Sensitive Nose (snout)

[PamelaBee]

Hello, 1 week ago, my 6yr old female Dashschund has been acting very strange.  She is one of the most high-spirited dogs I have ever seen, loves to play, give kisses, etc...I have noticed when I kiss her nose or touch anywhere near her snout, she yelps in distress.  I try to open her mouth to see if her gums are swollen, but all appears normal.  Speifically the region around her nose seems to be very sensitive.  Any idea or suggestion what may be wrong?  Thank you!!

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

Any guess as to what is wrong would be pure speculation.  

Possibilities are a trauma (bump, hit or cut on the nose), a skin infection below the surface that is not obvious, something in the sinus or even a growth of some kind near the tip of the nose.  

One way to know for sure is to let your veterinarian examine her and proceed accordingly.  

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

Hello
You might also have your vet check her sinuses carefully as a possible source of discomfort. Plant awns and other foreign objects can get lodged in side her nasal cavity leading to sensitivity and usually sneezing. Look through her skin carefully in that area for any small skin lesions such as a scratch or bite from another animal which could lead to a pocket of bacteria and an abscess.
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM

[PamelaBee]

Thank you kindly.

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

Aspirin in dogs is okay.  Ibuprophen is NOT.  

However, in this case I would not suggest any aspirin until you get an exam.

[PamelaBee]

Thank you for your reply.  Is it ok to give her a baby aspirin or a small amount of ibuprofen to alleviate the pain in the meantime?