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Chapped lips are annoying and can be painful. They are the result of dry, cracked skin and are often caused by cold or dry weather. As you plaster yourself in soothing lip chap this winter, you might wonder if our canine counterparts can also suffer from dry lips. Yes, they certainly can, though it’s not as common in dogs as it is in humans. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Chapped Lips in Dogs?
There are many reasons a dog can develop chapped lips.
- Skin conditions such as dermatitis or lip fold pyoderma
- Low humidity
- Cold weather
- Environmental irritants or allergies
- Dehydration
- Inappropriate chews
- Age
Additionally, some breeds may be predisposed to developing dry lips. Those with drooping upper lips or lip folds, such as English Bulldogs or Spaniels, may be more prone to developing certain lip conditions.
The only way to know for sure what’s causing your pup’s chapped lips is to visit your veterinarian. They may need to do some testing, though, through trial and error, they should be able to uncover the underlying cause. It’s important to know what is causing your pup’s dry lips before you try to treat them and to prevent them from occurring again in the future.
How to Treat Chapped Lips in Dogs
Try a Dog-Safe Balm
It’s important that you only use products that are non-toxic and made specifically for dogs. Please do not buy from untrustworthy companies, such as those that don’t list the ingredients of their formulas. Your pup may lick their lips after application, so you want to use a balm that is dog-safe and non-toxic.
We highly recommend waiting until you see the vet before using lip balms on your pup’s lips. They can recommend the best and safest products.
Medicated Creams or Antibiotics
Your veterinary team may prescribe a medicated cream or ointment for severely chapped lips. They may also prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Follow the directions provided by your medical team.
How Can I Prevent Chapped Lips?
Preventing dry lips from happening in the first place is easier than trying to treat them once they occur. Once you and your vet know what’s causing the problem, you can work together to create a solution to prevent it from happening again.
- Keeping your pup hydrated. This is especially important during dry weather or the hotter months of the year.
- Strategic avoidance. If you know your pup’s chapped lips are caused by wind and other similar stimuli, keep them inside during bouts of triggering weather.
- Boost fatty acid intake. Adding fish oils to your pup’s diet can help hydrate their skin. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory agents and may be great for improving a dog’s skin barrier and overall skin health.
Final Thoughts
While dogs can develop dry lips, it’s not as common in canines as it is in humans. Many things can cause chapped lips, some of which you can control (e.g. food allergies) and others you cannot (e.g. dry weather). Your best bet is to go to your veterinarian to determine the root cause of the dryness before you try at-home treatments.
Featured Image Credit: hurricanehank, Shutterstock
