A crusty patch on one side of your dog’s nose can stem from dryness, minor trauma, sun exposure, or even sleeping habits. If it's not painful or spreading, it’s often harmless. Still, localized crusting may also signal allergies, infection, or early immune issues worth monitoring.

To figure out what’s going on and what to do next, here’s how to get a better read on your dog’s symptoms before jumping to conclusions:

• Inspect the Nose Closely: Look for signs like swelling, discharge, or bleeding. Focus on texture and color and note whether the crust is thick, flaky, or discolored.

• Clean Gently: Use a soft, damp cloth with warm water to loosen surface debris. Don’t scrub or peel. If anything looks stuck or painful, stop and move to step five.

• Limit Exposure: Keep your dog out of direct sun and away from potential irritants like plastic bowls or scented cleaning products. Switch to stainless steel or ceramic.

• Hydrate the Air: If it’s dry inside your home, run a humidifier in the room where your dog sleeps. Dry air often worsens mild nasal crusting.

• Watch Closely for 48–72 Hours: Track any changes such as: does the crust grow, shift to the other side, or does your dog start pawing at it?

• Contact Your Vet if Worsening or No Change: Asymmetry can point to trauma, infection, or early signs of immune response. A vet can perform a proper diagnostic before it progresses.

What Does a “Crusty” Dog Nose Look Like?

Nose changes are hard to spot unless you’re looking for them, and when they appear suddenly, they tend to catch people off guard. 

A healthy dog nose is usually moist and smooth. When something looks off, even on just one side, it can feel unsettling. Crusting, flaking, or cracking often appears in patches. 

Sometimes it’s thick and dry, other times it looks yellow or white, like dried mucus or scabbing. If it’s just one nostril, it may be even more puzzling.

Dogs react in different ways. Some paw at their faces, sneeze more than usual, or rub against furniture. Others go about their day without any change in behavior. 

A dry or crusty patch that softens within a few hours or disappears after a nap may not need treatment. But if it lasts more than a day, worsens, or starts to change shape or color, it’s worth paying closer attention.

Why Is It Just One Side? Possible Clues

It’s not uncommon for crusting to show up on just one side of a dog’s nose. 

This often has more to do with behavior or environment than a systemic health issue. Dogs who sleep on one side may experience drying from air vents, heaters, or sun exposure. Minor trauma from digging or rough play can irritate one nostril without affecting the other. 

In some cases, a grass seed, small insect, or debris lodged in one side of the nose can lead to localized crusting that requires a vet’s help to remove.

Risk Factors Affecting Crusty Nose in Dogs

Some dogs are more prone to nasal crusting than others, and in many cases, the reason comes down to a mix of breed traits, age, and environment. 

Recognizing these risk factors can help you stay ahead of potential issues, especially if your dog falls into one or more of these categories. 

Who’s More Likely to Get a Crusty Nose?

Breed anatomy plays a bigger role than many people realize. 

Dogs with flat faces, like French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs, often have shallow nasal passages that don’t distribute airflow evenly. That can leave the outer part of the nose more exposed and vulnerable. 

Light-colored or hairless dogs, including breeds like the Chinese Crested or American Hairless Terrier, tend to sunburn more easily, which increases the risk of peeling and crusting.

Age also matters. As dogs get older, their skin can produce excess keratin or lose moisture more easily. 

These changes show up most visibly on the nose and paw pads. Even a healthy senior dog can suddenly develop a dry patch with no warning.

Common Environmental Triggers

A dog’s surroundings can contribute to skin irritation, especially in dry or artificial environments. 

Be mindful of:

• Home heating or air conditioning that lowers humidity

• Cold winter air or harsh sunlight without protection

• Plastic food or water bowls that may harbor allergens

• Scented cleaning sprays or laundry products used near bedding

• Inconsistent water intake or long gaps between meals

Environmental changes often affect one side more than the other depending on sleeping positions or airflow. Making small adjustments at home can reduce flare-ups and support long-term skin health.

How Concerned Should You Be? Understanding the Risk Levels

Some crusty noses clear up on their own. If the area looks stable, doesn’t bother your dog, and isn’t changing in size or texture, it may not require immediate care. 

This is often the case when a dog has been exposed to dry air or sun for a short time.

On the other hand, if the crust begins to chip off, change color, or spread beyond the original spot, that’s worth closer attention. 

These shifts can be early signs of infection, autoimmune response, or underlying skin disease.

Discomfort is another clear signal. If your dog starts pawing at their face, licking the area often, or you notice any nasal discharge, a veterinary exam should be scheduled. 

These symptoms can escalate quickly, and a proper diagnosis ensures the treatment fits the cause. Waiting too long may allow a mild condition to become more complex and harder to manage.

What Could Be Causing It? 5 Medical Conditions to Know

When crust appears on just one side of a dog’s nose, the explanation is not always obvious. While mild dryness from the environment or aging is common, persistent crusting or structural changes often point to an underlying medical issue. 

