitis on the nose if they spend too much time in the sun. Treatment for Collie nose involves keeping the dog out of the sun and treating the ulcerated area with a steroid preparation. Once the nose is healed, it can be blackened with tattoo ink to protect it from sunlight.

Other causes of loss of nose color are vitaligo, snow nose, and plastic dish nasal dermatitis

Vitaligo causes black pigment in the nose and sometimes the lips to fade to brown.

Snow nose causes the nose to fade to brown in winter; normal color returns as summer approaches. Snow nose occurs mainly in white-coated breeds; the color change can become permanent in older dogs. It is not associated with disease.

Plastic dish dermatitis can occur if the dog eats or drinks out of plastic or rubber bowls. It is triggered by a reaction to an antioxidant found in the dishes.

Answer 3

Whenever you have a drastic change in your pet's skin, coat, eyes, etc., ALWAYS take it to the proper qualified veterinarian for a thorough check-up.

Skin change on the nose could be nothing or it could be as drastic as being indicative of skin cancer. Only your vet can tell you for sure.

I would make an appointment sooner than later. It would be better to be told that it is nothing than to wait a long time before checking it out and being told it is cancer at the point where there is nothing you can do about it.

See your vet with your dog as soon as possible.

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Answer 4

It may be "Snow Nose" which is the browning of the nose in cold weather. Labs and GSDs get this a lot in the cold months. I've heard some things about certain bowls causing it because they're abrasive but I don't have any personal experience with that...I just always use chrome plated stainless steel bowls...

Answer 5

This is VERY common if you feed or water your dog with a plastic dish, stick to ceramic or metal. The plastic rubs the skin off their noses. If you don't use a plastic dish, take her to a vet.

Answer 6

The same thing happend to my 1/2 Lab and the vet said it was "Lupus". Not quite the same disease as Lupus in humans but it is an auto-immune disease where the dogs own immune system starts to attack itself. In dogs it is rarely fatal and can be treated by using sun-block when the dog goes out in the sun and there are vaious other topical medications the vet can give. Ask your vet about Canine Lupus.

Answer 7

I would have her checked out at your vet. While this is probably not a life threatening situation, there are some skin diseases and concerns that can cause pigmentation change.

Answer 8

lots of times this happens in winter... also do not feed out of a plastic dish