Will adding kelp assist in reversing "snow nose"?

[Monica & Quincy & Charmin too]

I've read online that addidng kelp to a dogs food can help turn their pink (snow) noses back to black.  Does anyone know if this is true? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

How could kelp do that? Do you have a link to any scientific information on that, or an explanation of how that would work?

 

[Monica & Quincy & Charmin too]

Karen - I haven't found any scientific info but I did find on dogster, some breeders and groomers sites that Kelp and vitamin E have helped.  Some breeders have used on their show dogs (Labs, Goldens, Sheperds, Huskies) and they swear it helps.

I know you can't believe everything you read on line these days so I thought I would ask.  My Quincy is not even 1 year old yet and his beautiful black nose is now pink.  I guess I'm just desperate to get it black again! lol

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think there can be many reasons for Quincy's nose to have faded from black to pink, which can include genetics, lack of sunlight in winter, and many other reasons, some of which are listed in the article Elizabeth posted below. That one has factual information in it.

I've found that many breeders are very fond of "home remedies" and other inexpensive, homemade folk remedies for various things. I've found much of that to be inaccurate, so take it with a grain of salt.

I did find this article, not based in scientiftic fact, about vitamins and algae helping with this, along with not using plastic bowls. The algae connection may be where the kelp comes in.

http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/grooming/snownose.htm

Kelp is very, very high in iodine, and can interfere with some medications. In high amounts, it can affect thyroid function and blood clotting, too, so I'd be careful with it. Despite all the websites that tell you how wonderful it is, the only known beneficial nutrient that is plentiful in kelp is folate (Vitamin B9).  It does have decent amounts of some of the other vitamins and minerals, but no more than most other plant foods.

Jack's nose gets lighter in winter and darker in summer. I too, strongly prefer black pigment, but not enough to give him supplements or anything to change it. However, it's still fairly dark, not really pink.

I think if the color of a dog's nose is genetic, there's probably not much you can do to change it.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

Here is a link to some information on changes in a dog's nose color. The link was originally posted by F Parker in another discussion of the issue. If you read down to the Q&A at the bottom, you will see a query from Gail, owner of a German Shepherd Dog, who tried kelp and various other remedies, with no success.

http://www.vetinfo.com/ddepigmt.html

Probably the simplest remedy is to change the dog's water and food bowls, if they are plastic, to ceramic, stainless steel, or other non-reactive material. HOWEVER, sensitivity to plastic is probably the LEAST likely cause of the change.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And here's some info on the genetics in labrador retrievers that causes the lack or loss of black pigment in the noses of yellow Labs: http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/yellow-pigment.html

[Monica & Quincy & Charmin too]

Great articles!  Thanks Karen and Elizabeth.  I've only used stainless bowls with Quincy so I know that's not the  issue.  I'm guessing he has snow nose and I'll pay extra attention in the next couple of months to see if it starts getting darker.  If not, I will take him to the vet to check his thyroid.

I learn so much on this site!  I LOVE it.  Thanks again.

[Linda Karell]

Chervil has snow nose.  She gets quite pink in the winter and now never truly black in the summer.  I've told her I'm quite disappointed in her, but that overall, she is a superb dog, and I'll just deal with a pink nosed dog.  She seems not to care what I think, and enjoys her nose, wherever it leads.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

When Jack's nose first began to lighten, my DD accused me of kissing all the black off! LOL

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Now that sounds more believable than the plastic bowl theory to me!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Awwwwww..... how cute......I guess I'm guilty of that too then.   Sasha's nose is turning pink as well.  I kind of like it :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Smart DD. ;o)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Monica, There is even a group on here for Pink Nosed Doodles :)

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/chocolatepinkandrosenoseddoodles?...