Pet owners want nothing more than to know what might be bothering their dog. However, dogs and humans don’t speak the same language. It makes things difficult for us to figure out what’s wrong, especially when we notice things of concern like a dog’s dry nose. Speaking of which, you may have noticed something like this when petting your dog recently.
You might be asking, “Why is my dog’s nose dry?” There may be a few reasons why it’s the case. You’ll learn how to pinpoint the possible issues and decide if it’s a cause for concern. Can a dry nose be normal, or is it a subtle indicator of something else? It depends on certain factors.
Why Are Dogs’ Noses Usually Wet?
So, why are dogs’ noses moist? Their noses typically have a thin layer of mucus that makes it easier for them to pick up scents. Of course, we know how dogs are when it comes to their sense of smell.
Dogs also tend to lick their noses to ensure they stay moist. Not to mention, it helps regulate their body temperature. Simply put, a wet nose means your dog is happy and active. However, a dry nose doesn’t always mean something bad. There are some non-concerning reasons why such a thing can happen.
What Are the Normal Reasons Your Dog’s Nose Might Be Dry?
As mentioned, a dry nose is not a cause for concern most of the time. There are some harmless reasons why your dog’s nose is dry. Here’s a look at what they are:
- Sleeping: When dogs take naps, they don’t lick their nose as often as they do while they are awake. Most of the time, they’ll wake up with dry noses.
- Weather Changes: This includes changes in indoor temperatures as well as weather changes outdoors. The sun or wind can play a role in drying your dog’s nose if they are outdoors running around, enjoying a walk, or just lounging around.
- Ages: Older dogs will likely have a drier nose compared to younger ones. Chalk it up to a normal part of the aging process.
- Mild Dehydration: If your dog hasn’t drunk water in quite a while, there may be some slight dryness on their nose.
Simply put, dryness on a dog's nose can be temporary and is resolved quickly. However, there could be situations where you may need to be a bit more attentive. A dry nose paired with other signs of concern could mean that possible intervention is needed.
When to Pay More Attention to Your Dog’s Nose
A dry dog’s nose is one thing. Yet, the additional things you notice could trigger possible concerns and more time to observe what’s next. What exactly are those additional signs? Here’s a look at the following:
- Cracks, bleeding, or sores anywhere on the dog's nose
- Changes in color or texture that are unusual
- Excessive dryness that is not resolved with rest or hydration
Observe your dog and routinely inspect their nose for any changes throughout the day. If you are uncertain about what to do, veterinarian guidance can be the best option for you, especially when they can quickly pinpoint the issue and provide you with steps on what you need to take.
Is It Normal for My Dog’s Nose to Be Dry After Outdoor Activity?
Yes, your dog’s nose can get dry after outdoor activity. As mentioned, the climate can play a role in how dryness can settle in after your dog walks, runs, or plays outdoors. Whether it’s a warm sunny day or a chilly fall afternoon, exposure to the elements, such as the sun, cold wind, or dry indoor air, can each cause moisture to be reduced. Think of it like human skin that also gets dry in harsh conditions; the same applies to a pup’s nose.
As such, a little extra care may be a good thing to consider. This includes having fresh water on hand as well as providing your dog with a shaded area on hot days. It can make a huge difference between a nose that’s dry and one that stays moist.
There are also seasonal factors that can be considered. During the winter months, your indoor heating system will be working around the clock and can dry your dog’s nose in the process. During the summer months, more sun and warmer temperatures can cause your dog to dehydrate at a slightly faster rate than at any other time of year. Finally, the spring and fall months can be time periods where increased amounts of pollen and environmental allergens can cause mild irritation and dry noses.
A Dog’s Dry Nose and Hydration: What Is the Connection?
Hydration is one of the biggest blocks to making sure your dog’s nose is moist. If they haven’t had enough water over an extended period, then the first signs will often appear in the form of dryness on their nose and skin. Simply put, keeping their water bowls filled and encouraging regular hydration is the best solution. If your dog isn’t drinking a normal amount, you may want to monitor them for any possible concerns of illness. As always, your veterinarian is a phone call away to determine what the issue could be.
Can a Dry Nose Indicate That My Dog Is Sick?
Not necessarily. A dry nose is not always a reliable sign that your dog might be sick. Your dog can have a dry nose and be perfectly healthy. It may be a good idea to focus on other things that may indicate a dog’s possible illness or reason for distress. One instance is their behavior, such as how they act, whether they eat normally, or play like usual.
If your dog is their happy, energetic self and has a dry nose, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if they are behaving rather unusually, this may warrant a potential phone call to the vet to see what could be going on.
Are There Any Illnesses or Diseases That May Contribute to a Dry Nose?
Sometimes, there are cases where a dry nose may be linked to certain illnesses and diseases, even to the point where a dry nose is typically persistent. This can include the following:
- Autoimmune Diseases: There may be some autoimmune diseases, like discoid lupus erythematosus or pemphigus foliaceus, that can cause the skin around the nose to dry, crack, or crust. Dog owners may be aware of this if their dog has already been diagnosed with such disorders.
- Environmental Factors: This typically includes environmental and food allergies that can lead to dryness and irritation of a dog's nose. This is associated with sneezing, nasal discharge, itchy skin, or watery eyes in your canine companion.
- Dehydration: Healthy dogs need regular hydration. Not only will it lead to some adverse effects like poor skin elasticity or a dry dog's nose, but it can also lead to even worse situations like loss of appetite, lethargy, and more serious issues.
What Can You Do to Ensure Your Dog’s Nose Stays Moist?
While a dry nose isn’t something to avoid entirely for obvious reasons, there are ways to make sure it can naturally stay moist for them so they can keep that sense of smell sharp and regulate their body temperature the way it ought to be. Here are some of the things that you can do:
- Regulate the Environment: Make sure the environment is suitable for your dog. If you have an area of the home that is very dry, use a humidifier that will keep the environment at an appropriate level of humidity. Keep in mind that your home should at least have a safe humidity level of around 40 to 60 percent.
- Check Their Water Bowl Regularly: This is self-explanatory. If their water bowl is always filled, they can eventually rehydrate when the need arises. Of course, their nose will be moist through regular hydration.
- Pay Attention to the Weather: If your dog usually goes outdoors, take into consideration what the weather will be like for that day. Warm temperatures may cause a nose to dry up quickly, so keep this in mind and make sure they are hydrated accordingly after they return inside.
- Keep the Bedding Clean: Sometimes, irritants that touch your dog’s face can cause your dog’s nose to dry up. While keeping it clean is one thing, make sure you use detergents that don’t contain ingredients that are considered irritants.
Once again, it’s not a cause for concern if your dog’s nose dries up and they’re just behaving like normal. However, keeping it moist can be a good thing. Nevertheless, it’s a great idea to consider additional means to support their overall health. This includes a well-balanced diet, regular hydration, time outdoors to stay active, and, most importantly, all the tender love and care that they deserve. Dry nose or not, our dogs are the one thing we appreciate most of all, and Under The Weather wants nothing more than to make sure they are well taken care of, whether they are puppies or senior dogs.
Keeping Your Dog Healthy, From Nose to Tail
A dog’s nose can be quite the best friend when it comes to the sense of smell. However, it can get dry at times, and there’s nothing to be alarmed about (contrary to popular belief). It boils down to how they behave, if they’re eating properly, and whether they are being their usual selves or not. In a sense, a dry nose should not be a cause for concern all the time. As always, if in doubt, contact your vet for any information or actions you need to take if your dog has a dry nose but something else seems out of the ordinary. Visit Under The Weather to see what products are available to help your dog.
