Cockapoos are cross-breed dogs with 50% cocker spaniel and 50% poodle. Like both parents, they can have a variety of colors in their coat. However, something interesting about this hybrid is how their nose changes color as they grow older. One day it starts to turn black! This change only happens in Cockapoos and not any other type of dog.
The main reason behind this change is a mystery, but there are other factors that are well known among the grooming and pet-loving communities. Because of their unique appearance, some pet owners have opted to dye their Cockapoo’s noses black because they thought this would look more natural. But, it is essential to know that this is not a permanent solution.
After a few months or even weeks, the color will fade back to the normal color of the breed for which this hybrid was bred. The owners should never dye their dog’s nose black because it can cause health problems!
Why Do Cockapoo Noses Change Colour
There are various reason for your pet to change color of there nose. The following are common causes.
1. Age
One of the most common reasons Cockapoo noses change color is their age. As they get older, their nose starts to shed the pink pigment and replace it with the black or brown pigment present in their parent’s breed. This is a result of maturity and development. An enzyme known as tyrosinase-related to aging depigmentation may be the reason. Many people are unaware that the pigment in their pet’s nose changes as it gets older.
2. Weather
Cockapoo will never change colors during winter. This is because the weather is too cold and will not affect the dogs. However, they will change color during summer because their nose sheds the pigment when it gets hot. Hence during summer, their nose may turn or pink.
3. Sunburn
Elderly dogs are more susceptible to sunburn, and the nose is especially prone to this. The same is true for mixed breeds, and hence they will change color after a while. Therefore, caring for the dog’s nose during the summer is very important.
4. Health
If the dog has a skin disease, this could lead to a nose change in color. However, this is not permanent and will return to normal once the skin ailment is treated. Moreover, if the dog suffers from liver problems, its nose will change color.
5. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is one of the immune disorders, a condition that causes a permanent depigmentation of the skin. In dogs, vitiligo is most often found around the eyes, nose, or mouth but can be found anywhere on the body.
Instances of vitiligo in dogs are not common. The cause of disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder associated with melanin-destroying cells called T-Lymphocytes.
6. Allergies, especially reaction to plastics
Some Cockapoo owners have reported nose color changes when the dog is around plastics or even within a car with plastic fragments or materials. This is because of an allergic reaction between the plastic and the dog’s skin. Some dogs, especially Cockapoos and other mixed breeds, are known to be allergic to plastic, but all pets are prone to this reaction.
7. Hereditary Factors
There is a possibility that cockapoos may be prone to the same genetic condition as their parents. This means that the nose color change could be hereditary. If this is happen , there is not much that you can do other than loving it the way it is. Additionally, some cockapoo owners have reported that their pet eyes also changed color. This is also related to the dog’s genetic makeup and is nothing to worry about.
Conclusion
It is normal for them to change their nose color and shed pigment. The explanation for this is unclear but could be due to an enzyme known as tyrosinase which causes the shedding of the pigments. When this happens, people sometimes dye their dog’s nose black to make it look more natural and appealing to them.
However, this method is not permanent and will fade after a few months or weeks, even for dogs dyed regularly. While it is essential to be pre-warned, most of the reasons for your cockapoos is not something you should worry about.