Dog Nose Irritation

by Tim C
(Morrisville, NY)

My yellow lab sometimes has slight bleeding on the top of her nose - like that you would get from a slight scrape or abrasion.

This sometimes happens after she plays outside in winter. She is very energetic and rolls her head on the carpet and other spots when she plays. There doesn't appear to be any other irritation, no swellings, or other suspicious looking lesions.

She is slightly under 2 years old and in excellent health.

Can you provide some info?


Veterinarian Suggestion on Dog Nose Irritation

Hello Tim,

I can’t diagnose your dog without first performing a physical exam, but one condition that comes to mind is discoid lupus erythematosis (DLE). DLE is an disease that is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to cells within the skin. Affected individuals typically develop varying degrees of red, flaky skin; erosions; and other lesions on the bridge of the nose, around the lips, and sometimes in other areas as well.

The condition tends to worsen with sun exposure. Treatment includes protection from the sun, vitamin E, and if necessary, medications that lessen the abnormal immune response. Of course, many other possible explanations for the raw skin on your dog’s nose exist. Perhaps she is just rubbing her face over-enthusiastically in crusty snow. The best way to reach a definitive diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.


Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM