By My Dog’s Nose Is Dry: Is It Serious And Should I Be Worried?
One of the best things to have with a dog is companionship. They are always there to love us when we need them most: it’s like they can read our minds.
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to take their word for it. In any case, not in the way we’d like. But we are able to disrupt other activities to assess their desires, needs, and overall health. One of these is to examine their noses.
If a dog’s nose appears dry, it’s typically an indication that something in the structure is changing. This isn’t always a good issue, but it’s not always an ideal thing. Read on to find out more about what a dog’s dry nose can mean.
Ruh Roh My Dog’s Nose is Dry
Dogs have a well-developed sense of smell, which relies on to comprehend the world. Like any other machine, the nose of a dog requires lubrication to function correctly. The reason is that scent particles stick to damp surfaces more effectively.
This lubrication generally comes from the mucus-producing glands that provide the necessary moisture. It also produces a clear watery liquid that interestingly regulates Fido’s body temperature. It’s like a built-in cooling system that keeps a dry, cracked dog nose at bay.
You may also notice that your dog is constantly licking its nose. This frees it from dirt, deposits, and other particles. It is also a means of interpreting scent particles through taste.
So when a dog’s nose is dry and hot, we humans take this as a sign that something is wrong. While a dog’s dry nose can mean something is wrong, there are many other common non-health reasons as well.
Let’s look at all the reasons:
It was exposed to the elements
As the seasons change, you’ll likely find that your nose and throat are dry and scratchy or runny and full of mucus. The same goes for your pup. Hot sun, a windy day, cold, and heat can damage your dog’s nose.
Especially in winter, you may find that your dog’s nose has dried up. It could be because they are next to a heat source such as an air vent or fireplace.
He Was Taking a Cat Nap
When your dog is sleeping and dreaming, he is not licking his nose. Therefore, it is normal for your dog’s nose to dry out during a nap. As soon as they wake up, they lick their noses to wet them again.
He is dehydrated from intense exercise
Think about it: when you exercise and sweat a lot, you become dehydrated. The same goes for your faithful friend. If you just took him for a run, or if he’s been running around the park with his playmates all day, he’ll get dehydrated too. His nose will be the proof.
Once he’s rehydrated, his nose will be wet again.
He’s an Old Man dog
Older dogs tend to have noses that are dry. It’s a normal part of age as do wrinkles and gray hair that are common in humans. There’s nothing you need to worry about However, you could apply a little dog-safe balm to his nose to keep it damp. The same could be done for you.
He’s of a Certain Breed
Certain dog breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs who have snouts that are shorter, can also be troublesome to lick their noses. Other breeds such as Lhasa Apsos or Spaniels are plagued by obstructions in the tear ducts. Both of these conditions cause noses to be which are dryer.
A small amount of dog-friendly moisturizing cream will help.
He’s Got Allergies
Like us, dogs are susceptible to allergies, which can cause nasal passages that dry. Dogs can have environmental-related allergies, skin-related allergies, and even food-related allergies.
If your dog’s allergies are extreme your dog may require allergy medicine.
He’s sunburned
We often forget that most furry animals, like our four-legged companions, have fur. Dog breeds with thin, pale fur and pink or pale noses, paws, eyelids, and ears are particularly prone to sunburn.
When your dog gets sunburned, its nose dries out and, depending on the severity, may break. If you own one of these thin-skinned breeds, you should definitely invest in a dog-safe sunscreen for long days of outdoor play.
He may have an autoimmune disease
In the worst case, if a dog’s nose is dry, it could be due to an autoimmune disease. There are several autoimmune diseases that a dog can have, depending on its breed.
The most common autoimmune diseases that dry the nose are lupus and pemphigus. These diseases tend to change the surface of the dog’s nose, causing dryness, cracking, and bleeding. These diseases can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian and are usually treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
Should I take my dog to the vet?
Just because your puppy has a dry nose doesn’t mean it’s a medical emergency. It should also be noted that even a fresh and moist nose is not always a sign of perfect health.
With the above in mind, it is necessary to look for other symptoms. For example, if an excessive amount of mucus comes out of a dog’s nose, especially if it is yellow, green, or black, it is a sign that the dog is sick.
Other factors to watch out for are fever, excessive licking of the nose, discolored gums, excessive coughing or sneezing, and high body temperature. If the dog has a severe allergic reaction, his nose will be swollen and red. In addition, they are likely to scratch and rub their face incessantly.
So, if you notice your dog has a dry nose, you need to look for accompanying symptoms. If you don’t have any of the symptoms described above, just keep an eye on him until his nose returns to normal. If not and he has other symptoms, it is best to take him to the vet.
The white nose
Remember that if your dog’s nose is dry, don’t panic, but don’t clear it either. Pay attention to accompanying symptoms and keep the above points in mind.