Winter Nose On A Labrador

[jakeyjangels]

'Morning Everyone,

I was going to post this in the Labrador thread but I'm not allowed to post a new topic - not up with all the forum rules yet !

My 18 month old yellow Lab boy - Jangels, nose pad has gone from pitch black to pinky/brown colour over the past couple of months.

I made a couple of enquiries re zinc defiency (which I'm confident it isn't) & was told that is there such a thing as winter nose on a Lab ? Or is this an old wives tale?

Will the colour of his nose pad return to black again?

Thank you in advance for your replys & opinions.

JJ

[spoilt lab lives here]

Ramses nose goes pink every winter. I love summer when his beautiful black nose is back.

[Crazy Daisy]

I know in Goldens their noses can go lighter in winter. Archer is 13 months old and from about 10-12 months his nose went lighter, it is now darkening up again. Don't really know why as nothing was different over those two months

[dee lee]

My Goldie gets snow nose.

[Shaar]

My white poodle gets snow nose every winter, it will go brown then darken up again as soon as summer starts.

[**Super_Dogs**]

This is very normal for a labs nose to go light brown/pink over winter - hence the name :D It is also called snow nose.

There is not much you can do about it.

It is also pretty common for this to happen with age.

[mita]

I adopted a Tibetan Spaniel who was sent up to me, in Brisbane, from Canberra, in the middle of winter. I was amazed to see she had a white nose. At her first vet visit here, the vet commented with enthusiasm, 'Look, a winter nose!' He'd worked for a few years in Chicago, where he said he saw lots of winter noses. But he wasn't so used to seeing them in Queensland.

He told me it'd fade when summer came....& would not be likely to occur again, in our milder winter. He was right.

Edited July 20, 2011 by mita

[Bjelkier]

My yellow Lab gets it too

[ish]

My GSD bitch gets it too

[whiskedaway]

Both my lappie and Husky get it - as you can see in my sig below. It's normal.

[fuzzy82]

My poodle x maltese has a winter nose too, but the colour change has been very slight.

What causes it?

[Shaar]

My poodle x maltese has a winter nose too, but the colour change has been very slight.

What causes it?

Same as with us, the darker the skin, the better the tan!

My Crested boys whole body goes dove grey over winter but in summer he is a very dark slate.

[Burkes]

My boy Duster's nose went pink and hasn't gone back. He has a few tiny black spots and that is it.

[toy dog]

My boy Duster's nose went pink and hasn't gone back. He has a few tiny black spots and that is it.

i'd like to know that too, i might try googling and see what comes up

[toy dog]

Technically called "hypopigmentation" (or snow nose, winter nose) it results from loss of sunlight, and causes the nose to fade to brown in winter; normal colour returns as summer approaches. Snow nose occurs mainly in light-coated breeds; the colour change can become permanent in older dogs. It is not associated with disease.

Another reason for this condition is a deficiency of B vitamins, PABA in particular.

Get rid of plastic food bowls and replace them with metal or ceramic bowls since some pets may be allergic to plastic. Plastic dish dermatitis can occur if the dog eats or drinks out of plastic or rubber bowls. It is triggered by a reaction to an antioxidant found in the dishes.

Vitaligo causes black depigmentation in the nose and sometimes the lips to fade to brown.

PABA

PABA is the shortened name for para-aminobenzoic acid that is often thought of as only an ingredient used in sunscreens, while it is in actual fact a nutritional ingredient as well. Since it is a moiety of PGA, a form of folic acid, some health professionals do not consider it a vitamin, but only a B-complex factor.

PABA is used to improve the protein used in the body, it relates to red blood cell formation as well as assisting the manufacture of folic acid in the intestines. Para-aminobenzoic acid is used in sunscreen preparations since it can help protect the skin against ultra-violet radiation.

It has been linked to hair growth as well as reversing the greying of hair, but these results are disappointing. People suffering from vitiligo, over - pigmentation of skin, or without pigment in some spots, have reported an improvement of the skin after more PABA was ingested.

Best used with Vitamin C and the B group vitamins, plus Folic Acid are best taken with PABA.

PABA is found in liver, kidney, brewer's yeast, molasses, whole grains, bran, yoghurt, mushrooms and spinach, and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

TIP

A new herbal remedy for animals is called Chorela. It is supposed to stimulate the immune system and has proven helpful in treating dogs that lose pigment from their nose, and also dogs that have the nasty habit of eating their own droppings. Seek advice on this product from your vet or a naturopath.

