Seasonal Nasal Hypopigmentation in Dogs
Key takeaways
Seasonal nasal hypopigmentation (SNH), aka “snow nose” in dogs, describes a seasonal loss of nasal pigment (called melanin) resulting in a lighter, pink colored nose.
- The cause is unknown but may involve light or temperature-dependent enzymes that decrease melanin production
- It is most commonly seen in the winter months and is more common in certain breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Siberian Huskies, or Bernese Mountain dogs
- SNH is a mild, non-painful condition that resolves spontaneously with changes in seasons
- Diagnosis focuses on ruling out infection or autoimmune immune disease and involves physical examination, blood work, and nasal biopsy
- Treatment is not necessary as it is a harmless, cosmetic condition which is self limiting; however some dogs can develop a permanent lighter coloration of the nose overall
Chat with our licensed vet techs in the app to learn more and have your questions answered.
A closer look: Seasonal Nasal Hypopigmentation in Dogs
SNH is a diagnosis of exclusion from more serious conditions, such as cutaneous lymphoma, nasal fungal infections, or discoid lupus erythematosus, that sometimes present in the same way. Loss of nasal pigmentation benefits from veterinary investigation.
Connect with a vet to get more information
Risk factors
Seasonal nasal hypopigmentation (SNH) is a rare, cosmetic, uncomplicated condition that has no effect on the overall health. SNH is more common in at risk breeds including:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labradors
- Siberian Huskies
- Bernese Mountain dogs
An important consideration of dogs with nasal hypopigmentation is ruling out more serious alternative diagnoses.
Possible causes
The loss of pigmentation is triggered by a decrease in the production of melanin in the autumn and winter months. The underlying disease mechanism is unknown, however, one possible mechanism is that the enzymes responsible for melanin production are light or temperature dependent.
Main symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Loss of nasal pigmentation in the autumn and winter months with return in the spring and summer.
- Absence of other symptoms
- Nose retains the normal ‘cobblestone’ texture
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis focuses on ruling out alternative causes of depigmentation by:
- Physical examination
- Blood work
- Nasal biopsy
Steps to Recovery
SNH does not require treatment, nor are there effective treatments available.
SNH is a cosmetic, non painful condition that has no secondary complications. Dogs with SNH generally lose pigment in autumn and winter before regaining pigment in spring and summer. Some dogs may never regain full pigmentation, but otherwise the prognosis is excellent.
Prevention
SNH is not a preventable condition as the underlying disease mechanisms are not fully understood.
Is Seasonal Nasal Hypopigmentation in Dogs common?
SNH is uncommon overall.
Typical Treatment
No available treatments
