Did you know the moist, spongy skin of a bulldog’s nose captures scents “tens of thousands of times” more efficiently than our own? It’s the tool dogs use to investigate and understand the world around them.
Since pups effectively “see the world through their noses,” the skin is constantly exposed to sunlight, extreme temperatures, allergens and various substances that can cause dryness, chapping, and cracking.
Without a moist, healthy nose, your dog cannot efficiently explore the neighborhood or recognize his favorite scent – you! Luckily, there are several safe, natural ingredients you can apply topically to help soothe and heal your pup’s dry nose. (Tip: if you need some help finding these ingredients, this might help)
First, a word of caution:
Why We Don’t Recommend Vaseline, Aquaphor, Mineral Oil, or Petroleum Jelly for a Bulldog’s Dry Nose
Many dog owners frequently use products like those listed above for their dog’s minor skin irritations. While these oils can be effective for dogs, many people do not realize they are all derived from petroleum. Natural health experts are becoming increasingly concerned about potential toxins that can be contained in them. Because dogs will inevitably lick their noses and ingest a small amount of any balm, we lean heavily towards a natural solution with no possible toxicity.
Here’s our top list of 6 natural fats & oils to soothe your bulldog’s nose:
1. Shea Butter
Humans often use shea butter to soften their own dry skin and it works just as well on crusty dog noses! It is completely pup-safe in small amounts and can also be used to soothe dry paws and elbows.
2. Olive Oil
Almost every kitchen has a bottle of olive oil for cooking, but this household favorite can also be used on dry paws, noses, and ears. You can even add a teaspoon to your dog’s meals to promote healthy skin from the inside out.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is comprised of 90% Ricinoleic acid which provides powerful healing properties for dry, irritated skin. Just remember, a little goes a long way! You do not want your dog to lick away excess castor oil as it also acts as a powerful laxative and may cause diarrhea.
4. Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a highly effective, easily absorbed skin softener and conditioner. It contains a number of important fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to soothe dry, irritated dog snouts.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the safest, most effective moisturizers found in nature. It not only restores moisture to your dog’s nose, it also helps improve skin elasticity with its many vitamins and minerals. Be sure to choose an organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil that is 100% natural and unprocessed.
6. Cocoa Seed Butter
Cocoa seed butter effectively softens and conditions dry, cracked, chafed and sunburned dog noses and can also be used to moisturize rough paw pads and elbows.
(Many dog parents are hesitant to use anything with the word “cocoa” in the ingredients, and rightly so. Cocoa seed butter is safe to use on your pup because even though it is derived from the seeds of the cacao tree, it does not contain the dangerous ingredients that make chocolate toxic to dogs.)
Better Yet, Use All 6 of The Ingredients Above!
Each one of the oils above has its own unique properties and viscosity. Choosing a nose balm product (such as this) with all 6 of these ingredients ensures that lighter oils will be absorbed quickly for fast relief, and heavier oils will stick around for long lasting relief.
Learn more about relieving your bulldog’s nose
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
