So Cody is two and a half years old now. Has had Lymes, got treated, and other then that is really healthy and over all a very happy pup. He is on the raw food diet of beef form a known supplier of raw dog food in our area. He also gets chopped spinach in with his food. He gets salmon at least once a week and raw cow bones almost every day. His treats are dried pork strips. His nose was always black, except when he got into something he shouldn't have and then returned to black. When he turned two he also got his first tick byte and also contracted Lymes from that. He was treated and is doing fine now. But his nose has never gone back to being Black!? He shows no other signs of an allergy except his nose. My Vet wants to put him on prescription food which is only 14% protein dry food. Anyway, sorry for the long winded dissertation, my question is, how normal is this or not? And What should I do, or nothing? Thanks, Orlando and Cody
It's perfectly normal. Most yellow dogs have the gene that says their nose, rims of eyes and lips are black. Those that have a different gene will have pink or liver points. Those dogs are termed "dudleys". However, even if your dog isn't a dudley (which he isn't, or he wouldn't have previously had a black nose), the nose can still fade. This is often called "winter nose" or "snow nose". I live in a ski resort and so we get a lot of cold weather, and my yellow boy's nose is now more brown than black. His sister, who is also not a dudley, has a bright pink nose! It's not something to concern you, other than the fact it may be more prone to burning. I did find this article when I was quickly searching for the name of the enzyme responsible, which suggests that it may be reversible with supplements - but, bear in mind that, even though Dorwest are a well known company, their aim is still to sell you stuff, so you might like to do your own research around their efficacy before buying, if the pink nose bothers you: http://www.dorwest.com/blog/pigmentation-and-winter-nose/
Snowie's nose is black in summer but lightens a little in winter - am assuming it's the cold affecting the enzyme that makes it black. With age and with each year his nose is less jet black and more brown/black - apparently part of the normal aging process. I do like the jet black - his coloring is very pretty - so I hope it doesn't lighten too much. He's five now.
Gypsy's nose was black until she was 12 months old Now it's very pink. She was 8 months here you can see it getting paler.
Thank you so much for the replies. I had read about the enzyme that makes there noses pink in color, I didn't think it worked the way it seems to. He is my forth, and the other three never had this happen. Thanks again, you put a worried dad's mind at ease!
Yes, exactly! The low protein is the because that's the brand they support and "Have good luck with". It has the protein pulverized to the point of non existence. I had mentioned that I thought his pink nose might be because of allergies and they ran with it. Instead of explaining that it was probably normal. They don't support the raw food diet at all and want him off of it. Personally I think they just want the revenue flow. But they are a good vet and seem to know whats what. I find that I need to stay on top of what ever may be going on though.
Well then, if it was me, I'd want to see the data that proves that food has turned snow nose black again. I'd want to know why so many feeding labradors use a food with double or more the protein and want links to the proven benefits of lower protein. And, sorry, but I question how good a VEt is who doesn't seem to know about snow nose, want to see the research linking it to allergies and certainly not have much faith if I thought they "just want the revenue flow." My Vet supports raw food enthusiastically but also realizes my dog now needs a specialized kibble diet, yes a Rx diet, that accommodates his serious illness.
I am very, very sorry to hear that. And I wish you and pup all the very best! I know how hard it must be. Went through it three times prior. And yes I agree on the vet comment. I have been thinking of switching, but don't know where to go next. Thank you for your very sound advice and insight.
Have a closer look at my avatar pic, Homer has a pink nose, it with dark rims around his eyes. It started getting lighter when he was still quite young. He is on kibble, I'm not sure of the protein level excactly. Interesting that his nose when the pink when he had Lyme disease though. Just coincidence or a effect of the disease or medication?
That is why I grew concerned. Otherwise I probably would not have thought much of it. He did turn two at the same time, and I've read that's when things change a bit with them as well. Either way I am not as concerned as I was, his nose is moist like it should be and hes full of energy and kisses and otherwise very healthy. I can't ask for much more then that.
Here's a very recent study out of New Zealand about how a dog's gut has bacteria for optimal meat digestion. http://m.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11820404
I am thinking through changing Harley to raw as well. MF I have looked for the original study or published article that the news article is based on but I can't find it, even on my university library access site. I would really like to read the methodology on that study. So if you find it, or if anyone does please link it to me here or in private message. Thanks
I'm afraid I haven't looked for the original study. Bad!! I'm usually very skeptical and go to the source. If you find the original study, please do link to it.
I've asked my vet friend if she's able to obtain (and pass) on the original study. I read about it when it was released but it's always a little concerning when a study is partially funded by self-interested parties. I'll let you know if I'm able to get it.
