By: Dr. Juli, DVM
Whether they are cute as a button or expert squirrel detectors, your dog's nose is as unique as they are. Regardless of the size, shape, or color, they are also perfect for "booping," making it hard for pet parents to resist. In addition to adding a personality to your pup, your dog's nose serves multiple purposes for their overall health and function, including their sense of smell, marking, and body temperature regulation through small sweat glands on the surface.
One of the most common myths surrounding a dog's nose is that it's a sign your dog is sick when it becomes warm or dry. However, this is rarely the case, and the degree of moisture or temperature of your pup's nose is not a good barometer for your dog's overall health. In some cases, your dog's nose may be warm when they have a fever, but this generally occurs with other clinical indicators that your dog is sick. Understanding when and how your dog's nose might be dry will ensure pet owners know when to seek appropriate veterinary care.
Common Causes of a Dry Nose in Dogs
A wet nose is generally a good sign that your dog's nose is properly functioning and healthy. Dogs will regularly lick their noses to transfer particles and scents to the olfactory glands in their mouth to process the smells in their environment. A moist nose will help these particles stick to the surface. Also, your dog's nose contains some sweat glands, so moisture from licking can help cool them in warmer climates. Dogs will also lick their nose as part of regular grooming practices.
However, there are instances when a warm and dry nose is a normal finding in a healthy pup. Additionally, bringing your dog for a veterinary checkup is never a bad idea if you have any concerns about their nose or overall health.
Common reasons your dog’s nose might be dry include:
- Sleeping or napping — A warm, dry nose is a normal finding after your dog has enjoyed a nap or when they first wake up after sleeping. Generally, dogs will not lick their noses during sleep periods.
- Dry or cool environments — Like humans, dry or cold environments can wreak havoc on a dog's skin moisture. If you live in a non-humid climate or the weather becomes cold and dry outside, your pup's nose may appear drier or warmer than normal.
- Breed confirmation — Brachycephalic breeds, like pugs, French bulldogs, and Shi tzus, have short, flat noses, making it difficult to lick and moisturize their tiny noses. As a result, these dog breeds may sometimes have dry, lumpy, or cracked nares. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best course of treatment if excess dry skin becomes problematic for your pup.
- Aging – Dry, warm, or cracked noses may result from aging in some older dogs. Monitor closely for any bleeding or discomfort on your senior pup's nose.
Health Concerns that May Cause a Dry Dog Nose
If your dog's nose is dry and warm, it does not automatically mean they have a fever. However, dogs suffering from an underlying illness, like an upper respiratory infection, could have an accompanying dry or warm nose.
Other illness-related causes for a dry nose in dogs may include:
- Allergies — Dogs, like people, can develop allergies to environmental factors, including mold, pollen, plants, or other allergens. In addition to a drier nose, other signs may include redness, swelling, excess rubbing, sneezing, or excess nasal discharge.
- Sunburn — Sun exposure, especially in dogs with lighter-pigmented skin, increases the risk of sunburn, resulting in a dry, warm, or cracked nose.
- Autoimmune disease — Autoimmune disorders compromise the immune system, like Pemphigus, cause skin cell destruction, including on the nose. This can result in dry, cracked, or bleeding skin on the nasal surface.
- Anxiety/behavioral disorders — Anxious, stressed, or behaviorally compromised dogs may lick or rub their nose excessively, leading to a dry nose.
- Dehydration — Strenuous exercise or other medical problems, like excess vomiting and diarrhea, can cause dehydration. A dry nose may be an early sign that your dog requires more water. Even if your pup does not have hydration issues, it is always a good idea to make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water. Other signs of dehydration include excess panting, sunken eyes, lethargy, thick/stringy saliva, and sticky, dull gums.
When to See Your Veterinarian for a Dry Nose
If your dog's nose is warm and dry and they are showing other signs of illness, it may be time for a veterinary examination. An excessively wet or runny nose may also occur, depending on the illness. Dogs exhibiting severe dehydration signs should be seen immediately, as this is life-threatening. Your veterinarian will perform a snout-to-tail examination to determine the underlying cause of the dryness.
Diagnostics tests may include:
- Blood work to check overall organ health
- X-rays or ultrasounds to check for respiratory disease
- Nasal swabs
- Bacterial or fungal cultures
- Skin biopsy
- Microscopic examination of the nasal skin cells
- Allergy testing
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include the following:
- Antihistamines
- Antibacterial wipes or sprays
- Topical creams or lotions
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal medication
- Immune system suppressant medication (i.e. corticosteroids)
- Allergy shots
- Behavioral modifications
How to Support Your Dog's Nose and Overall Health
In many cases, a dry nose may not cause concern in your dog. However, abnormalities on the surface of your dog's nose may be the first clue of an underlying health problem. Tips to support your dog's nose and overall wellness include:
- Bring your pup for annual or more frequent veterinary examinations.
- Feed your dog an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced diet for their age and breed to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for overall health and organ function.
- Consider giving veterinary-approved skin-supporting supplements, like Native Pet Omega Oil, to support their overall health and promote a healthy skin barrier.
- Provide environmental humidification for dogs who live in dry, desert climates.
- Provide allergy-prone dogs with veterinary-approved immune-supportive supplements, like Native Pet Allergy Chews.
- Protect your dog's nose, ears, and exposed skin during prolonged sun exposure with a dog-safe sunscreen.
- Ensure plenty of fresh, clean water is always accessible, especially before, during, and after exercise.
- Talk to your veterinarian about dog-safe nose balms for aging pups or dogs prone to dry, cracked noses, like pugs and boxers.
A dry nose may be completely normal in a healthy dog, but it's always best to check with your veterinarian to ensure your furry friend is not suffering from an underlying health issue.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
