Nasal hyperkeratosis means extra hard skin builds up on a dog’s nose. Keratin, the tough protein that forms the outer layer of skin, piles up and sticks firmly to the hairless part of the nose (the nasal planum). The same change can also show up on the footpads, and some dogs have it in only one of the two places [1]. In most dogs no cause is found, so vets call it idiopathic [1].
Have your vet check any change to your dog’s nose. Other nose diseases can look the same, and some need treatment.
Signs
The extra keratin forms a thick, firmly attached crust. It may cover a small patch or most of the nose, and it often sits on the top of the nose, where it hides the normal pebbly texture of the skin [1]. In a Swedish study of Griffon breeds, the crust was dry and hard and grew on the top or upper sides of the nose [4].
Mild cases often cause no trouble at all [1]. Over time, though, the thick skin tends to dry out, and cracks (fissures) can open in it [1].
Which dogs get it
The common form is mostly seen in older dogs and may be part of normal ageing. American cocker spaniels and English springer spaniels seem to be more prone, but any breed can get it [1].
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs can get it much younger. In the Swedish survey, close to one in three Griffon dogs had some degree of nasal hyperkeratosis, and the typical age when it started was about 3 years. Other flat-faced breeds started at a similar age, while dogs with longer noses tended to start later [4].
A separate, inherited form called hereditary nasal parakeratosis has been reported in young Labrador retrievers, their crosses and Greyhounds. It usually appears by about one year of age, with stuck-on crusts, scale and cracks on the nose that may bleed if knocked [2].
Why it still needs a vet check
Cracks in the thick skin can make the nose sore and let bacteria in [3]. Fissures are splits in the skin.
Several other problems can also thicken or crust the nose, including some autoimmune skin diseases, a viral infection (canine distemper), skin problems linked to zinc and diet, and reactions to medicines [1]. For the other causes of a crusty nose, see dry, crusty nose in dogs.
How vets diagnose it
In a middle-aged or older dog that is otherwise healthy, the look of the nose and the history are often enough for a vet to make the diagnosis [1]. If the change started at a young age or your dog has other skin or general signs, your vet may suggest more tests, such as a small skin sample (biopsy) looked at under a microscope, to rule out the diseases that look alike [1].
Treatment
Nasal hyperkeratosis cannot be cured, because the skin keeps making extra keratin. Mild cases with no discomfort may need no treatment [1]. When the crust is thick or cracked, care aims to soften it and keep it under control, and your vet will advise what suits your dog [1].
At home, as directed by a vet:
- do not pick at or cut the crust;
- do not put human or leftover products on your dog’s nose unless your vet says so;
- go back for any recheck your vet books.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your dog’s nose has:
- thick crust on top that is new to you;
- cracks (fissures) in the thick skin [1];
- bleeding or shallow sores (erosions) [2].
The bottom line
Nasal hyperkeratosis is a build-up of thick, firmly stuck keratin on a dog’s nose. It is often harmless in older dogs and common in flat-faced breeds, but cracks can make it sore. Only a vet can tell it apart from other nose diseases that look the same.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog’s nose is changing, see your vet.
Sources
- Torres SMF. 3.11 Nasal and Digital Hyperkeratosis. Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 2. University of Minnesota, 2025. CC BY 4.0. https://open.lib.umn.edu/animaldermatology2/chapter/idiopathic-keratinization-disorders-nasal-and-digital-hyperkeratosis/
- Torres SMF. 3.4 Familial Nasal Parakeratosis and Footpad Hyperkeratosis, Dogs. Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 2. University of Minnesota, 2025. CC BY 4.0. https://open.lib.umn.edu/animaldermatology2/chapter/hereditary-keratinization-disorders-familial-nasal-parakeratosis-and-footpad-hyperkeratosis-dogs/
- Catarino M, Combarros-Garcia D, Mimouni P, Pressanti C, Cadiergues MC. Control of canine idiopathic nasal hyperkeratosis with a natural skin restorative balm: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Vet Dermatol. 2018;29(2):134-e53. PMID 29076573. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29076573/
- Cikota R, Åberg L, Karlstam E, Shokrai A, Åhman S. Nasal hyperkeratosis in Griffon breeds: Clinical, histopathological features and the prevalence in the Swedish population compared to a control group and other brachycephalic breeds. Vet Rec Open. 2021;8(1):e10. PMID 33981444. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33981444/