Keeping good pigmentation throughout the year can be difficult and often issues such as a change in drinking water, lack of sunshine or a bitch following a season or whelping can be contributory factors. It is one of the more specific problems of particular concern in show dogs and affects some breeds more than others, being particularly noticeable in white breeds with black noses.
There are no certain ways to overcome pigmentation loss but generally speaking if there has been good pigmentation in the past, then it can be restored using specialised supplements.
Pigmentation issues that concern owners are generally concerned with:
- lack of colour on the nose
- lips or eye where it is especially noticeable and this often occurs during the winter months and can be referred to as “winter nose”
- or could be a genetic issue.
Experience shows that iron and iodine are the specific minerals needed to help rectify this and elderberries and nettles are both rich natural sources. Our Elderberry & Nettle Extract is a liquid source of these two valuable plants and can be simply added to the feed daily to help restore the lost pigment and can be given with any feeding regime.
Seaweeds are also a rich source of iodine, although some seaweeds contain much more than others and so the correct one should be given for maximum effect. The seaweed we use is a pharmaceutical grade of Fucus vesiculosus which is the most effective for this purpose having the highest mineral content. This is available in three of our products – our Kelp Seaweed Tablets are a licensed medicine containing both powder and concentrated extract of Fucus and is used to improve pigmentation and poor coat growth, making it ideal for those who find giving tablets easier than adding powders or liquids to the feed. For those who prefer to give a powder, we have our pure Kelp Seaweed Powder which again is Fucus vesiculosus and can be added to feed.
Finally there is our famous Keeper’s Mix®, an all-round supplement for general health that contains a high percentage of Kelp powder and would be a good choice for those wanting to generally improve condition following the winter as well as enhancing the pigment.
Many owners with breeds that are prone to winter nose or pigmentation problems, find that giving a pigment enriching product from the autumn through to the spring helps to retain pigment during the colder weather and keeps optimum condition by providing extra minerals.
We do recommend that whichever item you use it should be given for a minimum of one month and preferably two months to give time for the pigment to be fully enhanced and so obtain the full effects.
Dorwest medicines and supplements are the professional herbal range produced in the UK that have been used and trusted by veterinary surgeons and show dog owners for over 60 years. They are not tested on animals, very rarely have side effects and are made to the highest quality standards.
© All rights reserved Dorwest Herbs 2019
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13 thoughts on "Pigmentation and Winter Nose"
I have an elderly cat whose coat condition is poor she eats well but again her weight is poor also can I give any of the things you have said about for condition to her she is now 15.
Thank you.
Hi Kathy – thanks for your question, all of our products are safe to use with cats as well as dogs. If you’d like some further advice why not give our Advice line a call on 01308 897272 or email: info@dorwest.com and we’d be happy to help you. Best Regards, Ben
Hi I have a white German shepherd with a black nose and I have noticed her nose is getting more and more lighter like it’s gradually going to turn pink it’s still black at the moment what product do you think would be best?
Many thanks
Jade
Hi Jade
We would usually recommend our Elderberry & Nettle Extract to encourage pigment to return. This contains the highest levels of iron and iodine which will help pigment to return, if it is going to come back, we would recommend that you use this for at least 4 – 6 weeks using the recommended administration for your dogs weight. Once the pigment has returned you can then use either the Kelp Seaweed powder or tablets on an on-going basis to help maintain pigmentation. Or if you prefer you can use the Elderberry & Nettle on an on-going basis. If you need any further assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us either via email or phone – we’re always here to help. – Ben
I have a light haired 10 year old lhasa apso who has turned pink. Can anyone advise which of these products to buy?
Hello, I have a female that usually gets winter nose in the winter. I am looking into this supplement and am wondering what the reccomended dosage is to be given.
Thank you, Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, for winter nose we would recommend our Elderberry & Nettle Extract. The herbs in this supplement are naturally rich in iron and iodine . both known to help combat pigment loss. It will take around six weeks of daily use to see an improvement as part of the skin’s renewal process. If you’d like more advice or information do give one of our product advisors a call on 01308 897272
Hello, I do have a white and cream teddy bear Pomeranian dog with a pink and I have noticed her nose is getting more and more lighter like it’s gradually going to turn pink but I want to reverse back as normal as black nose. What product do you think would be best for Pomeranian nose? Thanks.
Kind regards,
Anastasia
Hi Anastasia – Our Elderberry & Nettle Extract uses highly concentrated liquid extracts which are naturally rich in iodine and iron, both known t combat pigment loss. This should do the trick for her nose 🙂 I hope this has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our advisors – email advice@dorwest.com or call 01308897272
Can I give this to 4 month old pups with snow nose. Sire has it. Nose was black until it got cold. Is it the cold or shorter days that cause snow nose? Thanks
Hi Pete – Yes, the Elderberry & Nettle Extract will help with his pigment loss – this may take up to 6 weeks to fully take effect. Once his pigment is back to normal, we would recommend using our Kelp Seaweed Powder to maintain this during the colder months.
My 11 week puppy has a small white streak on his nose…the rest is black…will the Elderberry supplement work on this?
Hi Donna – The Elderberry and Nettle Extract can help to restore pigmentation that is lost or reduced due to a mineral imbalance however it will not work if the pigmentation loss or change is due to genetics of the dog. Whilst it can be given to dogs from 8 weeks old, we would recommend being careful when giving to young puppies as it is a very concentrated product which may be quite strong for puppy tummies.