What s going on with a dog s nose?

Pet     9:04am, 4 June 2025

For a long time, many dog ​​owners have a big misunderstanding, that is, they think that dry noses of their own dogs are a normal situation, but in fact they are not. The dog's nose does not make the nose wet because it secretes something, but the dog licks it to ensure that the nose is wet. Here is what's going on with the dog's nose?

How to judge whether the dog's nose is dry

The dryness and wetness of the dog's nose are opposite. The wetness of the dog's nose does not mean wetness, nor does it mean dry cracks. Generally, dogs often use their tongue to lick their nose when they are awake, but they will become dry when they sleep. This is normal, not a disease, just like people sometimes lick their lips to keep them moist, and their lips will be dry after waking up in the morning. So it is normal for dogs to have a dry nose when they wake up in the morning.

Causes that may cause a dog's nose to dry

1. Environmental factors: A dry environment, such as winter or air-conditioning environment, may cause a dog's nose to dry. Especially in dry weather conditions, the moisture in the air will evaporate, causing the dog's nose to become dry.

2. Physiological factors: When the dog is in a sleep state, the nose may become dry due to the habit of frequent licking the nose. In addition, when the temperature is too high and the amount of water is insufficient, the dog may also feel dry nose due to lack of water.

3. Dietary problems: Insufficient water or lack of necessary nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, may also cause dry noses.

4. External irritation: When a dog is exposed to certain chemicals, such as excessively strong detergents, perfumes or other chemicals, it may cause dry noses.

5. Diseases and infections: A dry nose in a dog may be a symptom of certain diseases or infections, such as colds, flu, canine distemper or sinusitis. Especially when the nasal cavity is injured or infected, the nose may become dry.

6. Side effects of medication: Certain drugs may cause dry noses in dogs, especially certain antibiotics.

7. Age and health: As you age, your dog's skin and hair may become more fragile and your nose may become drier. At the same time, any factors that affect the dog's health, such as infections, skin lesions, or specific nasal diseases, can cause the nose to become dry.

8. Over-cleaning or sun exposure: Excessive cleaning or prolonged direct sun exposure may cause a dry nose of the dog.

9. Other diseases: Dogs sometimes have dry noses due to other diseases, such as diabetes, allergies, etc.

If the dog's nose continues to dry and accompanied by other discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to take the dog to the veterinarian for examination and treatment.