It’s widely thought that a wet nose is a sign of good health in dogs, but the truth is that the wetness of a dog’s nose will change throughout the day – so a dry or wet nose are perfectly normal. There are different factors as to why your dog’s nose is wet or cold, from external conditions to your dog’s specific breed. Keep reading to learn more about what causes your dog’s nose to change moisture.
Why Is a Dog’s Nose Wet And Cold?
Here are some common causes of a cold, wet nose:
Sweating Through Their Nose
Dogs don’t sweat the way that us humans do, they use their nose and paw pads to help regulate their body temperature.
Mucus Secretion Aids A Dog’s Strong Sense Of Smell
The thin layer of mucus on your dog’s nose helps enhance their ability to smell. This is especially useful to working or therapy dogs.
Dogs Lick Their Noses
Dogs lick their nose a lot to clean the mucus that it secretes, so that could be another reason your dog’s nose is wet. Licking their nose actually further enhances their sense of smell, allowing them to get a more in-depth profile.
Wet Surfaces
Dogs use their nose to explore everything, so it makes sense that their nose might get wet sometimes from puddles, wet grass, or their water bowl.
Breed
Your dog’s breed can also determine how wet their nose gets. For example, brachycephalic dogs, like Pugs and French bulldogs, have drier noses due to their short snout and inability to reach their nose with their tongue.
Why Is A Dog’s Nose Dry And Warm
A dry nose isn’t always an indicator that something is wrong. There are a number of reason why your dog’s nose could be dry and warm, including:
Sleep
Dog’s aren’t licking their nose while they sleep, causing their nose to be a bit dry when they wake up. Their nose should go back to normal after rehydrating.
External conditions
Warm and dry weather conditions can cause your dog’s nose to become dry. Soothing nose balms can be used for a chapped nose.
Exercise
Physical activity can also cause your dog’s nose to become dry. Be sure to keep your dog hydrated during long play sessions.
Age
Older dogs produce less mucus from their nose. This, coupled with the fact that senior dogs tend to sleep more, may cause a dry nose.
Allergies
Dry nose is a common symptom of dog allergies. Consult with your vet if you think your dog suffers from allergies.
Dehydration
Dry nose can be caused by not getting enough water.
When You Should Contact Your Vet
You should contact your vet if your dog’s dry or runny nose are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
Dry Nose
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Severe cracking
- Bleeding
Runny Nose
- Colored nasal discharge (white, red, green, or yellow)
- Sneezing
- Coughing
