What this means
Most dogs have a dark nose and lips, though in some they are paler from birth. What matters is what has changed: if the nose used to be dark and is now becoming lighter, greyer or pinker, that is a change worth recording. Take a photo and compare it a few weeks later.
In some dogs the nose lightens a little in winter and darkens again in summer, or lightens with age. That may be harmless, but it is not for an owner to decide: a vet should make sure it is not a sign of inflammation or another disease.
It matters far more if the colour change goes with other things. Sores or crusts on the nose, lips or around the eyes, a nose surface that has gone flat, pain or bleeding, and redness or pain in the eyes show that you should not wait.
If the eyes are changing as well, for example becoming red, seeing less well, squinting in light or being rubbed, do not delay the visit. The combination of eye and skin changes needs prompt assessment.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Age and seasonal change
In some dogs the nose lightens with age or in the cold season. It does not otherwise change, but a vet should still assess it.
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Skin and eye inflammatory syndrome
A rare disorder in which the immune system attacks pigment cells. The nose and lips lose colour, crusts appear, and the eyes can be affected by inflammation.
About the condition: Uveodermatologic syndrome -
Immune-driven skin disease
When the immune system damages the skin of the nose, it loses pigment, becomes flat, and sores and crusts appear.
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Inflammation or injury of the nose skin
Long-term irritation, scrapes or inflammation can leave paler, scarred skin.
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Other pigment or skin diseases
Other diseases can cause loss of pigment too. A vet will decide the cause after examining your dog.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When the colour began to change and how fast
- Whether sores, crusts or bleeding have appeared with it
- Whether the nose surface has become flat or smooth
- Whether the lips, eyelids and skin around the eyes are changing
- Whether the eyes are red, watering or your dog avoids light
- A photo every week so the progress can be seen
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit if the nose or lips have started to fade, especially if crusts, sores or eye changes have appeared with it.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: Blood and immunity