SNOW NOSE "REMEDY"

Another suggested "remedy" is:

B Complex With Choline, Inositol & PABA

Vitamin C, Calcium Ascorbate powder

Megamino Amino Acids

The Vitamin C works together with the B to help absorption. Give just before meals. One B Complex tablet in the AM and one in the PM. The Vitamin C is given by body weight. ½ tsp. for each 50lbs of weight. The Amino Acid tablet is given in the AM only.

Vitamins B and C are water soluble and once the body has absorbed what it needs, it will eliminate the rest. These vitamins are not stored in the body. They are also helpful with stress (for you too) and for the skin in general. In case you don't know it, the B vitamins that brighten our dogs' coats and darken their pigments work on us too. The B vitamins are necessary for our skin and for our hair colour. If your hair is prematurely grey, it may be a simple Vitamin B deficiency. There are documented cases where grey hair turned back to its natural colour after supplementing with the B complex vitamins.

It is very probable that the success you will have in returning your dog's pigment back to black will be directly related to the diet you feed - in addition to the above supplementation.

Good luck! I hope this is of value to you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TIP

A new herbal remedy for animals is called Chlorela. It is supposed to stimulate the immune system and has proven helpful in treating dogs that lose pigment from their nose, and also dogs that have the nasty habit of eating their own droppings. Seek advice on this product from your vet or a naturopath.

Chlorela (fresh water algae) - "Superior to Vitamin Supplements & Improves Digestion."

Being a very ancient single cell algae, chlorela was the earth's first green plant and the first link in the food chain. Each cell of this plant is self sufficient and capable of life sustaining functions. Chlorela is 60% protein, and contains 8 essential amino acids, and more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant in nature! In just 1 tablespoon it provides 300% of the daily need for Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C. It is very rich in beta-carotene. Due to its rapid growth and the abundance of nutrients, chlorella offers many benefits including protection against toxic pollutants, pesticides, drugs, chemicals, atmospheric radiation, power lines, microwaves, computers and television.

The natural vitamins and minerals in chlorella are bio-chelated. That means they are naturally wrapped in amino acids, so they will be taken in by the body more readily.

Chorela contains natural digestive enzymes and fibrous materials that improve your digestion.

Higher in chlorophyl than any other plant. Contains more chlorophyl per gram than any other plant. Contains 5 to 10 times the chlorophyl content of barley grass, spirulina, and wheat grass. Chlorophyl is one of the greatest food substances for cleansing the bowel and other elimination systems, such as the liver and blood.

[emery]

I tried those remedies to no avail my rotti bitch gets it as soon as the weather warms up her pigmentation comes back and its only her nose a single brown strip that she gets, no loss of pigmentation any where else so not too concerned she has a brown strip at the moment but not as noticeable as last winter as it hasn't been as cold this time

[tdierikx]

My Lab/Dingo girl has a reddish nose all the time - but it does get lighter in winter. Never had an issue with it... she can still sniff out any type of food... *grin*

T.

[jakeyjangels]

My boy Duster's nose went pink and hasn't gone back. He has a few tiny black spots and that is it.

Duster's nose is exactly the same as Jangels His coat is identical colour too .... Beautiful boy ..... Thank you for sharing your lovely photo

[jakeyjangels]

Technically called "hypopigmentation" (or snow nose, winter nose) it results from loss of sunlight, and causes the nose to fade to brown in winter; normal colour returns as summer approaches. Snow nose occurs mainly in light-coated breeds; the colour change can become permanent in older dogs. It is not associated with disease.

Another reason for this condition is a deficiency of B vitamins, PABA in particular.

Get rid of plastic food bowls and replace them with metal or ceramic bowls since some pets may be allergic to plastic. Plastic dish dermatitis can occur if the dog eats or drinks out of plastic or rubber bowls. It is triggered by a reaction to an antioxidant found in the dishes.

Vitaligo causes black depigmentation in the nose and sometimes the lips to fade to brown.

PABA

PABA is the shortened name for para-aminobenzoic acid that is often thought of as only an ingredient used in sunscreens, while it is in actual fact a nutritional ingredient as well. Since it is a moiety of PGA, a form of folic acid, some health professionals do not consider it a vitamin, but only a B-complex factor.

