We spend so much time with our furry friends that we cannot help but notice whenever something’s different. More often than not, those changes don’t amount to anything. Those physical or behavioral changes may revert to normal soon enough even without you doing anything.
However, some changes are more noticeable and they last longer too. For instance, it’s pretty hard to miss the fact that some parts of your dog’s face are turning pink.
Those changes can be very alarming. They can be alarming because you don’t know what’s causing them and you don’t know what they mean as well.
Here in this article, you’ll find out why your dog’s face is turning pink. You’ll also learn if that’s something worth worrying about. Read on if you wish to find out more about this important topic.
Why Is My Dog’s Face Turning Pink?
The sight of your dog’s face turning pink can be frightening, but don’t panic just yet. Although the change is significant, it doesn’t necessarily signify trouble.
Your dog’s face may be turning pink due to changes in pigmentation. Certain parts of a dog’s face are susceptible to pigment loss.
It’s also important to know that this kind of occurrence is common among the canine population. Talk to pet parents who’ve cared for numerous dogs over the years and they’ll likely tell you that the change of pigmentation is something they’ve seen often.
Why Is My Dog’s Nose Turning Pink?
The nose is one part of the dog’s face that often turns pink. So, why does that happen?
Included in this section are the different potential explanations for that aforementioned change. Check them out and see which explanation makes the most sense for your dog.
Snow Nose
Why is your dog’s nose changing color? It could simply be due to snow nose.
Snow nose is an under-researched condition because it’s not seen as a huge concern. The dogs who have it are largely unaffected. As pet parents, we are probably more concerned about the change than they are.
There is no definitive explanation for snow nose, but different possible causes for it have been put forth.
Some suggest that snow nose is a byproduct of temperature changes, hence the moniker. To be more specific, the lower temperatures during the winter may be causing the change.
Others have hinted that snow nose could be caused by the bowls your dog is using. Plastic bowls may cause a change in nose color. Consider using something else if you don’t want your dog’s nose to change color.
Infections
Your dog’s nose changing color due to snow nose is no big deal. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said if the change is a side effect of an illness or infection.
A bacterial infection can explain why your dog’s nose has turned pink. Notably, the change in color is not the only thing you may notice.
If the change is brought about by an infection, you may find some sores appear on your dog’s nose. Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you see those sores.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Similar to an infection, discoid lupus erythematosus is a condition that also causes sores and the discoloration of a dog’s nose. Aside from that, the dog’s nose may also become smooth due to the onset of discoid lupus erythematosus.
Ultraviolet light is regarded as something that can intensify the aforementioned condition. If you suspect that your pet has DLE, you should consider keeping them indoors for a while.
Pemphigus
Pemphigus starts similarly to DLE because it also causes skin discoloration and sores. Notably, pemphigus can also change the texture of your dog’s nose.
With pemphigus, the dog’s nose becomes crusty. You may also notice a greater amount of hair loss around the affected area.
Take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect they have pemphigus. Some forms of pemphigus can be fatal so find out what your dog is dealing with right away.
Cancer
Nose discoloration and the appearance of sores are symptoms that also describe the onset of cancer. In all likelihood, more symptoms will manifest beyond those two. Those other symptoms will hint at the specific type of cancer that is affecting your pet.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that can alter the color of your dog’s sniffer. I wanted to highlight this condition specifically because it manifests itself differently.
At first, vitiligo can cause your dog’s nose to turn pink, but it probably won’t stop there. Later on, the condition can turn your dog’s nose white. You may also notice other patches of skin turn white throughout your pet’s body.
Although the effects of vitiligo look concerning, the condition itself does not pose a threat to the health of your dog. Vitiligo has no adverse impact on your pet’s health even if the changes to their skin are permanent.
Wounds
While running around your fenced yard, your dog may run into a broken panel and scratch their nose on it. The wounded parts of the nose may start to turn pink not long after that.
Your dog’s nose should return to normal after the wound heals, but you should still consider taking them to the vet. If some bits of debris have gotten lodged in the wounds, they could cause an infection. It’s better to get the wounds thoroughly checked out to prevent something like that from happening.
Aging
Aging can also play a role in your dog’s nose turning pink. This is a natural occurrence and something that affects a large number of canines.
What to Do About My Dog’s Nose or Face Turning Pink?
After noticing that your dog’s nose or face has changed color, you should consider scheduling a consultation with the veterinarian. It’s not a requirement, but visiting the vet is the best way to find out if your dog is affected by something serious.
Hopefully, your veterinarian will confirm that the change is just a case of snow nose or a byproduct of aging.
If the change is brought about by snow nose, you can try swapping out your dog’s bowl. Ceramic and stainless bowls are not believed to cause snow nose so consider using them.
Changes in color caused by wounds can be treated. The veterinarian can handle the treatment so paying a visit to them is killing two birds with one stone.
Your approach will have to be very different if the color change was initiated by some kind of illness or infection. The veterinarian may recommend a treatment regimen for your pet.
The goal is to treat the underlying cause of the change in color. Returning the color of your dog’s face or nose to normal will just be a bonus.
Is It Normal for a Dog’s Face to Turn Pink?
A dog’s face or nose changing color is not normal per se. However, it’s also not an extraordinary occurrence.
As we’ve detailed throughout this article, there are different potential causes for that change in color. You shouldn’t be surprised if one of those affects your pet at some point in their life.
Still, I do want to mention that certain dog breeds are more susceptible to snow nose than others. Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and Siberian huskies are among the breeds that are most commonly affected by it.