Why are dogs noses wet and are they supposed to be wet?

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Why are dogs noses wet and are dogs noses supposed to be wet? Since dogs mostly have wet and cold noses, their owners get concerned when they are warm and dry hence the questions. We explore the causes for this in this post and how to tell if the dog is sick.

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding a dog’s nose include:

• Why are dogs noses wet?
• Are dogs noses supposed to be wet?
• Does a cold wet nose mean the dog is healthy?
• Does a dry dog nose mean the dog is sick?

To get rid of misconceptions regarding the wetness or dryness of the nose of a dog, we seek answers to these questions exploring times when you should be concerned about the state of your dog’s nose.

Why are Dogs Noses Wet?

Dogs are cuddly. They are cute loveable pets and in the process of interacting with them you may have noticed your dog’s wet nose. This normally leaves people with some questions most common of which normally are why are dogs noses wet and are dog’s noses supposed to be wet? There are many reasons for a dog’s wet nose. The wetness on their noses is caused by different factors that play an important role in the life of a dog. Some of the reasons why it may have a wet and cold nose include:

Mucus Secretion as a Cause of Dog Wet Nose

This is not the gross mucus you may think of as it is not the kind of mucus observed through nasal discharge. This kind may indicate an illness and you should get your pet checked for it. Normally, dogs make use of their sense of smell to locate things. When they are following specific scents, their noses tend to secrete a thin mucus layer that aids in absorbing scent chemicals. This way the dog picks the scents easily and they can smell and track things better. It is therefore one reason why it may be wet.

Video: Why Is A Dog's Nose Wet?

Dogs wet Nose as a Cooling Mechanism

Unlike human beings, most animals are covered with hair. This makes it hard for them to sweat through the skin like we do. As such, animals have been given other means of cooling off their bodies. While one of the ways that dogs use to stay cool is panting where they dissipate heat through the mouth, it is not the only one.

Another way on how to remain cool is through sweating. This occurs through the paws as well as the nose. Dogs secrete moisture which appears as wetness on the nose. This then evaporates thus releasing heat and having a cooling effect on it.

Condensation Resulting in a Wet Dog Nose

When it is cold, the air that the dog breathes out is warmer than that in the atmosphere. Since the atmosphere is cooler, the exhaled air which happens to be warmer is thus condensed making the external part of the dog to become wet. This is why when the weather is hot, the nose tends to be drier than when it is cold.

Dogs Noses Wet from Frequent Licking

This is an obvious reason as to why the dog’s nose may be wet. The licking imparts saliva which causes the dog to wet it. There however are reasons why dogs do this. One of the reason is for grooming. The snouts tend to get dirty easily especially when they are eating. When they lick them off, it serves to clean the nose.

Another reason why they lick their noses is so as to help in identifying the scents picked by the mucus. By so doing the scent gets sampled by the olfactory glands which are located on the roof of the dog’s mouth. This helps in them identifying things easily and fast.

Wetness from Moisture Picked from the Environment

While undertaking their regular activities dogs pick up moisture from the environment. While sniffing around, it will pick up moisture from leaves, grass and other things. This leaves it with a wet and cold nose.

Genetics as a Cause of Dog Nose Wetness

It has been observed that the state of a dog’s nose will vary depending on its breed. Some dogs have their noses wetter than others because they are born that way. Some breeds have noses that are wet than others due to genetic factors.

Video: Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses and Whiskers?

Are Dogs Noses Supposed to be Wet?

With the natural factors discussed above, it is normal for a dog to have a wet and cold nose. With this being the case, does a dry nose mean that the dog is sick or unhealthy? Are dogs noses supposed to be wet always? Since most pet owners are used to seeing them cold and moist, they get concerned when the nose is warm and dry.

This though should not be much of a worry since dogs noses can be wet sometimes and dry at others. A hot and dry dog nose does not necessarily mean that the dog is sick. For some dogs, the relative moisture on their nose is generally low. As such, some dogs have drier noses than others.

In some cases, some dog breeds have noses that are highly placed and thus not accessible with the pet’s tongue. In others, only the lower part may be accessible. Where this is the case, the amount of wetness attained from licking in other breeds is not present. These breeds may therefore suffer a dry and warm nose most of the time. In some, there may even be cracking.

It is also likely that the moisture level and temperature of the nose will fluctuate depending on the dog activity and other environmental factors. It is normal for them to have wet nose in the morning, dry during the day and back to wet and slimy in the evening. Depending on the weather and other environmental factors, it is possible for the dog to have its nose wet all the time or sometime within the day.

Something else to note is that just like a dry nose does not always mean unhealthy, the same case applies with a wet one. A dog can be sick even when its nose is wet and cold. Most of the times if a dog is alert and acting normal, it is in perfect shape.

With these circumstances in mind, it goes without saying that the only way to be certain about the health of a dog is to keep following normal rules and observing the pet keenly so as to notice any change in behavior and appearance. The pet will be okay despite having a dry and cracked noses if it is active but may be ill if its activity level is reduced. In case you notice something odd, have your pet checked by the veterinarian.

Why is the Dog Nose Dry and Crusty?

Like seen above, the nose of a healthy dog can fluctuate between wet and cold and dry and warm. Some additional causes for a dog dry nose include hanging around places with a source of heat such as a radiator, staying in places with poor circulation for long periods, lying under the sun as well as dehydration. These may alter in a great way the appearance of the nose. In case they are affecting the dog negatively, find ways to avoid them.

Ensure that you keep watch of the mucus being secreted by your dog. Remember that when a dog has a cold and moist nose is not the same as having a dog runny nose. In case you notice the nose become crusty and dry with mucus being secreted being dry and thick, it could be an indication that something is wrong.

Other accompanying symptoms that may be indicative of sickness include restlessness, reduced or absent appetite, lethargy, flaky skin, sores and cracks around the nose. Loss of pigmentation or changes in colors of a dog’s nose should ring an alarm and be looked at by a veterinarian.

Video: Is it Bad if My Dog's Nose is Dry?

Sources:

Straightdope.com: Why are Dog Noses Always Wet?

Wonderpolis.org: Why are Dogs Noses Wet?

Ceasarsway.com: Why are Dogs Noses wet?

Doghealth.com: Does a Dry Nose Mean my Dog is Sick?

Vetmedicine.about.com: My Dog’s Nose is Dry. Is he Sick?

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