DLE is a skin disorder that primarily impacts the area around your dog's nose.

Your dog will have raw patches and lesions primarily around the nose. These raw patches and lesions will often be painful and/or itchy. The nose itself will often lose pigment and texture. Finally, your dog's mucous membranes may become thickened.

Although both male and female dogs may be impacted, DLE occurs more often in females. Certain breeds seem prone to developing this condition These breeds include Collies and German Shorthaired Pointers.

It is suspected that DLE is triggered or exacerbated by the sun's ultraviolet rays. Dogs who live in high-altitude regions tend to develop this condition with greater frequency than dogs who live in low-altitude areas.

Your vet will perform a biopsy of an impacted area on your dog.

Your vet will put your dog on a course of topical or oral immunosuppressive medications, such as azothioprine or prednisone. Your vet may also suggest that you apply pet-friendly sunscreen to your dog. It is important to note that DLE can only be managed but not cured. Although this disease has been known to go into long-term remission, if this does not happen, treatment will be life-long.

In order to prevent DLE, you must limit your dog’s exposure to sunlight and other behaviors that may lead to skin irritations in the nasal region.

No, you cannot contract DLE from your dog.