What does a dog's hot nose mean? What does a dry nose in a dog indicate and what to do about it. When not to worry

Most dog breeders know that their pets have in good condition the nose should be wet and cold. This is a sign wellness. If it is hot and dry, then something is wrong with the dog. Basically, all mammals have a wet olfactory organ (with the exception of humans and some primates). So what causes dry nose in dogs, and should owners always worry about it?

About the causes of the problem

In pets, this organ is covered with mucus inside and on top. It is produced by linings (special glands). Mucus for dogs is a kind of chromatograph, an assistant through which air movement is determined. It is the moisture that covers the olfactory organ on top that helps the animal detect various odors. This is a kind of barometer of smell.

However, owners should not worry and immediately take the dog to a specialist if they notice that his nose has become hot and dry. There can be many reasons for this, not all of them indicate an animal illness. For example, a dog that has just woken up has a normally dry, warm sense of smell. He can be the same after physical activity, when the dog runs around to his heart’s content, plays enough and overheats a little.

If the organ does not become moist during the period of calm of the animal, then there may be a change in the environment or stress. Emotional experiences are also characteristic of animals and cause many changes in the body.

Often a dog's sense of smell becomes dry due to allergies. Plastic dishes from which the dog eats often become the “culprit” of the problem. Allergies can also occur to plant pollen, dust, detergents, some products. If the dog is prone to allergic reactions, then owners are advised to keep a food diary in which food items are recorded and the dog’s body’s reaction to them is monitored. This will make it easier for the owner to eliminate the allergen from the diet.

The nose can become dry in response to changes in weather - heat, cold, strong wind. For example, it becomes hotter in the cold as the immune system fights the health-threatening effects of the weather. To help her, you can offer your dog a multivitamin.

If the dog’s olfactory organ long time remains hot and dry, then in addition to allergies, the cause may be a cold. In such cases, the dog also develops other symptoms. This is sneezing, coughing, rhinitis. After a course of therapy prescribed by the doctor, the dog recovers - and its nose returns to its normal physiological state.

A simple lack of fluid, lack of water in the drinking bowl can also lead to problems in the warm season.

Injuries are often the cause of the problem. The attentive owner discovers their consequences on his own, because there are manifestations of puffiness, swelling, and wounds. In this case, you will need to be examined by a specialist veterinary clinic.

Pemphigus - specific disease, which is manifested by the appearance of pimples in the form of bubbles on the nose. They burst, a crust forms, and the functioning of the lining is disrupted. In such cases, the dog should undergo histology. This is the only way to confirm the disease.

What should an owner do when an animal’s nose is hot?

First of all, don’t worry too much right away. It is necessary to abandon allergenic materials, for example, replace the usual plastic bowl from which the dog eats with a ceramic one. Experienced dog breeders recommend washing it with laundry soap, not synthetic means, which may contain allergens. Dogs with allergies should be walked away from flowering plantings, bushes and trees.

If the owner discovers an injury to the olfactory organ, which is the reason for its dryness, then the first thing he should do is lubricate it with calendula-based ointment or treat it with an antiseptic, then take the animal to a specialist.

If you find that your dog's sense of smell is hot, check to see if he has water in his drinking bowl. Perhaps it was your inattention that caused the dog’s discomfort and dehydration. Water should always be in sufficient quantity be present and available to the dog.

Observe the animal, pay attention to its behavior when you notice a dry nose. Decreased physical activity and appetite, lethargy and disobedience may indicate that the dog’s problems are really serious, and you should rush to see a doctor.

Probably every owner, having noticed something wrong in the dog’s behavior, first of all feels its nose, cold and wet - everything is fine, dry or hot - something is wrong. In principle, the premise is correct, a dog’s nose is a kind of indicator of well-being. Let's say your nose is dry and hot, what should you do next? Observe? Run to the clinic? Treat yourself, if so, then for what? First, you need to understand that there can be a lot of reasons, both harmless and dangerous. We don’t panic and figure out why the dog has a dry nose, what you can do on your own and in what cases you can’t wait.

Dry and warm nose is not always dangerous

Since ancient times, there has been an unchanging tradition of determining the condition of a dog by feeling the nose. The thing is that previously there were no thermometers or other devices to determine the health status of a pet, so this method was the most popular. And veterinary hospitals did not yet exist. First, let's talk about why wet and cold nose is considered to be a variant of the norm.

