My puppy has a dry, scab looking, wart thing on her nose?

by Brandi
(Illinois)

2 weeks ago we bought a chocolate lab. She is now 10 weeks old. About a week ago, I took her outside and noticed that she had this thing on her nose. I have never seen it before, it just appeared. It looks like a scab/wart. It doesn't bother her. She doesn't itch it, and if I touch it she is fine with it. Does anybody have any idea what this is?

There is a picture of it. It is kind of blurry, and you cant see the detail. Its black/brown, scab looking, and cracked. There is no puss.

Suggestion from the Dog Health Guide Editor

Your chocolate lab might have a problem called hyper pigmentation, which is common in this breed. It is purely hereditary.

Chocolate and yellow labs have certain recessive genes, which can cause black spots/scabs/warts on parts of the skin such as the nose, lips, gums, and feet etc.

It is not truly considered to be a health issue. Rarely, in some dogs, these warts or scabs can develop into a benign tumor. Be sure to note any changes in the dog nose scab. If it gets larger over time or causes any discomfort, consult a veterinarian about having it surgically removed.

You can use a herbal remedy such as Skin and Coat Tonic to help keep yours pet’s skin healthy and the process of pigmentation normal.

By Jeff Grill