What does it mean when a dog’s nose is wet and cold? Have you ever been told a cold, wet nose means a dog is healthy? Is this true at all, or not? Where did this strange rumour come from, anyway?
Debunk Dog Myth: A Cold and Wet Nose Means a Dog is Healthy
Most dog owners have been told a wet nose means a dog is healthy at one point in their lives. To be more specific, a wet nose supposedly indicates good hydration, as opposed to the dry nose of a hot, dehydrated dog.
That line of reasoning does make sense! A dry nose is one symptom of dehydration. A well-hydrated dog could just as easily have a dry nose, so this really isn’t a good indicator in reality.
- If you think your dog is overheating or dehydrated, look for other symptoms in addition to a dry, hot nose! You might also notice discoloured gums, excess saliva, poor coordination, or heavy panting.
9 Surprising Dog Facts: Do You Know Them
Where Did the Wet Nose Myth Come From?
The first distemper vaccines weren’t available to most veterinarians until well into the 1950s. Now Distemper is one of the core DHPP vaccines all veterinarians strongly suggest any puppy gets!
Distemper is usually fatal, and recovered animals often suffer from lifelong conditions even when it isn’t. The Canine Distemper Virus damages an animal’s nervous system. No cure exists for an unvaccinated animal. The only treatment is supportive care with the hope of recovery.
Distemper can cause severe vomiting/diarrhoea, which would cause a dog to dehydrate. A dry nose is one symptom of dehydration. This is especially dangerous to puppies!
So what does this have to do with a wet or dry dog nose?
Excess keratin production (called hyperkeratosis) can cause a dog’s nose or footpads to thicken, resembling a very dry, tough nose. This is actually one symptom of Canine Distemper.
Some think the wet/dry nose theory started back when distemper was common! A wet dog nose meant your dog was healthy and didn’t have distemper.
Most domesticated puppies today are fully vaccinated against Distemper by about 16 weeks, making the condition uncommon.
Why is a Dog’s Nose Wet?
Dogs will often lick their noses, distributing mucus across the nose while helping the dog detect scent particles in the air! These scent particles will better cling to a wet dog’s nose, enhancing his hunting and tracking abilities.
A dog’s nose may become wet as he laps water.
So is a wet or dry dog nose a good indicator of health? While a dry dog nose can be a symptom of dehydration or heat injury, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. A healthy, well-hydrated dog might also have a dry nose!
- “Moisture is so important to the canine sense of smell that dogs learn to keep their nose moist and will automatically lick their noses when they become dry (Llera, Ryan. DVM - VCA Hospitals).”
A wet, cold nose in dogs is just another indication of health. It doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is healthy or not healthy though! You could find a perfectly healthy dog with a warm, dry nose. This could even be more common in sleeping dogs since they don’t lick their noses.
Is a Dog’s Nose Sweaty?
The human body cools itself as sweat evaporates. This is a pretty effective system of temperature regulation for us!
Most dogs, on the other hand, are covered with a thick coat of fur. Evaporation in this way wouldn’t be possible! It certainly wouldn’t be a good method of temperature regulation. Instead, dogs will perspire and regulate their body temperatures by way of panting.
Dogs can sweat from both their nose and footpads though! Have you ever noticed your dog leaving paw prints on a hot summer day? This form of perspiration might make your dog’s nose seem wet.
When to Call a Vet?
When does a dry dog nose mean your pet could be in trouble? When do you need to worry about heat injuries and dehydration? Contact a veterinarian if you notice the symptoms below in combination with your dog’s dry nose!
- Heavy panting
- Disorientation
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Collapsing
- Convulsing
- Bright red or blue gums
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Remember, you always want to make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, cool & clean drinking water!
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