If you’ve ever come into contact with your dog’s nose, then you will know that they’re quite often wet.
However, as a dog owner you might have wondered: Why are dogs’ noses wet?
In this article, I will cover some important information about dogs’ noses, including why they are wet.
Keep reading to find out more.
Is It Normal For A Dog’s Nose To Be Wet?
Yes, it’s very normal for a dog’s nose to be wet. When your dog is walking around and up for the day, they will generally have wet and cold noses.
However, when it comes to your dog being asleep, it’s also normal for them to have dry and warm noses.
It’s also important to mention that this can vary from dog to dog. While one dog might normally have a wet and cold nose throughout the day, another might have a dry and warm one.
This is why it’s important to stay in tune with each dog in your household so that you can recognize when there are changes.
Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet?
Dogs’ noses can be wet for a variety of different reasons. These include but are not limited to:
All Noses Produce Mucus
The lining of a dog’s nose contains glands that produce moist in order to keep the nasal canals moist.
A layer of mucus sticks to the inside of the nostrils, enhancing the absorption of scent chemicals and improving a dog’s ability to smell.
A Dog’s Nose Is Working Hard To Explore The World
There’s no denying that a canine nose works extremely hard. Dogs use their sense of smell and sight to navigate the world around them.
They absolutely love exploring new places and smells, so there’s no wonder that they smell a lot of stuff!
Dogs tend to investigate with their noses when exploring something new, whether they are sniffing trees, plants, grass, leaves, puddles, and of course.
As a result of sniffing their environment when they’re out on walks, it makes sense that their noses pick up moisture from these natural environments.
Dog’s Lick Their Noses
This might sound like an obvious one, but dogs lick their noses! This is a totally normal behavior, and shouldn’t be discouraged.
Dogs have super long tongues that easily reach the tip of their nose, which results in them covering their noses in saliva.
As dogs rely on their noses so heavily to explore, they lick their nose to keep their sense of smell intact.
Moisture is important to your dog’s smell, and they won’t want to miss out on investigating new smells if their nose is dry.
Alongside this, dogs will often lick their nose when it is dirty, which is a regular occurrence considering how much a dog uses their nose!
In addition to this, dogs automatically lick their noses when they become dry. Licking their noses ensures that it remains moist and to counteract any dryness and cracking.
Notes On Wet Noses
Now you have a better understanding of why your dog’s nose is wet, there are other benefits you should know about wet noses.
As dogs primarily depend on their smell and their sight, wet noses tend to work better than dry noses.
While human brains spend the majority of time interpreting visual information, a dog’s brain is focused on what their nose can smell!
A dog’s nose is at its best when it’s wet because the scent particles tend to stick better to the damp surface.
Wet noses also work to keep your dog cool. They utilize their nasal passages to help keep them cool, alongside their foot pads and through panting.
What Does A Very Wet Nose Indicate In Your Dog?
Generally speaking, clear nasal discharge is totally normal. However, if you notice that your dog’s nose is oversaturated with mucus that is thick and a greeny yellow color, you will need to call and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
This discolored discharge could indicate a variety of other problems that you will need your vet to confirm, such as respiratory infections.
If your dog has mucus that is bloody, it could be a sign of a more sinister problem such as cancer.
If you notice these signs when looking at your dog’s nose, it’s always important to seek advice from your vet.
Your dog’s health should always be a priority, and it’s crucial that your dog receives the necessary care to ensure that they return to full health.
Is It Bad For A Dog’s Nose To Be Dry?
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always a bad thing for a dog’s nose to be dry. As I mentioned above, this is normal for many dogs, and the moisture of a dog’s nose can vary throughout the day.
In the majority of cases, a dry nose does not automatically mean that your dog is sick and
dry noses aren’t always a sign for concern. A dog that is healthy might have a dry nose after a long nap in the middle of the day or after sleeping at night, or when they are dehydrated after exercising.
If your dog’s nose seems dry but they seem fine in every other aspect, then it shouldn’t alarm you.
However, if they have a dry nose and they also seem lethargic or have a decreased appetite, then you should schedule a visit to the vets.
Bearing this in mind, it’s important to notice any sudden changes in your pooch, so it’s important to contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned.
In Summary
Dogs’ noses are wet for a variety of reasons.
Generally speaking, a wet and dry nose isn’t something to be concerned about, as the moisture levels can vary depending on the time of day and what your dog is doing.
That being said, if you notice a sudden change in the moisture of your dog’s nose or if their behavior seems off, you should contact your vet to rule out anything more serious.
