My Dog Scraped His Nose: 8 Likely Reasons & Help Guide

If your dog has scraped their nose, you’ll have many question and want to know how to help them as soon as possible.

We’ll cover everything you need to know from why it happened, what to do next, how to prevent, as well as healing times, vet visits, kennel nose, and discoloration of the nose after scrapings.

Rest assured, ALL you need to know is below. Let’s get into it.

Why Did My Dog Scrape His Nose: 8 Likely Reasons

Dogs get scrapes on their noses for a bunch of common reasons. Take a look at the causes below and consider whether it could be the case for your pup.

In order to really know, you’ll need to think about your dog’s routine, environment, lifestyle, stress levels, health issues like allergies and more.

Taking everything into context will help the most whenever trying to identify something specific.

1. Curiosity

Dogs are natural explorers. They sniff around, dig, and poke their noses into every nook and cranny. While it’s great that they’re so curious, this can also lead to accidental nose scrapes when they sniff something they shouldn’t.

2. Allergies

Allergies can make a dog’s nose itchy or inflamed. When this happens, it’s almost like a reflex for them to try and soothe the itch, often by scraping their nose on surfaces. Allergies can be seasonal or due to specific triggers like food.

3. Anxiety or Stress

When dogs are stressed or anxious, they find different ways to cope. Some might whine, some might hide, and others might scrape their noses as a way to relieve tension. If your dog’s nose scraping is accompanied by other signs of stress, it could be an emotional issue.

4. Playfulness

Playtime is awesome, but it can get rough sometimes. Your dog might be so excited that he’s not aware of his surroundings, which can lead to accidental scrapes, especially if playing on rough surfaces or with big dogs.

5. Dry Climate

In a dry climate, the skin, including the skin on the nose, can get really dry. A dry nose is more susceptible to cracks and scrapes. You might notice more nose issues during the winter or in arid areas.

6. Toys and Objects

Your dog might love that new toy, but some toys can be tough on their noses. Also, if they like pushing objects around with their noses, they might end up with a scrape or two. Always choose toys that are gentle on your dog’s nose.

7. Digging

A digging dog is a happy dog, but all that digging can be hard on their noses, especially if they’re digging in rough soil or areas with small rocks. If your dog loves to dig, it might be worth it to create a safe digging space for them.

8. Insect Bites

Sometimes, the great outdoors isn’t so great for our four-legged friends. Insect bites can really irritate a dog’s nose. They’ll naturally want to alleviate the itch or discomfort by rubbing their nose on something, which can lead to scrapes.

More Info From Wag

What To Do After Your Dog Scraped His Nose: 6 Step Action Guide

It can be stressful when you first notice an issue with your dog’s nose. While you might freak out, remain calm and follow the steps below.

This will help and get your pup back on track. And of course, if situations are extremely bad always use good judgement and waste no time in going to the vets.

Step 1: Calm Your Dog

First things first, you’ll want to make sure your dog is calm. This isn’t just for their benefit; it’s also to make your life easier as you assess and treat the scrape. A jittery dog can make the process much harder, so use soothing tones, treats, or even a little belly rub to get them to relax.

Step 2: Clean the Area

Once your pup is calm, gently clean the scraped area with a soft cloth and warm water. This helps to remove any dirt or debris that might cause infection. Cleaning can also give you a better view of how serious the scrape is.

Step 3: Disinfect

After cleaning, you should apply a dog-safe antiseptic to kill any lingering bacteria. Avoid using products meant for humans like hydrogen peroxide unless your vet specifically advises it. These products can be too harsh for your dog’s sensitive skin.

Step 4: Keep It Dry

It might seem like a good idea to keep the nose moist, but it’s actually better to keep it dry after an injury. A wet nose can attract more dirt and bacteria. Some vets recommend using a bit of petroleum jelly to help protect the area while keeping it dry.

Step 5: Monitor

The next step is to keep an eye on the scrape for the next few days. Look out for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or an unpleasant smell. Also, pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If they’re constantly pawing at their nose or seem in pain, a vet visit is in order.

