Most dog owners find that a cold, wet nose on their canine signifies a healthy dog. A dog naturally secretes mucus that helps it trap scent particles on the surface, thus creating a wet nose. But what if the nose is warm and dry? Does a dry nose indicate the dog is sick?
For the most part, a dry dog nose is nothing to be concerned about. There are several healthy reasons a dog can have a dry, warm nose.
Here are a few:
• Spending time near a source of heat
• Lying in the sun
• May not have licked its nose in a while
Looking at a dog’s nose is a good way to check for other problems.
• Pale or pink noses are susceptible to sunburn
• Cracked nose with scabs or sores may indicate a skin disorder
• Nasal discharge such as bubbly, thick, yellow, or even green mucus
If a dog’s dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, poor appetite, or vomiting, this could indicate a visit to the vet. Sniffing out the meaning in Rover’s dry nose will determine if he is healthy or has a symptom that is cause for concern.