The surface of a dog's nose is covered with a mucous membrane that produces moisturizing secretions. A dog needs a nose not only to detect smell, but also to respond to the slightest temperature changes. When a dog is in a dream, this organ is responsible for the possible approach of an enemy and controls all the processes occurring nearby. The animal's olfactory organ is able to control body temperature, infectious diseases and weakened immunity.

In what cases is it normal for a dog to have a dry and warm nose?

1. Features of the animal's body and age. Often similar manifestations occur in puppies. This is due to the growth and restructuring of the body. If no accompanying symptoms is not observed, then there is no need to worry. The baby will just grow up and everything will pass. Some pets, due to the structural characteristics of their bodies and breeds, have a slow metabolism. In such cases constant dryness nose - manifestation normal process life activity.
2. The dog just woke up. If a pet is kept in comfortable conditions, then over time it loses its ability to stay in constant state anxiety and vigilance. Thanks to this, the animal’s life expectancy increases significantly, but the nose “dries out” more often. In cases where an animal rests in a specially equipped sleeping house or under a blanket, its body heats up and its nose “dries out.” After waking up, your pet just needs to drink water and everything will be fine.
3. Experiences and stress. If an animal has experienced some kind of emotional shock and is very worried, calm it down, give it something tasty, provide it with care and affection, and place it in a calm and quiet place. The main thing is that the animal’s nervous system returns to normal, and with it the functioning of all organs returns to normal.
4. Fatigue. After long and heavy physical exertion, the animal may feel a loss of strength. Do not worry. This can be easily restored. The main thing is to provide the dog with complete rest, good nutrition. After rest, the animal will regain strength and return to its usual rhythm of life. It happens that during long trips or when moving to a new place of residence, the animal completely refuses to eat and behaves quite strangely. The most important thing here is to monitor the dog’s condition. If there are no additional signs, then it will be enough to simply play with the pet, provide it with attention, affection and care. Very soon he will return to normal and get rid of his worries.

A dog’s very cold nose and ears are a clear indicator of hypothermia in the pet’s body. Here you need to change the temperature, but if your pet’s eyes are dull and drooping, and the gums have a pale tint, we immediately go to the veterinarian. Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between ordinary fatigue and pathologies of various organs.

Why should your nose be wet and cool?

On the mucous membrane of a dog's nose that lines it internal cavity and the lobe on the outside, there are the so-called nasal glands that produce a special secretion. Thanks to this, the olfactory organ is always moist and cool. This is necessary, because this is how thermoregulation occurs. The fact is that the dog's body has a very small number of sweat glands. They are found on the paw pads and in the ear canals. Additional cooling occurs due to the respiratory organ.

In addition, a constantly moist surface of the nose ensures its maximum sensitivity. The dog is able not only to perceive the subtlest odors, but also to sense air movement. At the same time, she understands where their source is and divides the entire spectrum of aromas into their constituent components.

A healthy, active pet should have a moist, cool nose, which allows it to remove excess heat and distinguish odors. the best way. When a dog has a dry and warm nose, this makes the owner think that he is sick. Indeed, in some cases this is true, but not always.

Causes of a dry nose in a dog

Why does a dog have a dry, hot or cold nose? Most common cause is an allergy. It often occurs on low-quality plastic. An allergic reaction can also occur to dust, pollen, chemicals (including detergents), as well as certain foods.

The dog’s nose also reacts sensitively to the weather: extreme heat or, conversely, cold and wind. It may also mean that the dog is not drinking enough. A dog may catch a cold and then, in addition to a dry nose, it will have other symptoms:

• sneezing,
• cough,
• runny nose,
• hoarseness

The nose can dry out due to injury. Then swelling, swelling, scabs or ulcers may be visible on the nose. There is also autoimmune disease skin - pemphigus. It usually appears as blisters on dog nose. Then they burst, and a crust forms in this place, which prevents the dog from breathing freely.

Allergies in a pet

This condition can be caused by flowering plants, household items, woolen items, household chemicals, food products. It is quite difficult to determine the source of the allergy on your own, but you can try. Try to clean the room where the dog is located without chemicals.

Do wet cleaning more often warm water. Dishes must be washed daily, without using chemical dishwashing detergents. If your pet's bedding is wool, replace it with cotton. When walking your animal, avoid places where grasses and shrubs bloom. If the source of the allergy has been discovered in this way, protect your pet from it.

