The Meaning Behind Wet and Dry Noses

My dog’s nose is dry, dose that mean he/she is sick?

If your dog’s nose is dry, it does not mean they are sick.  Same with if their nose is drippy and wet, does not mean they are sick.  This is a common myth we hear from pet owners.  In fact, pet noses can fluctuate between dry and wet throughout the day.  For the same reasons our noses may go from dry to runny throughout the day, is true for them as well. They can experience an allergen that causes some runny nose, dry air or poor circulation can cause a dry nose, laying near a heater or in the sun can cause a dry nose, etc.

What is most important is knowing what your pets normal nose is like.  If the appearance of their nose changes or the surrounding tissue changes, that is cause for concern.

Examples include:

• If your dog has a dry, red nose or the nasal skin is flaking, sunburn may be to blame. Talk to your veterinarian about special lotion for protecting your dog from the sun. Dogs with pale or pink noses are susceptible to sunburn so protecting them from sunburn is important because repeated sunburn can lead to skin cancer.
• When examining your dog's nose, look for any nasal discharge. If your dog's nose runs, the mucus should be clear. If your dog’s nose has bubbly, thick, yellow, green or even black mucus, see your veterinarian.
• If your dog's nose is cracked, has scabs or sores, he may have a skin disorder or an autoimmune disease.   Ask your veterinarian to check him out to ensure everything is okay.

If you have any questions, please call the Village Veterinary Clinic of Hamburg, 716-646-4023!