Losing Black on Maltese dogs Nose

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Archived Message

Losing Black on Nose
by Lisa Rudd
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Losing Black on Nose I have twin girls! Love them dearly. Maggie and Lily are 2 years old. Maggie's nose is turning pink, like the black is fading away. I was wondering if she needs vitamins or something. They eat only top name brand dog food we buy at the pet store. Can someone help me?

DISCUSSION:

Hello! My Ellii has a little more pink on her nose now that she has gone through a "heat". I have heard that a female going through a heat can sometimes cause the black pigment in their nose to turn to pink. Also the lack of sun, believe it or not. I don't know where you live, but if you are lucky enough to be in a warm climate right now, take advantage of it. Good luck and God Bless.
Jeannie

Fading pigment is more common in the winter because the dogs don't get as much sun. Try putting your dogs bed in front of a window with east or west exposure. You can also get some liquid kelp at a health food store. That will help too.
Vivian

I've had the same problem with my Maltese. I took her to the vet and he told me that they should be both fed and given water in a glass bowl. He said that their are chemicals in all the synthetic bowls and dishes (plastic, melamine, etc.) that cause the black pigment of their nose to fade. Hope this helps you, it did me!
Lotus Barkdoll

Do you live in the north? Lack of sun can cause the black to fade to pink. I live in PA and luckily, my living room is very sunny where my little guys spend 90% of their days and Baxter's nose stays jet black year round. Rudy, too, I hope. This is his first winter and it hasn't started to fade yet.
Marie

Can anyone tell me how much Kelp you give your dog and how often?
Glorya

Glorya - I put two or three drops of the liquid kelp in the dog's water bowl each day. That, along with adequate sunshine, keep the pigment dark. You can also get the kelp in pellet form but I can't remember the name of it right now. It will come to me. I've only seen that at the dog shows.
Vivian