PABA is used to improve the protein used in the body, it relates to red blood cell formation as well as assisting the manufacture of folic acid in the intestines. Para-aminobenzoic acid is used in sunscreen preparations since it can help protect the skin against ultra-violet radiation.

It has been linked to hair growth as well as reversing the greying of hair, but these results are disappointing. People suffering from vitiligo, over - pigmentation of skin, or without pigment in some spots, have reported an improvement of the skin after more PABA was ingested.

Best used with Vitamin C and the B group vitamins, plus Folic Acid are best taken with PABA.

PABA is found in liver, kidney, brewer's yeast, molasses, whole grains, bran, yoghurt, mushrooms and spinach, and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

TIP

A new herbal remedy for animals is called Chorela. It is supposed to stimulate the immune system and has proven helpful in treating dogs that lose pigment from their nose, and also dogs that have the nasty habit of eating their own droppings. Seek advice on this product from your vet or a naturopath.

SNOW NOSE "REMEDY"

Another suggested "remedy" is:

B Complex With Choline, Inositol & PABA

Vitamin C, Calcium Ascorbate powder

Megamino Amino Acids

The Vitamin C works together with the B to help absorption. Give just before meals. One B Complex tablet in the AM and one in the PM. The Vitamin C is given by body weight. ½ tsp. for each 50lbs of weight. The Amino Acid tablet is given in the AM only.

Vitamins B and C are water soluble and once the body has absorbed what it needs, it will eliminate the rest. These vitamins are not stored in the body. They are also helpful with stress (for you too) and for the skin in general. In case you don't know it, the B vitamins that brighten our dogs' coats and darken their pigments work on us too. The B vitamins are necessary for our skin and for our hair colour. If your hair is prematurely grey, it may be a simple Vitamin B deficiency. There are documented cases where grey hair turned back to its natural colour after supplementing with the B complex vitamins.

It is very probable that the success you will have in returning your dog's pigment back to black will be directly related to the diet you feed - in addition to the above supplementation.

Good luck! I hope this is of value to you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TIP

A new herbal remedy for animals is called Chlorela. It is supposed to stimulate the immune system and has proven helpful in treating dogs that lose pigment from their nose, and also dogs that have the nasty habit of eating their own droppings. Seek advice on this product from your vet or a naturopath.

Chlorela (fresh water algae) - "Superior to Vitamin Supplements & Improves Digestion."

Being a very ancient single cell algae, chlorela was the earth's first green plant and the first link in the food chain. Each cell of this plant is self sufficient and capable of life sustaining functions. Chlorela is 60% protein, and contains 8 essential amino acids, and more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant in nature! In just 1 tablespoon it provides 300% of the daily need for Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C. It is very rich in beta-carotene. Due to its rapid growth and the abundance of nutrients, chlorella offers many benefits including protection against toxic pollutants, pesticides, drugs, chemicals, atmospheric radiation, power lines, microwaves, computers and television.

The natural vitamins and minerals in chlorella are bio-chelated. That means they are naturally wrapped in amino acids, so they will be taken in by the body more readily.

Chorela contains natural digestive enzymes and fibrous materials that improve your digestion.

Higher in chlorophyl than any other plant. Contains more chlorophyl per gram than any other plant. Contains 5 to 10 times the chlorophyl content of barley grass, spirulina, and wheat grass. Chlorophyl is one of the greatest food substances for cleansing the bowel and other elimination systems, such as the liver and blood.

[jakeyjangels]

Technically called "hypopigmentation" (or snow nose, winter nose) it results from loss of sunlight, and causes the nose to fade to brown in winter; normal colour returns as summer approaches. Snow nose occurs mainly in light-coated breeds; the colour change can become permanent in older dogs. It is not associated with disease.

Another reason for this condition is a deficiency of B vitamins, PABA in particular.

Get rid of plastic food bowls and replace them with metal or ceramic bowls since some pets may be allergic to plastic. Plastic dish dermatitis can occur if the dog eats or drinks out of plastic or rubber bowls. It is triggered by a reaction to an antioxidant found in the dishes.

Vitaligo causes black depigmentation in the nose and sometimes the lips to fade to brown.

PABA

PABA is the shortened name for para-aminobenzoic acid that is often thought of as only an ingredient used in sunscreens, while it is in actual fact a nutritional ingredient as well. Since it is a moiety of PGA, a form of folic acid, some health professionals do not consider it a vitamin, but only a B-complex factor.

