But your dog’s wet nose has another important function – it helps regulate their body temperature. You may have already noticed how wet their nose is on a hot day or after a good session of play or exercising.
Because of their fur, dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their body as humans do. Instead, they’ve got a whole different system helping them dissipate heat, including panting and using their noses and paws to sweat.
What does it mean if your dog has a dry nose?
If your dog’s nose is dry, you’re probably wondering whether this should be a cause for concern, and the answer is not necessarily. Wet or dry, your pet’s nose by itself doesn’t point to a health issue.
There are a few different factors to take into consideration. Some of them explain why healthy dogs have dry noses, while others might be side effects of an underlying condition.
Dry nose in healthy dogs
Here are a few reasons why a healthy dog could have a dry nose:
Usual fluctuations during the day
Your dog's nose can be wetter or drier depending on the time of day.
Dehydration after exercise
If your dog has had a particularly energetic game of fetch or any other strenuous activity, it is possible that their nose feels drier than usual. This is due to dehydration. Make sure there is plenty of water available for your dog at all times, but especially during and after playing or exercising.
After a nap
Some dogs keep their nose wet by constantly licking it. Naturally they won’t have a chance to do so during a nap. So, if you notice your dog’s nose being dry, it is possible that they’ve just woken up from slumber.
Warm environment
Whether it’s the summer heat or the radiator’s in the living room during winter, exposure to dry, warm environments can make a dog’s nose drier than usual.
Age
A dog’s dry nose might also be related to age, as it has been noticed that some canines get drier noses in their golden years.
Dry dog nose and possible health issues
Here is what to look out for if you notice your dog’s nose is unusually warm and dry.