Is Your Dog’s Nose Dry? Here is What It Could Mean

Dog owners often believe that a healthy dog’s nose should always be wet and cold. Here is why dogs usually have wet noses and what it means if your dog has a dry nose instead.

Whether it’s when they sniff your face in the morning or your hand as you give them a treat, the sensation dog owners expect to feel on their skin when the dog’s nose makes contact is a very particular one – that the nose should feel cold and wet. But what does it mean if your dog’s nose is dry instead?

Keep reading to find out what makes a dog’s nose wet in the first place and how should an owner react if they discover that their pet’s nose is warm and dry.

Why do dogs have wet noses?

Often considered their trusted ally, a dog’s sense of smell helps them find out more about their environment. Their nose is as important to them as our eyes are to us – and their noses are perfectly developed to be able to make the most of their incredible sense of smell. One of the ways they can do this is by keeping their noses wet. Scent particles stick to damp surfaces better, giving a dog with a wet nose a superior ability to understand their surroundings. It is one of the reasons why some dogs keep their noses wet by constantly licking them.

Because of their fur, dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their body as humans do. Instead, they’ve got a whole different system helping them dissipate heat, including panting and using their noses and paws to sweat.

What does it mean if your dog has a dry nose?

If your dog’s nose is dry, you’re probably wondering whether this should be a cause for concern, and the answer is not necessarily. Wet or dry, your pet’s nose by itself doesn’t point to a health issue.

There are a few different factors to take into consideration. Some of them explain why healthy dogs can have dry noses, while others might be side effects of an underlying condition.

Dry nose in healthy dogs

Here are a few reasons why a healthy dog could have a dry nose:

Usual fluctuations during the day

Your dog's nose can be wetter or drier depending on the time of day.

Dehydration after exercise

If your dog has had a particularly energetic game of fetch or any other strenuous activity, it is possible that their nose feels drier than usual. This is due to dehydration. Make sure there is plenty of water available for your dog at all times, but especially during and after playing or exercising.

After a nap

Some dogs help to keep their nose wet by constantly licking it. Naturally they won’t have a chance to do so during a nap. So, if you notice your dog’s nose being dry, it is possible that they’ve just woken up from slumber.

Warm environment

Whether it’s the summer heat or the radiator’s in the living room during winter, exposure to dry, warm environments can make a dog’s nose drier than usual.

Age

A dog’s dry nose might also be related to age, as it has been noticed that some canines get drier noses in their golden years.

Dry dog nose and possible health issues

Here is what to look out for if you notice your dog’s nose is unusually warm and dry.

Sunburn

On a hot or sunny day, if your dog’s nose is not only dry, but also warm and visibly red, they might be suffering from sunburn. Get them inside straight away and check the rest of their skin for signs of sunburn. Severe cases of sunburn should get immediate medical attention, so get in touch with the vet if you suspect that’s the case.

Unusual nose discharge

Other than moisture, you should also check your dog’s nose to make sure there is no thickened discharge or bleeding that may indicate a health issue. Always check with your vet if you notice these symptoms as these could point to an infection.

In conclusion, a dry dog nose alone isn’t enough to decide whether your dog is healthy or sick. It’s important to keep an eye out for other factors as well. Give your four-legged companion regular once-overs and look out for any unusual signs. As always however if you have any concerns about your dog’s health, or their nose is drier than is usual for them, consult your vet.

You can use the dog body condition tool to help you through the process.