The Big “D”

No, not Detroit, we are talking about VITAMIN D! Ever wondered why your dogs nose changes color in the colder months? Or maybe you hadn’t even noticed this happening…not every animal will experience a fading in his or her nose color but it is not uncommon. Just the other day I was looking at my own pups nose and it had gone from pitch black to a soft pink color. After talking with my veterinarian, he explained how this is a common thing that medium to larger sized dogs experience with the drop in temperature. Due to the grayness of northern winters, the lack of light can also alter the pigment found only in the nose. Diagnosed as “winter nose”, there’s really nothing to worry about. Research has shown that adding some good quality vitamin D to your pet’s diet can help maintain that pigment and regain some of the original color. In addition to the coloration change, many animals tend to get a bit more lethargic in the winter, similar to people who are lacking in vitamin D. If you are unable to get any change with altering diet, don’t fret, winter only lasts a few months and before you know it as the snow begins to melt the noses begin to darken!