You're used to your dog's cool wet nose in your hand, looking for affection. But this time when he nudges you, you notice your dog's nose is dry and warm to the touch. Does that mean he's sick?
Not at all. A dog's nose naturally changes from wet and cool to warm and dry several times over the course of a day. Most times, a dry dog nose is a completely normal physical phenomenon. But should you ever be concerned?
Why Is a Dog Nose Wet, Anyway?
There are two reasons a dog's nose is naturally moist:
- A thin layer of mucus on a dog's nose helps him smell. That superior sense of smell is partly due to that moist layer, which helps absorb and hold scents. You might even see your dog licking his nose — a way to actually "taste" the smell, giving him even more information about what it is, says Vetstreet.
- A dog's nose is also one of the few places dogs can use to cool down. Dogs don't have sweat glands like their human owners. Instead, dogs "sweat" from their noses and the pads of their feet.
Dog Nose is Dry: Should I Be Concerned?
Most often, a dog's dry nose is nothing to be concerned about. Some dogs naturally have drier noses than others, for one thing. A dry nose could simply indicate a dog just woke from a nap in the sun or near a heater or that your four-legged friend needs a drink of water from slight dehydration.
But sometimes a dog's dry nose can be a side effect of a medical issue, such as:
- A sunburn. If your dog has a dry, red nose or the nasal skin is flaking, a sunburn might be to blame. Talk to your veterinarian about special lotion for protecting your dog from the sun. Dogs with pale or pink noses are especially susceptible to sunburn. Protecting their sensitive snouts is important because repeated sunburn can lead to skin cancer, says the United States Dog Agility Association.
- A skin disorder. If your dog's nose is cracked, has scabs or sores, he might be suffering from a skin disorder. Your vet can let you know if that's the problem.
- Severe dehydration. A dry nose will likely be just one of many symptoms in a dog suffering from severe dehydration. Other symptoms include sunken eyes, dry gums, loss of skin elasticity and weakness. Immediately direct him toward water and seek medical attention for a dog you believe is suffering from severe dehydration.
- Odd Colored Mucus: When examining your dog's nose, look for any nasal discharge. If your dog's nose runs, the mucus should be clear. If your dog's nose has bubbly, thick, yellow, green or even black mucus, see your veterinarian.
Tasty Tips
Dog Nose Running?
A runny nose could also indicate a health issue in a dog. Extra nasal discharge might indicate a serious underlying issue, such as an upper respiratory infection.
While typically a dog's wet — or dry — nose is nothing to be concerned about, it can be one subtle sign of a larger medical issue. Most often, if a dog's dry nose is something to be worried about, you'll see changes in your dog's behavior, such as lethargy, poor appetite or vomiting, that indicates a visit to a vet is necessary. If he seems as spry as ever, it is likely nothing to be concerned about, but still worth monitoring him just in case.
Sniffing out the true meaning of your dog's dry nose allows you to determine if it's healthy or a symptom about which you should be concerned.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetables & Salmon Stew Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetables Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock Meal & Insect Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Related articles
Why Is My Dog's Muzzle Hair Turning Gray?
Learn why your dog's muzzle might be going gray earlier than expected, including whether it's just a sign of aging, stress, or an underlying health issue.
Why Do Dogs Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?
You're not the only pet parent out there wondering, "Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?" Learn why this is such a common smell your pup might give off.
Which Dog Dry Nose Treatment Should You Use When?
If you notice your dog's nose is dry, discover some different causes and corresponding treatments to help keep his nose healthy.
Weight Loss Goals & How Your Dog Can Help
Learn some great ways to involve your dog in your weight loss goals, including exercise & activities you can both do and healthy snacks for both of you.
Managing Your Dog's Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies can affect dogs just like humans, but with a few preventative measures & testing or medicine, you can get these issues under control.
How to Spot & Treat Dog Bug Bites
Dog bitten by pesky insect? Learn how to identify common bug bites on your dog, including ticks, mites, fleas & mosquitoes, and how they can be treated.
Are Dog Vitamins and Supplements a Good Idea for My Dog?
Dog vitamins are not right for every dog. Dig into common types of vitamins your vet might prescribe and why some supplements are not good for your pup.
Luxating Patella in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment & More
Luxating patella in dogs, or kneecap displacement, is a common orthopedic disease. Learn the different stages of this condition & how it's usually treated.
Dealing With Dog Mange
Learn about the skin condition called dog mange: what it is, how to spot the symptoms, and treatments for both Demodectic & Sarcoptic types of the disease.
Running with Your Dog: 12 Tips For a Successful Race
If you're a runner and a dog parent, consider running a race with your dog! Learn how to get started, from training tips to finding dog-friendly races.
Balanced Dog Foods & When to Change Them
Nutrition is one of the most important components of keeping your dog healthy, so choosing a well-balanced dog food full of nutrients is key. Learn more.
Dogs & Table Food: Why to Avoid Feeding Them Scraps
While feeding your dog table food or scraps might seem innocent, it can actually be harmful for them. Learn reasons to avoid feeding scraps to your pup.
Fostering a Puppy: A How-To Guide
First-time foster parents: Learn about the process of fostering a puppy or dog, including how to prepare, challenges & rewards that come with it.
Dog Scooting & Recognizing Anal Gland Problems
If your dog regularly scoots on the carpet, the cause may be their anal glands. Learn how to recognize issues and how you can help relieve the itch.
The Importance of Satiety in Your Dog's Weight Loss
Satiety is the act of feeling full or satisfied. Learn how you can help your dog feel full on less calories to help him manage his weight.
IVDD / Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & More
Learn about intervertebral disc disease in dogs, including info on which breeds commonly get IVDD, typical signs, treatment options & prevention tips.
Dog Treats: What to Get & When to Give Them
Get information on Hill's Pet line of high quality dog treats designed to spoil your perfect dog without spoiling their appetite.
Brain Aging in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn what causes brain aging, behavioral changes and alertness in your aging dog. Discover what you can do to help prevent some of these dog diseases.
Dog Goggles: Does My Pup Need Them?
Learn everything you need to know about dog goggles, including when your dog might need them, the difference between goggles and sunglasses, and more.
Heat Exhaustion in Dogs: Signs Your Dog Is Overheating
Learn the signs of heat exhaustion & heat stroke in your dog, as well as how to tell if he's overheating and what to do in that emergency.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.