Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live on the eastcoast......and man do we get it rough come december and January.............which brings me to the health of my GSD........I have noticed his nose running a little bit....is this something that will pass by......or should I take steps to seeing a vet about this..........he is still energetic and happy.........I just figured when I saw his nose running I should be concerned..........also..........what steps could I take to avoid getting my dog sick..........I figure it is a challenge since he will be coming in and out of a warm house to a cold outdoor......
Also.......this may sound like a stupid question but.....A couple of us are a little sick right now in my house......could my dog get my cold...........if the answer is yes.......what could I do to avoid passing him my cold if he always wants to be around me.....
Last but not least.........I noticed that on one side of my dogs nose seems to be "rougher" than the other......it is no longer that smooth......the dog is only 2 years..........is there some kind of cream I could put on his nose or treatment to smooth it out.........it is not too bad...but i don't want it to get any worse.
Thanks for your time

>>I live on the eastcoast......and man do we get it rough come december and January.............which brings me to the health of my GSD........I have noticed his nose running a little bit....is this something that will pass by......or should I take steps to seeing a vet about this..........he is still energetic and happy.........I just figured when I saw his nose running I should be concerned..........also..........what steps could I take to avoid getting my dog sick..........I figure it is a challenge since he will be coming in and out of a warm house to a cold outdoor......
>> Also.......this may sound like a stupid question but.....A couple of us are a little sick right now in my house......could my dog get my cold...........if the answer is yes.......what could I do to avoid passing him my cold if he always wants to be around me.....
>> Last but not least.........I noticed that on one side of my dogs nose seems to be "rougher" than the other......it is no longer that smooth......the dog is only 2 years..........is there some kind of cream I could put on his nose or treatment to smooth it out.........it is not too bad...but i don't want it to get any worse.
>> Thanks for your time

>>>>>>>>>>

These are health questions that you really need to ask a veterinarian.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

I understand, but my second question about his nose is one that I wanted to know whether or not any of you have run into this problem......the "roughness"..

>>I understand, but my second question about his nose is one that I wanted to know whether or not any of you have run into this problem......the "roughness"..

>>>>>>>>>>>

My Belgian Tervuren had a change in the skin over her nose almost 5 years ago and I did a lot of research as my vet and I searched for the answer. In her case it was hypothyroidism, but some of the other possibilities are damage from sun, eating from plastic dishes, zinc deficiency, lupus, and pemphigus. On the other hand, he could simply be rooting around someplace that rubs his nose on that side.

I'd start with a vet check, and if the vet can't identify it, consider a veterinary dermatology specialist. Sometimes they have to do a skin biopsy. In my dog's case we did blood work that didn't show it, but it gave me a clue and I did some research and had my vet do some further specific bloodwork that gave us a quick and definite answer. Thus we avoided a biopsy, which was a good thing since she is an aggressive dog I really do not want to have to take to a vet she does not know.

But your dog's problem would not be that problem, since skin issues from hypothyroidism are symmetrical, not just one side. Plus, it wasn't actually her nose, but the skin above it that became hairless and shiny black. With thyroid supplementation, it peeled and regrew hair. Very weird. But she was actually quite ill and this freaky symptom caused her to get diagnosed and do much, much better physically. I am sure she would have died long before now and we would never have really known why.

This could be your chance to provide your dog with important care. A trip to the vet is in order.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com