Have you often wondered why your dog’s nose is always cold and wet? The common belief by dog owners is that a wet nose is a sign of good health. But what happens when their nose is dry instead? We talk about why dogs have wet noses and what to do if you discover they have a dry nose instead.

Why do dogs have wet noses?

Wet noses contribute to your dog’s incredible sense of smell, whilst also helping them absorb the world around them. But how does their nose get wet in the first place and what are the benefits of a wet nose for your furry friend?

Important mucous – the inner lining of your dog’s nose secretes mucous to keep the nasal canals moist. This mucous clings to the nostrils, enhancing the absorption of scent chemicals and improving your dog’s ability to smell.
Constantly licking – dogs have long tongues and are constantly licking their noses to keep them clean and gather important scent particles in their mouth. As they lick their nose, they add more mucous and saliva, keeping their nose wet.
Wet work – your dog’s nose works hard, probing into damp grass, plants, puddles and other interesting things as they explore. Dogs pick up moisture from the environment as they sniff and poke around with their noses, adding more moisture to their nose.
Wet noses work better – a dog’s wet nose contributes to their incredible sense of smell. When dogs inhale, tiny scent particles floating in the air get trapped in their nose mucous, helping them break down and interpret odours. Licking deepens their smell as their tongue collects scent particles trapped in their nose mucous. They then touch their tongue on their olfactory gland called the Jacobson’s organ located on the roof of their mouth which gives them an even greater understanding of the odour.
Keeps them cool – dogs are covered in hair so they cannot sweat. Dogs release heat through their foot pads, by panting and they use their nose as a cooling mechanism too. Special mucous glands inside their nostrils produce clear, watery fluid that aids the cooling process through evaporation.
A clean nose work best – dogs are constantly using their noses to sniff out the action. As a result, they can become quite dirty and dusty. The dirtier the nose, the harder it is for them to smell so they frequently lick their noses to keep them clean and effective.

My dog’s nose is dry. Should I be worried?

A common myth is that healthy dogs have wet noses, which can cause some pet parents to worry when their dog’s nose is dry. However, there are a number of reasons healthy pets can have a dry nose.

After they wake – after a long restful sleep your dog’s nose may be drier than usual as they haven’t been licking their nose for a while.
Sitting in a warm room – if your dog is located in a warm room or in front of a heating source, their nose could dry out.
Exposure to elements – a dry nose can result from exposure to elements such as heavy winds or hot sunshine. If this is the case, it is best to check out your dog’s nose later in the day when they are in normal conditions to see if it returns to normal.
Dry nose breeds – certain breeds have naturally drier noses. This can include dogs with short snouts, like pugs and bulldogs that can have difficulty reaching and licking their nose.
Senior dogs – some older dogs may lose moisture from their nose as they age and produce less mucous.

When to worry about a dog’s dry nose

Pet parents should not automatically worry about their pet’s dry nose. However, there are certain circumstances that warrant a trip to the vet:

Sunburn – if your dog’s nose is red and flaky, it may be sunburn. Dogs with pale or pink noses are especially sensitive to the sun. Talk to your vet about special lotions for protecting your pet’s nose from sunburn.
Dehydration – a dry nose is one of many symptoms of a dog suffering from severe dehydration. Other symptoms include loss of skin elasticity, loss of energy, excessive panting, sunken eyes and dry gums. If you suspect that your pet is dehydrated, take them to a cool, shaded area and provide them with water. Contact your vet immediately.
Cracking or scaling – there are a number of skin disorders that can cause hard, crusty cracked skin. Your vet can determine the cause and offer the best advice for treatment.
Bleeding – a bleeding nose can be a result of simple trauma, upper respiratory tract infections or a range of serious medical conditions. If your dog’s nose is bleeding, keep them calm and get in touch with your vet for further advice.
Lumps and bumps – although most bumps are benign (not harmful), some are more serious (malignant). In such cases early removal and accurate diagnosis are important to maximise the chances of a good outcome. If you find a lump or bump anywhere on your pet, please make an appointment with one of our vets to have it checked out.
Odd coloured mucous – if your dog has nasal discharge, it should run clear. If it is thick, bubbly or coloured such as yellow, green or even black, have it checked out by your vet.
Other symptoms – if your dog has a dry nose, but is also acting sick, gone off their food or behaving unusually, it could be a sign of something more serious and its worth getting in touch with your vet.

Your dog’s wet nose plays an important role, however there are times that a healthy dog can have a dry nose too. If you notice any physical changes to your dog’s nose or any changes in your dog’s behaviour or health, call us on 03 8784 4444.