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?
There are two reasons a dog's nose is naturally moist:
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 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.
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer and pet parent who lives in Erie, Pa. She has a goldendoodle named Maddie.
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