Knowing what conditions to watch for can help you respond appropriately and avoid delays in treatment.

Hyperkeratosis

This condition happens when a dog’s body produces too much keratin, the protein found in skin. 

Over time, the excess builds up and creates a rough, crusty surface on the nose or paw pads. It may look thick or even cracked. Hyperkeratosis is more common in older dogs and is often chronic but manageable. 

While it usually doesn’t cause pain right away, the hard buildup can become uncomfortable if ignored. Regular use of emollient balms helps soften the tissue and restore moisture.

Allergic Dermatitis

Some dogs develop skin irritation from contact with allergens like pollen, certain foods, or household products. 

If the exposure is localized, crusting may only show up on the side of the nose that touched the irritant. 

This is common when dogs lie on bedding that has been washed with scented detergent or when they drink from plastic bowls. 

Allergic dermatitis can present as dry, flaky patches or red, irritated skin. Treatment includes removing the allergen, using a hypoallergenic moisturizer, and sometimes adding an antihistamine under veterinary guidance.

Nasal Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Infections often begin with mild symptoms such as crusting or a small scab. If left untreated, they can spread and cause swelling, discoloration, or discharge. 

Staph bacteria or fungal organisms like blastomycosis are common culprits. These infections are sometimes mistaken for minor dryness at first but progress quickly. 

They typically require prescription treatment such as oral antibiotics or antifungal medications. If the infection enters deeper tissues, more aggressive therapy may be needed.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc-responsive dermatosis is more likely in Northern breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes. 

A lack of zinc in the diet, or poor absorption of it, can lead to thickened, cracked skin around the nose and mouth. In some cases, the skin takes on a gray or flaky appearance. 

Supplementation under veterinary direction can resolve the issue, though results take time. Feeding a balanced, breed-appropriate diet is the best prevention.

Foreign Body or Trauma

Dogs explore everything with their noses. Grass seeds, small bugs, or tiny splinters can get stuck in a nostril or irritate the surrounding area. 

When this happens, the body may respond with swelling, localized crusting, or sneezing. A dog might rub their nose against the floor or paw at one side more than usual. 

These cases often resolve quickly once the object is removed, but sometimes a vet needs to flush the nasal cavity or examine deeper tissues. 

If trauma is the cause, you may also see redness or a small cut in the area.

What You Can Do at Home to Help Your Dog

When the crust is mild and your dog seems comfortable, trying a home remedy can be a practical first step. Many pet owners want to avoid unnecessary vet visits, especially if the issue appears to be localized and not worsening. 

Early action can prevent dry patches from turning into something more serious, especially if your dog has had similar issues before.

Hydration is Key

Hydration plays a central role in healing. The skin on a dog’s nose is thin and vulnerable to moisture loss, so restoring the barrier is the top priority. After gently cleaning the area with a soft, damp cloth, let it dry fully before applying any product.

Legend’s Creek Farm offers several options that are safe, natural, and specifically crafted for sensitive skin:

• Nose Balm for Pets: Formulated with calendula, avocado oil, and beeswax. It creates a protective layer that stays on longer than water-based creams and is completely safe if licked.

Apply the chosen balm two to three times per day and monitor closely. 

Most mild cases show visible improvement in two to three days. If the crust remains unchanged or worsens, this indicates the need for medical attention. 

When It’s Time to Visit the Vet

At-home care can help with minor issues, but it’s not always enough. If the crust on your dog’s nose doesn’t start to heal after a few days of consistent balm use, it may point to something deeper. 

Delaying care can allow manageable problems to progress, especially if the skin is breaking down or signs of infection are starting to show.

Veterinarians have tools to investigate more complex causes. These include skin scrapings to check for mites, cultures to identify bacteria or fungi, and biopsies to rule out autoimmune or cancer-related conditions. 

In some cases, blood work may also be needed to assess nutrient deficiencies or systemic issues.

Contact your vet if you notice any of the following:

• No visible improvement after three full days of moisturizing

• Crust begins to grow, darken, or develop cracks

• Bleeding or raw patches appear on or around the nose

• Dog starts pawing, sneezing, or rubbing its face repeatedly

• Any discharge from one or both nostrils

• Change in appetite, energy, or behavior that coincides with the nose issue

It is always better to act early than to wait until the symptoms escalate. Early diagnosis can make treatment more effective and recovery faster.

No Reason to Panic, But Don’t Ignore It

A dry, crusty spot on one side of your dog’s nose is usually manageable, but it deserves your attention. Early care makes a difference. Whether it’s from dryness, age, or something more complex, taking a close look and acting quickly can prevent complications. 

Most cases respond well to gentle cleaning and targeted moisturizing.

If your dog’s nose needs a little help, check out the Pet Care Collection at Legend’s Creek Farm’s website. 

Every balm and butter is made with clean ingredients and no artificial fragrances. These are products created by dog owners who care about the details.