PABA is used to improve the protein used in the body, it relates to red blood cell formation as well as assisting the manufacture of folic acid in the intestines. Para-aminobenzoic acid is used in sunscreen preparations since it can help protect the skin against ultra-violet radiation.

It has been linked to hair growth as well as reversing the greying of hair, but these results are disappointing. People suffering from vitiligo, over - pigmentation of skin, or without pigment in some spots, have reported an improvement of the skin after more PABA was ingested.

Best used with Vitamin C and the B group vitamins, plus Folic Acid are best taken with PABA.

PABA is found in liver, kidney, brewer's yeast, molasses, whole grains, bran, yoghurt, mushrooms and spinach, and can be made by intestinal bacteria.

TIP

A new herbal remedy for animals is called Chorela. It is supposed to stimulate the immune system and has proven helpful in treating dogs that lose pigment from their nose, and also dogs that have the nasty habit of eating their own droppings. Seek advice on this product from your vet or a naturopath.

SNOW NOSE "REMEDY"

Another suggested "remedy" is:

B Complex With Choline, Inositol & PABA

Vitamin C, Calcium Ascorbate powder

Megamino Amino Acids

The Vitamin C works together with the B to help absorption. Give just before meals. One B Complex tablet in the AM and one in the PM. The Vitamin C is given by body weight. ½ tsp. for each 50lbs of weight. The Amino Acid tablet is given in the AM only.

Vitamins B and C are water soluble and once the body has absorbed what it needs, it will eliminate the rest. These vitamins are not stored in the body. They are also helpful with stress (for you too) and for the skin in general. In case you don't know it, the B vitamins that brighten our dogs' coats and darken their pigments work on us too. The B vitamins are necessary for our skin and for our hair colour. If your hair is prematurely grey, it may be a simple Vitamin B deficiency. There are documented cases where grey hair turned back to its natural colour after supplementing with the B complex vitamins.

It is very probable that the success you will have in returning your dog's pigment back to black will be directly related to the diet you feed - in addition to the above supplementation.

Good luck! I hope this is of value to you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TIP

A new herbal remedy for animals is called Chlorela. It is supposed to stimulate the immune system and has proven helpful in treating dogs that lose pigment from their nose, and also dogs that have the nasty habit of eating their own droppings. Seek advice on this product from your vet or a naturopath.

Chlorela (fresh water algae) - "Superior to Vitamin Supplements & Improves Digestion."

Being a very ancient single cell algae, chlorela was the earth's first green plant and the first link in the food chain. Each cell of this plant is self sufficient and capable of life sustaining functions. Chlorela is 60% protein, and contains 8 essential amino acids, and more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant in nature! In just 1 tablespoon it provides 300% of the daily need for Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C. It is very rich in beta-carotene. Due to its rapid growth and the abundance of nutrients, chlorella offers many benefits including protection against toxic pollutants, pesticides, drugs, chemicals, atmospheric radiation, power lines, microwaves, computers and television.

The natural vitamins and minerals in chlorella are bio-chelated. That means they are naturally wrapped in amino acids, so they will be taken in by the body more readily.

Chorela contains natural digestive enzymes and fibrous materials that improve your digestion.

Higher in chlorophyl than any other plant. Contains more chlorophyl per gram than any other plant. Contains 5 to 10 times the chlorophyl content of barley grass, spirulina, and wheat grass. Chlorophyl is one of the greatest food substances for cleansing the bowel and other elimination systems, such as the liver and blood.

Thank you so much for your detailed & very imformative reply toydog. Very interesting & I value any natural diet suggestions.

Both my boys are fed completely raw diets served in ceramic bowls or metal plates. No plastic bowls here as I find feeding raw I'm very mindful about cleanliness.

Brewers yeast, kelp, vitamin C tablets are added requarly to their food along with Livamol powder & flaxseed & cod liver oils. I feed liver or heart or kidney along with fresh sardines once a week with their normal raw meaty bones. BARF patties & food processed vegies (as I don't think the patties have enough vegies in them). Breakfast is VAN complete mix with human grade premium beef mince & a tblsp of natural yoghurt.

I have never heard of Chlorella but sounds very interesting.

I am hoping Jangels nose pad returns to black but if not it doesn't concern me too much as we're not into showing or anything. He is still beautiful no matter what color is snoze is

I was just curious about the colour change