Poisoning

In some poisonings, the nose is not only hot, but also very cold. Body temperature drops sharply. An icy nose and cold ears may indicate poisoning chemicals or a bite using poison, if the following symptoms occur:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• salivation;
• weakness;
• trembling of limbs;
• drop in body temperature;
• violation of the respiratory rhythm - the dog breathes often or breathing is heavy and too slow;
• unusual odor from the mouth;
• pupil dilation.

In this case, emergency veterinary care is required.

If you are poisoned by chemicals or poisons, you should not try to treat your dog at home or save it yourself. She could die within a few hours. Immediate medical attention is required.

Food poisoning is usually accompanied by fever and diarrhea

Injury

A dog can have a hot nose due to a nasal injury, burn, or strong impact. This is enough dangerous condition, which requires complex treatment. It is important to provide your pet with first aid in a timely manner, namely, to stop possible bleeding, bandage the wound and only then visit the veterinarian. If there is an injury, then it is forbidden to use brilliant green, alcohol and iodine, as this can cause a burn to the mucous membrane.

Worms

Worm infestation is accompanied by constipation, temperature fluctuations, and signs of intoxication. The dog becomes lethargic and loses interest in life. Severe damage leads to bulging of the peritoneum. Therefore, if you find your pet has a dry, warm nose and any of the above symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a veterinarian. Once the test results are received, appropriate anthelmintic treatment will be prescribed. Typically, Espirantel, Febantel, and Pyrantel are used for this purpose. Carrying out regular deworming eliminates the possibility of infection with worms.

Pemphigus

Sometimes your pet's nose becomes dry and covered with crusts that fall off. Small blisters constantly form, which open on their own, and new ones appear in their place. This unpleasant symptom indicates that the dog is developing a disease associated with a violation of proper functioning immune system- pemphigus. On your own without professional help It is unlikely that you will be able to cope with it; you should go to the veterinarian.

Plague

A warm nose may be a sign of a more serious disease - distemper. The dog has a depressed state, which worsens more and more if measures are not taken. The animal refuses to eat, becomes weaker, and the digestion process is disrupted. Pus accumulates in the eyes, near the nasal passages. The nose dries out, becoming not just warm, but even hot. When walking, the dog staggers, falling on its side. In advanced cases, convulsions and fainting are possible.

Rabies

A most dangerous disease that can be transmitted to people and other animals. It is classified as incurable. In addition to signs characteristic of many other diseases, rabies is distinguished by the symptom of photophobia. At the initial stage, the dog does not refuse water, but later begins to experience fear of it. Dry and hot nose- one of the first signs of illness. The infected animal must be euthanized.

Why does a dog have a dry nose while sleeping?

When your pet sleeps, his body warms up, including his nose. It will remain like this for some time, and only after at least half an hour can you touch it again: everything should be in order. So, when your dog is sleeping and his nose is warm, there is no reason to worry.

In the wild ancestors of our four-legged pets, the nose remained moist and cool during sleep. This helped even in a dream to feel movements around, to know that an enemy was approaching by the vibrations of the air, to which the wet surface was extremely sensitive. However, nowadays, in comfortable conditions, dogs have largely lost this ability.

As we see, even the widespread opinion that the nose healthy dog should always be cold and wet, is not necessarily true. So if your pet’s nose doesn’t feel the same to the touch, this is not yet a reason to panic, but a good reason to take a closer look at your pet.

How to treat dry nose

What to do if your dog has a dry nose - the main thing is not to panic, you must first decide whether this is normal or a possible pathology.

If you are considering the option of pathology, but don’t be lazy and take the animal to the clinic, and if the option is normal, you can help your pet in the following way:

• If you suspect an allergy, remove all synthetic materials from the animal’s field of activity, carry out wet cleaning, and review the diet in favor of avoiding highly allergenic foods.
• If a dog drinks a lot and his nose remains dry, then perhaps the reason is climatic conditions, the animal simply cannot cope with the heat. Make sure that a bowl of water is always available to the animal.
• Physiological and age characteristics your dog's nose is dry, lubricate it vegetable oil or Vaseline, this will ease the animal’s condition and allow him to continue to enjoy life.

It is impossible to say exactly what a dry nose in a dog means; it is necessary to diagnose and clarify additional symptoms. Monitor your pet closely to keep him healthy even if his nose is dry.

