What Causes Your Chihuahua's Dry Nose

Many dogs have a certain level of a dry nose. This can be caused by low household humidity levels, living in an arid climate, certain medications and illnesses or breed predisposition.

But, if your Chihuahua's nose is covered with layers of dry crust they may have extreme dryness condition called Nasal Hyperkeratosis. Nasal Hyperkeratosis is a nose tissue overgrowth that causes their nose to be covered with layers of overgrown crusty tissue. While not life-threatening, this condition can affect your dog's mental, emotional and physical health. The good news is Nose Butter works on all levels of dryness.

Chihuahuas and Nasal Hyperkeratosis Predisposition

Breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Papillons, Bulldogs, Boxers, Border Collies, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Mastiffs, German Shepherds and more breeds and mixes are susceptible to nose dryness.

Our research has led us to believe Nasal Hyperkeratosis is an expression of a slightly depressed immune system. Many of the breeds prone to this condition are extreme in one or more ways. Extremely flat-faced, bully, small, large, heavy boned or chunky bodied breeds all seem to have a predisposition to nasal dryness. That said, your Chihuahua does not have to live with a dry, crusty nose. Nose Butter has been moisturizing Chihuahua noses for over 15 years, see the happy Chihuahua above.

Your Chihuahua's Quality of Life

A chronically dry nose can lead to your Chihuahua not living life fully. Your dog's nose attracts scents that float by and sends them to the scent sorting part of their nose to be categorized as urgent or not. This gives them decision making info. While we can't promise your Chihuahua won't decide to bark at the doorbell on tv, we can promise they will be getting more info!

Here's an example…how do you feel when you have No Signal on your phone as you drive in an unfamiliar area at night and the gas tank is hovering near E? That's how your Chihuahua feels when they can't snag the smells that bring them info! Stressed, off-balance and anxious.

Chihuahua Nose Butter Application - #1 Dab #2 Distract #3 Done

• Scoop a bit out appropriate to the size of your dog’s nose
• Warm it in the palm of your hand before application for faster absorption
• If Nose Butter is in tube, pop in pocket to warm
• Dab Nose Butter on their nose
• Distract to keep them from licking (see next section)
• Repeat 2-3x a day until nose is back in shape (usually 2-3 days)
• Then use as needed for maintenance (usually 1-2x a week)
• If you stop using Nose Butter and the dryness comes back, your dog probably does have nasal hyperkeratosis

Dogs Gonna Lick! How To Distract Your Chihuahua Without a Squirrel

Dogs lick, it's kinda their thing. Licking is one of their super-powers, along with sniffing. For years we have shared tips and hints to keep dogs from licking and then the light bulb came on...Dogs Gonna Lick! So we decided to embrace licking and use it to our/your advantage when applying Nose Butter. Give them something else to lick!

Peanut Butter + Spoon = Distracted Dog

Treats, especially, smelly, gooey ones are great! Our fave is peanut butter on a spoon. They will lick and lick until they get the last bit. You don't need anything fancy, no gadgets, or gimmicks, just a spoon. Boom Done.

Uncooperative, Stubborn Dogs (Not Your Chihuahua, Of Course)

Some dogs don’t like being held tightly or controlled. Toy dogs, like Chihuahuas, know they are small and will defend themselves quickly when frightened or annoyed. Plus, dogs as independent and strong-willed as Chihuahuas need to think anything is their idea and will absolutely struggle if held in a headlock.

Think Ninja Nose Butter application and not a Wrestling Vice Grip. BE FAST!

Applying Nose Butter is part of your Chihuahua's health care routine; like cutting toenails, cleaning ears or giving meds. Sometimes we have to do what’s in our dog's best interest for their health and well-being.