Black nose losing it's color

[Ali & Sonny D.]

So I am not sure if I should be concerned or not. Sonny used to have a black nose. However, it seems to be turning more pink/brown. It almost looks like the color has just worn off . It is still black around his nostrils and under that but the tip and top half is pinkish. I have noticed this happening the past few months now.He is almost 2 (where did my puppy go??)  and is acting normal. He doesn't seem sick or unhealthy at all. Is it normal for a dogs nose to change color after time? (haha, my 5 year old just came in to announce that she asked Sonny if his nose was turning pink, lol  I don't think she likes it!)

Thanks for any thoughts or information!

[Ali & Sonny D.]

Thanks everyone for all the info. I am going to read up on snow nose and dudley noses in dogs. I like the  black sharpie idea too!!! lol  I loved his black nose!!! and it is really driving my 5year old nuts. She decided tonight he needed to go to the vet in case his nose was sick!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

It is generally tied to 1 of 3 things

 

-Lack of vitamin D, a shot of A&D might help restore color. There are some health issues caused by a lack of vit D.

 

-Bacteria or fungal infection

 

-Genetics, if either of the parents carried the dilute gene or were recessive for chocolate this can weaken the black gene which keeps points dark.

[Ali & Sonny D.]

So I looked into some things. Really sounds like snow nose. They say it is more common with light digs and has to do with the lack of vitamin B. I think I may try getting him some vitamin supplements. I am sure there are a lot of discussions on here about it, but if anyone has ones they can recommend, I would appreciate it!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

It is vit D not B and you must give vit A with D for it to absorb well.

 

What color are Sonny's parents and their noses?

[Ali & Sonny D.]

Yes, sorry . Vitamin B deficiency the article said could be another cause. 

His mother is a light golden not sure the nose color. I don't know what his father looked like. I might have known when I got him but I can't remember anymore. I don't think the breeder I went to would be considered top notch.(not bad at all just not up to DK standards!)  Learned that since I have been on DK. Thankfully Sonny is such a great dog!

Are there any specific vitamin supplements you would recommend?

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

I ask about nose color of the parents because that could be a real simple link.  It is unlikely however it is possible that the golden carried chocolate.  The poodle could have and if both were carriers of the dilute gene then nothing will change your dog's nose color.  It is part of his genetics.

 

I would ask your vet for a shot of A & D, a one time shot if it is a lack of D will improve color in a few weeks and help your dog absorb D better.

[shelly]

Let me see that nose!  Do you have a picture?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would agree. People are now advised to have Vit. D and no extra Vit. A needed. But I'd think, at least in dogs fed a good commercial diet, that a deficiencty would be rare. You do have to be careful of too much of the fat soluble vitamins, A,D E and K.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Blue Buffalo was recently recalled because of an issue with vit D!  The source of their D was insignificant and caused calcium deficiencies.  Calcium requires both A&D to be absorbed correctly.

 

There are other foods that are being linked to this issue as well. 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I am curious to know if we just give our Doodles a tablet/capsule of Vitamin D and also one of A.  I understand they work together but what would the dosages be?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't understand that and I'd caution about giving these vitamins willy nilly for nose color.