Prevention

As preventive measures to protect your pet from possible dangers, it is recommended:

1. Avoid plastic bowls and keep them clean. Give preference to ceramics or aluminum. They do not cause allergic reactions and prevent the increased growth of bacteria. Wash the feeders after each meal without adding detergent.
2. Choose high-quality food and monitor the reaction of the dog’s body. When feeding natural products introduce new food gradually, studying the well-being of the puppies.
3. Use sun cream not only for yourself, but also for four-legged friend. In hot weather, lubricate your nose with it, and in winter, moisturize the mucous membrane with vegetable oils.
4. Do not walk your dog near allergenic plants during the flowering period.
5. Attend veterinary examinations, deworming and vaccinations in a timely manner.

Most dog owners believe that if a dog has a dry nose, then the dog has some kind of inflammatory disease.

Let's try to understand this issue in more detail.

Condition of the nose in a healthy dog.

Communicating with a dog throughout the day, its owners usually have their true friend They note that the dog’s nose is moist and cool to the touch. But sometimes they notice that for a short time the nose can be dry and warm.

Physiological causes of a dry nose in a dog:

• After a walk, during which your dog played actively and became quite tired.
• During sleep, as a result of a decrease in metabolic processes in the dog’s body, including a decrease in the secretion of the nasal mucosa.
• Indoor dogs living with a person in an apartment during the heating season (there is consistently dry and warm air in the room).
• In puppies, during the period of change of milk teeth, permanent teeth. In addition, it is considered normal for puppies to have a dry and warm nose when, upon external examination, they look healthy, move actively, eat well and fulfill their physiological needs.
• During a sudden fright or nervous overstrain.
• It is a reaction to a sharp change in atmospheric pressure, strong wind, etc.
• As a result of a sharp change in the hormonal status of the bitch during the period of estrus.

Pathological reasons:

• Presence in a dog infectious disease bacterial or viral etiology.

Canine distemper is especially dangerous for dogs.

Carnivore plague(Pestis) - highly contagious viral disease carnivores characterized by fever, acute catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, disorder gastrointestinal tract, cutaneous exanthema. In some cases, accompanied by damage to the central nervous system(meningitis, encephalitis).

Another viral disease in which one of the symptoms is the presence of a dry nose in a dog is adenovirus.

Canine adenovirus(canine cough), Adenovirosis cani is a highly contagious disease of dogs caused by a DNA virus of the Adenoviridae family. The disease manifests itself predominant defeat respiratory, less often digestive organs and conjunctiva. Occurs in the form of massive and sporadic outbreaks.

Epizootological data. The source of adenovirus is sick dogs, foxes, wolves, arctic foxes that are sick with this disease and secrete the virus with discharge from the nose and eyes, as well as virus carriers. In cities, the main reservoir of adenovirus is stray dogs. Dogs are susceptible to adenovirus disease various breeds, with puppies aged 1.5-6 months being most susceptible. Dogs over 10 years old rarely suffer from adenovirus. The main route of entry of the pathogen into the body of healthy dogs is through airborne droplets (aerogenic) virus transmitted by coughing and sneezing of sick dogs. In rare cases, nutritional infection is possible. With aerogenic introduction of the virus, the main signs of the disease and pathological and anatomical changes are noted in the bronchi and lungs. Predisposing factors are tracheal anomalies and bronchiectasis. Isolated cases of the disease are recorded all year round. In the spring-summer period (when puppies appear), epizootics are often observed among dogs. The spread of the disease is facilitated by crowded housing of animals, exhibitions and “bird markets”. Animals that have recovered from the disease are virus carriers for a long time. Dogs that have recovered from adenovirus acquire long-term immunity.

Clinical signs. Incubation period is 5-14 days. The disease usually begins with a prolonged fever, body temperature rises by 0.5-1°C above normal, increasing coughing and sneezing, serous discharge from the nose and eyes, signs of tonsillitis, conjunctivitis (), swelling lymph nodes. The submandibular and parotid lymph nodes are enlarged and inactive. The surface of the tonsils and velum is often reddened. Some dogs develop swelling in the neck area, accompanied by small hemorrhages; in puppies adenovirus can be complicated by organ damage digestive tract and liver with characteristic clinical signs(loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, pain on palpation).