Step 6: Vet Visit

If the nose isn’t healing well, shows signs of infection, or the scraping continues, it’s time to consult the professionals. Your vet will likely do a full check-up and might prescribe medication or other treatments to help your pup heal.

According to the American Kennel Club, when in doubt, the vet is your best resource for any pet health concerns.

How to Stop Dogs From Excessively Rubbing Their Noses

Let’s run through the best tips we’ve taken from various vets online and at the practice to help you prevent your dog from excessively rubbing their noses.

Identify the Cause

Figuring out why your dog is scraping his nose is the first step to stopping it. It could be a new toy, a household item, or even an emotional issue. Knowing the cause helps you tailor the solution, so play detective for a bit!

Make Environmental Changes

Once you’ve identified the likely culprit, make some changes. This might mean swapping out a toy for something softer or blocking access to an area where your dog likes to dig or scrape. It’s all about creating a nose-friendly environment.

Use Dog-Safe Moisturizers

A little bit of prevention can go a long way. Using a dog-safe nose balm or moisturizer can create a protective barrier on your pup’s nose. It can reduce the chances of scrapes and keep their sniffer in top shape. Just be sure to check that any product you use is vet-approved.

Consult a Vet

If you’ve tried everything and your dog is still going to town on his nose, it’s time for professional help. Your vet can run tests to rule out underlying issues like allergies or infections and can recommend specific treatments, such as medications or creams, to help your pup out.

Your go-to resource for any pet concern is always your vet, and even the American Kennel Club agrees that vet advice is invaluable for persistent issues.

Will Scraping Cause a Scab or Scar?

Most of the time, a scraped nose will heal without leaving a scab or scar. The nose is pretty resilient, especially with proper care.

However, if the scrape was particularly deep or severe, a scab might form as part of the natural healing process.

Scars are a bit more rare but can happen with really serious injuries. If you’re concerned about scarring, consult your vet for advice on how to minimize it.

How Long Does a Nose Take to Heal?

A minor scrape can heal pretty quickly, usually in about a week or so. If the scrape is more serious, it might take up to two weeks or even longer.

The key is to keep an eye on it. If it’s not showing signs of healing, or if it looks like it’s getting worse instead of better, that’s your cue to visit the vet.

They can help figure out if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Will the Nose Turn Black Again?

The big question! Will that cute black nose make a comeback? For most dogs, the answer is yes.

Once the nose is healed, the pigment usually returns to its normal color.

This can take some time, so be patient. If you’re really worried about it, your vet can provide more information based on your dog’s specific breed and health status.

What Is Snow Nose and How Is It Related?

Snow nose is a phenomenon where a dog’s nose lightens in color, usually during the winter months.

While it’s not directly related to a scraped nose, the lighter color might make any scrapes more noticeable.

Snow nose is generally considered to be harmless, but if you’re noticing color changes along with frequent scrapes, it’s worth mentioning to your vet.

Just like the American Kennel Club always says, your vet is your best resource for any pet health concerns. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any lingering questions or worries.

What Is Kennel Nose & Is It Related?

Kennel nose is a term sometimes used to describe nose abrasions or scrapes that dogs get from being in confined spaces, like kennels or crates.

These scrapes often happen when dogs try to paw or nuzzle their way out, leading to nose injuries against the metal bars or mesh. Kennel nose can look a lot like other types of nose scrapes, but the cause is specific to the dog’s environment.

Is it related to a scraped nose from other causes? Well, yes and no. The end result—a scraped nose—is the same. But the cause is different.

With kennel nose, you’ll want to focus on making your dog’s confined space safer, possibly by adding padding around areas where they’re likely to rub their nose.

If your dog often stays in a kennel or crate, look out for signs of kennel nose, especially if they’re a bit of an escape artist!

Summary

Alright, folks, here’s the quick rundown. If your dog scrapes his nose, don’t panic! Identify the cause, clean and treat the scrape, and keep an eye on it.

Most scrapes heal fast and the nose should turn black again. But if issues persist, always consult your vet. Also, be on the lookout for related issues like snow nose and kennel nose.

Now you’re all set to keep that sniffer healthy and happy. High paw to you and your furry friend! 🐾