Home Remedies for Dry Noses in French Bulldogs

Have you heard the saying that a wet nose equals a healthy dog? Well, in reality, a dog's nose can alternate between wet and dry in response to various factors. However, when the nose becomes so dry that it flakes or cracks, there's a problem. Scent is arguably your Frenchie's most important sense. It’s the first way they recognize the ones they love and experience the environment around them.

If your Frenchies nose is overly dry, they're uncomfortable and can't efficiently explore the surroundings. Your dog's external skin must be moist and spongy for the sensory organ within the nose to operate at full capacity.Unfortunately, dry noses are particularly common for dogs with flat faces like French Bulldogs. 

Why is Your Frenchie's Nose So Dry?

Your French Bulldog's nose could be dry for a number of reasons. It may be due to various changes in their lifestyle or routine. Some common causes for a dry nose on a Frenchie include:

Weather

When your Frenchie stays too close to a heat source, his nose is bound to become dry. This may be as a result of too much sun exposure. The same way you can get sunburns on the skin is the same way dogs can get sunburns on their noses. To prevent this, you can use pet-safe sunblocks. If your Frenchie's nose gets too dry during the winter, it may be from sleeping near fireplaces.

Allergies

Frenchies are often prone to contact, seasonal, and food allergies. Allergens can cause your Frenchie's nose to dry up and even crack. They could be allergic to fur, pollen, and dander from other pets. Additionally, certain drinks, foods, and medications could result in allergic reactions to your Frenchie. Plastics are also a predominant cause of nose sensitivity among many dogs. So you could avoid plastic bowls and toys. It is also recommended to avoid the use of plastic buckles in your French Bulldog's harnesses or clothing since BPA toxins can still enter your Frenchie's blood stream.  Consult with your vet about your Frenchie's particular sensitivities.

Dehydration

Your Frenchie may be dehydrated due to insufficient intake of water. Dehydration can cause your dog’s nose to dry up and even crack. If that’s not addressed as soon as possible, your Frenchie may develop renal failure. Make sure your Frenchie drinks lots of fresh water, particularly in hot, humid weather. If they’re urinating or drinking excessively, you should see your vet. They can rule out problems with the kidneys or diabetes, which can cause dehydration.

Inactivity

Your Frenchie’s nose could be dry as a result of inactivity. Lazier dogs, particularly seniors, are more prone to dry noses. Dogs lick their noses continually to increase the secretion of the moist-causing hormones. When your Frenchie sleeps, he’s not licking his nose. So, if he’s been napping a lot, it may be the reason why his nose is so dry.

Medical Conditions

There are various medical conditions that can contribute to a French Bulldog’s dry nose. This includes neurological problems that cause excessive licking as well as autoimmune disorders. Make sure to see your vet on a regular basis and report any concerning symptoms. They may suggest lab work to rule out a serious problem.

Does Having a Dry Nose Mean Your French Bulldog is Sick?

If your Frenchie’s nose is warm and dry, it may be a little alarming. Particularly because you know that French Bulldogs are prone to various health challenges. But does a dry nose mean that your Frenchie is sick? Generally, no. 

A persistent dry nose can definitely be uncomfortable for your Frenchie. However, it’s typically not an indication that your dog is sick. But if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or a loss of appetite, then it’s a cause of concern.

If you notice any of these symptoms along with the dry nose, you should get your Frenchie booked in with your vet as soon as possible. It may be an indication of a more severe medical condition like an auto-immune disease.

However, if none of these additional factors are present, there’s generally nothing to worry about. It’s normal and even expected that your Frenchie may struggle with a dry, crusty, or cracked nose throughout their lifetime. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like French Bulldogs are more prone to dry noses due to their flat faces. 

Home Remedies For Your French Bulldog’s Dry Nose

Before we get into what you can use on your Frenchie’s dry nose, let’s look at what you shouldn’t use. As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use any type of moisturizer, lotion, or body butter you use yourself. Most of them contain substances that are harmful to dogs.

This includes baby oil, vaseline, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, Aquaphor, and Neosporin. Some dog owners use these products to treat their dog’s minor skin irritations. These oils may be effective but they are all derived from petroleum.

The potential toxins contained in these products can be harmful to the dogs since they’ll inevitably lick their noses. It’s just better to stick to a more natural solution, some of which include:

Olive Oil

You most likely have a bottle of olive oil for cooking in your kitchen. You can use it on your Frenchie’s dry nose, paws, and ears. Simply apply a little amount of it on the nose and make sure to gently work it in until it’s fully absorbed. If your Frenchie ingests any of it, you don’t have to worry about any potential complications. You can also add a teaspoon of olive oil to your French Bulldog’s meals to promote healthier skin and fur.

Shea Butter

Some people use shea butter to soften their dry skin. It also works really well on dry dog noses. It’s completely safe for your Frenchie in small amounts. You can also use it to soothe his dry elbows and paws.

Almond Oil

Almond oil contains various important vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals that can soothe dry, irritated dog noses. It’s a very effective and easily absorbed skin softener and conditioner.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is composed of 90% Ricinoleic acid which has powerful healing properties for irritated dry skin. As always, apply just a little. You don’t want your Frenchie to lick off excess castor oil as it also acts as a strong laxative and could cause diarrhea.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the safest and most effective, pet-friendly, and natural moisturizers you can find. It also contains various vitamins and minerals. Along with restoring moisture to your Frenchie’s nose, it also improves skin elasticity. Make sure you choose a cold-pressed, organic, extra virgin coconut oil that is 100% natural and unprocessed. You should introduce the coconut oil bit by bit into your Frenchie’s diet so that it doesn’t cause any upset stomachs. However, once your Frenchie gets used to it, you can apply it liberally on their nose whenever you need to.

Cocoa Seed Butter

Cocoa seed butter is effective for softening and conditioning dry, chafed, cracked, and sunburned dog noses. You can also use it to moisturize rough paw pads and elbows. It’s also safe to use and does not contain the dangerous ingredients used in chocolates.

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