Treatment and prevention in the article -.

From viral diseases Diseases such as: and others can lead to the appearance of a dry nose in a dog.

Infectious diseases bacterial etiology: , and others.

Non-communicable diseases- gastritis, hepatitis, hepatosis (), pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, bronchitis, diseases endocrine system, jade, etc.

Allergy. Allergies in dogs, especially in spring, are often caused by flowering plants, household chemicals, and food (). It is quite difficult to independently determine the source of a dog’s allergies. Initially, dog owners need to clean the room where the dog lives without using chemicals. Wet cleaning should be carried out as often as possible; food utensils should be washed daily, without using household chemicals.

When walking in the warm season, try to avoid places where grasses and shrubs bloom.

To more accurately determine the cause of your dog’s allergies, you should contact your veterinary clinic.

Poisoning, especially when accompanied by severe vomiting () and diarrhea (), causing the dog severe dehydration body.

For which symptoms should owners immediately contact a veterinary clinic?.

• A sharp increase in body temperature to 40 degrees and above (normal body temperature in a dog: 37.7-39 ° C);
• Vomit.
• Intestinal upset accompanied by diarrhea.
• Cloudy nasal discharge with unpleasant smell, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing.
• Loss of consciousness.

First aid for a dog at home

At home, the owner, when detecting a dry and hot nose in a dog, should first of all exclude physiological reasons this phenomenon. For this purpose, it is necessary to carefully monitor his condition. In the case when the dog retains its appetite and is active, then it is necessary to wait until the temperature and humidity of the nose returns to normal.

If your dog develops other additional symptoms in addition to a dry nose (diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, watery eyes, etc.), you need to immediately contact your veterinary clinic.

Treatment

When installed pathological cause If your dog has a dry nose, a veterinarian, after a clinical examination and diagnosis, will prescribe appropriate treatment.

A dog, like any other animal, has a nose covered with mucus produced by special glands. This allows them to sense even the slightest vibrations in the air and distinguish odors. A cold and wet nose in an animal is an indicator of normal health.

However, sometimes the dog's nose becomes hot and dry. Pet owners are beginning to worry about the health of their pet. Often this phenomenon is completely safe and is associated with the influence of short-term factors. A dog's hot nose may be due to the animal spending a lot of time in the sun. However, there may be cases when such a phenomenon is associated with a malfunction of one of the animal’s organs.

Main reasons

The causes of a hot nose in a dog can be very different, and this does not always indicate the presence of dangerous disease. However, there may also be serious violations, in particular such as:

• allergy;
• colds;
• mechanical damage;
• pemphigus.

Pemphigus is a disease of the autoimmune system, accompanied by the appearance of blisters in the nose area. Gradually, the new growths burst, dry out, and a crust forms. After some time, the blisters spread to the entire surface of the body.

To determine why your dog has a hot nose, you need to consult a veterinarian, as this may be the cause of a dangerous disease. Changes in the animal’s body can be caused by stressful situations, as well as changes environment. All the emotions experienced can also cause dryness.

Colds

If your dog has a hot nose and lethargy, this could be the cause of colds. In addition to this, there are other symptoms. The animal loses its appetite, has a runny nose and cough, and the temperature rises.

For small breeds For dogs, the normal temperature will be 38-39 degrees, and for large dogs - 37-38. At the same time, the norm for puppies is a temperature several degrees higher than that of adult animals.

You can measure your dog's temperature using an electronic or mercury thermometer. A similar procedure is performed rectally. It is best to take measurements when the animal is in a calm state, so as not to frighten it, as this can damage the thermometer.

Allergy in an animal

Allergies can be triggered by flowering plants, as well as woolen items, food, and household chemicals. It is quite difficult to independently determine the source of an allergy.

During a food reaction, you may experience:

• itching skin;
• inflammation of the ears;
• disruption of the stomach and intestines;
• lacrimation.

May be observed skin allergy when exposed to aggressive substances. As a result, there is itching and redness on the skin, which does not go away even after use. antibacterial drugs.

Injury

A dog can have a hot nose due to a nose injury, burn, or strong blow. This is a rather dangerous condition that requires complex treatment.

It is important to provide your pet with first aid in a timely manner, namely, stop possible bleeding, bandage the wound and only then visit the veterinarian. If there is an injury, then it is forbidden to use brilliant green, alcohol and iodine, as this can cause a burn to the mucous membrane.

Rabies

Rabies is mainly observed in animals that do not have the appropriate vaccinations. In addition to the fact that the dog has a hot nose, there is also a lack of appetite, photophobia and apathy. Every pet owner should know the symptoms so that in case of infection they can promptly consult a doctor.

Plague

If your pet is infected with distemper, the first signs include:

• nose dry and hot;
• loss of appetite;
• pale mucous membrane;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• convulsions and fainting.

This disease progresses very quickly, which is why, if you have symptoms, you should definitely contact a veterinarian. To avoid infection, the animal must be vaccinated.

Infection with worms

Helminths can cause intoxication in the dog’s body. In this case, in addition to dry nose, other symptoms are observed, in particular:

• unstable stool;
• vomit;
• difficulty swallowing food;
• itching in the anal area.

The dog will be very lethargic, as worms weaken the animal’s body. Therefore, for prevention, it is recommended to periodically take anthelmintics. If you have such symptoms, it is advisable to get tested and, if necessary, carry out anthelmintic therapy.

Lack of vitamins

A dry, warm and slightly cracked nose can be caused by insufficient amounts of vitamins A and D in the animal's diet. Vitamin A is found in vegetables, fruits, liver, fish and egg yolks. Vitamin D is found in dairy products, beef, and fish.

What to do if you have a problem

Many pet owners don't know what to do if their dog has a hot nose. If such symptoms appear, you need to contact a veterinarian who will help establish the root cause and prescribe adequate therapy. The specifics of treatment largely depend on the cause that provoked it.

If a dog has a hot nose due to allergies, then you should try to clean the room where the animal is located without using chemicals. In addition, you need to clean with just warm water as often as possible. If the litter pet wool, then you need to replace it with cotton. When choosing dishes for eating an animal, you should give preference to metal or glass.

If you suspect colds If the dog’s condition is not too severe, treatment can be carried out at home, however, if possible, it is advisable to show it to a veterinarian. It is imperative to provide a calm environment for the animal, give it a drink and a favorite treat.

Where the sick dog rests there should be no drafts; it is advisable to provide normal temperature in the apartment. You need to go outside only when necessary, and limit your walks to a time limit.

If the dog is freezing, then you need to cover it with something warm or even warm it with a heating pad. You can periodically comb the animal with a brush, as massage will help activate the body's defenses. If the cold is severe enough, then the veterinarian may prescribe medications. If you have wheezing and coughing, you need to treat with antibacterial drugs. Additionally, medications will be required to normalize the microflora of the dog’s stomach.

If you notice that your dog's nose is hot, you need to check if he has water in his drinking bowl. Perhaps it was inattention to the animal that became the main cause of discomfort and dehydration. Water must always be present in the animal’s drinking bowl.

IN winter time the skin on the nose can be exposed to natural factors, resulting in painful cracks. In this case, the skin mucosa requires proper care and the use of special moisturizers and protective equipment. In addition, for some time you need to protect your pet from being outside.

When not to worry

What does it mean if a dog has a hot nose, and what to do about it, worries many pet owners. This condition is not always considered a signal of disease. If the dog behaves as usual, it is very cheerful, playful and there is no reason to worry. You just need to watch him.

There are a number various reasons dry nose, when the pet owner does not need to worry. Dry and warm nose may occur during sleep and within 10 minutes after waking up. Also among the provoking factors are:

• tired after physical activity;
• extreme heat or frost;
• stress or severe fear.

A nursing dog may have a dry nose after giving birth to puppies. Also, a similar condition can occur when the body is dehydrated. You need to regularly monitor the availability of fresh water for your pet, therefore, it is advisable to change it after each meal.

A pink nose can be susceptible to severe sunburn. If it becomes red and cracked and the skin begins to peel, you can use sunscreen and limit your pet's exposure to direct sunlight. Some dogs have a specific nose structure and a slow metabolism, which is why they will have a dry and hot nose throughout their lives. To make your pet feel better, you can periodically lubricate the surface of the nose with calendula.

Pets are unable to communicate when they feel unwell. But caring owner can always notice it himself different signs. One of the main indicators of a dog’s well-being is the condition of the nasal mucosa.

The mucous membrane can be dry or moist, hot, warm or cool, clean, with ulcers or wounds. All violations indicate that the functions of this organ are not fully performed, and the reason may lie in both pathology and external conditions.

In dogs, unlike humans, the mucous membrane is located not only inside the nostrils, but also on the surface of the olfactory organ. It contains a large number of small glands that constantly secrete a mucous secretion. This lubricant performs important function: it contributes to the perception and enhancement of all odors that surround the animal. As you know, for a dog, smell plays the role of the most important sense with which the pet navigates the surrounding world, so the loss of this ability is reflected in general behavior.

In order to maintain humidity at the right level, the nose should be moderately cool. When its temperature rises, the mucous membrane dries out faster than a new secretion can be produced.

Exceptions to the rules

Despite the fact that a moist and cool nose is considered normal, there are cases when temporary dryness does not indicate a possible serious illness.

If dryness appears for the first time, it is important to pay attention to the following factors:

• After a long sleep, the earlobe is often warmer and drier than usual. It goes away within a few minutes of waking up.
• Allergy. The most common reason allergic reactions Pet dogs get a feeder made of plastic or other materials. The best option– a bowl of of stainless steel, which almost never causes allergies.
• On the hottest days, the air becomes too dry, which affects both the mucous membranes of dogs and people. Unpleasant feeling will go away quickly after treating the lobe with water or weak solution calendula.
• Insufficient hydration sometimes appears due to injury. It does not necessarily manifest itself externally, but if a dog hits its nose, the functioning of the glands may be disrupted for a short time, after which it will recover on its own.
• After severe physical fatigue, the condition of the mucous membrane may worsen, but as soon as the animal rests, all indicators will return to normal.
• Moral worries and stress affect dogs no less than their owners. The cause of a dry nose is often fear, separation from someone in the household, or other dog troubles. When a puppy moves to a new home, this picture is considered typical. Everything will be restored as soon as the adaptation period ends and the pet gets used to its new place of residence.

In all of the above cases, in a healthy dog, the condition of the nose becomes normal in a short time after the irritating factor has been eliminated.

Cold nose

A too cold surface of the lobe may be a sign of a significant decrease in the animal’s body temperature. The rest of the body is covered with fur, so it is the nose that gives an idea of ​​the coolness of the skin.

There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

• hypothermia;
• colds or viruses;
• serious malfunctions in the functioning of internal organs.

IN in this case The main signals indicating that the dog urgently needs to be shown to a specialist are:

• dull or watery eyes;
• bloodless gums;
• cold surface of the ears;
• wheezing.

Hot and dry

Too much heat nasal mucosa is almost always combined with dryness. This symptom always indicates a disease that causes fever. The reasons for this are infectious pathology or significant injury, and inflammatory process. First of all, it is important to make sure that the dog is not experiencing heatstroke.

Immediate contact with a veterinarian is necessary in cases where a hot and dry nose is combined with the following symptoms:

• weakness, lethargy and sleeping longer than usual;
• constant desire drink;
• loss of appetite;
• increased irritability and aggression;
• the dog tries to hide in a secluded place where no one will disturb him;
• obvious intestinal disorders(diarrhea, vomiting);
• swelling of the nose;
• blisters and peeling on the mucous membrane;
• frequent sneezing and paroxysmal cough, runny nose;
• hoarse voice.

It's good if the dog can measure the temperature. The meaning of this parameter is different for dogs of different ages and size, and also change in pregnant or lactating bitches.

First aid

If a hot and dry nose is detected in an animal, it is necessary to identify the underlying cause. This can be done professionally at a veterinary clinic. It is possible that in addition to a visual examination, you will have to undergo tests.

But until the dog is taken to the clinic, its condition can be alleviated using basic techniques. To do this you need to follow these tips:

• provide your pet with constant access to water;
• in case of allergies, remove all flowering plants from the apartment;
• in winter, lubricate the nasal mucosa with cotton wool soaked in water or weak saline solution;
• treat the earlobe with an ointment based on calendula extract or fresh juice aloe.

The owner must remember that it is impossible to give the animal any medications before examination by a specialist: this may disrupt the overall picture of the disease or affect the tests that will be prescribed to find the cause.

The condition of the nose is the main parameter by which it is easy to monitor changes occurring in the dog, so it needs to be monitored periodically, comparing it with the norm in a healthy dog. By monitoring it, you can quickly detect the onset of pathological processes and provide your pet with first aid in a timely manner.