It is a mistaken belief that if a dog has a warm and dry nose, then this is necessarily a sign of illness. It is imperative to pay attention to accompanying signs, because... Only a completely healthy animal can have a hot nose.
Healthy dog nose
During the day, the dog's nose is usually wet and cool. But also during the day there is periodic and short-term drying and warming.
A dry nose may occur for the following reasons:
- after significant physical exertion and excessive active games, after which the pet is clearly tired or overtired;
- during the heating season, when the room has warm and dry air;
- when the dog is sleeping, the nose is usually dry (or for a short time after waking up - due to a slowdown in metabolism and a decrease in the secretion of moisture);
- in a moment of fright or nervous overstrain;
- reaction to sudden changes in weather (dogs are especially sensitive to windy weather);
- at the moment when puppies change teeth from milk to permanent, the condition of the nose periodically changes;
- period of estrus in a female dog due to hormonal changes;
- a warm and dry nose in puppies is considered normal even for a long time, if at the same time they look healthy, active, with a good appetite and a normal frequency of emptying the bladder and intestines;
- After giving birth, a nursing bitch is allowed a dry nose (but not a hot one) in the first day or two;
- individually slow metabolism and the special structure of the nose can lead to the fact that some individuals have a dry and warm nose almost throughout their entire life.
All of the above reasons are not accompanied by any further symptoms, and warming of the nose is a short-term phenomenon. If the nose is warm for several hours, but the pet’s external condition is alarming and additional symptoms are added, then this may well be a sign of some disease.
Dry nose – when to pay special attention
If the nasal mirror is not wet and warm for a long time (from several hours to several days), then the pet needs increased attention from its owner. Usually this condition is additionally accompanied by other signs of health problems.
Pay attention to your dog if, along with a dry nose, the following is noted:
- lethargy, apathy, lack of desire to walk and play, no reaction to a nickname;
- desire to hide – animals that feel unwell very often try to hide in a secluded place;
- decreased or complete lack of appetite; one may also refuse water, or there may be increased thirst (due to dehydration, dryness is observed, because the secretion that makes the surface moist ceases to be produced);
- with rectal measurement, an increase in body temperature (normal body temperature in a dog: 37.7-39 ° C);
- hot ears to the touch (a sign of not only ear disease, but also an increase in the temperature of the whole body);
- signs of a cold: nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing;
- changes in breathing rate and heartbeat, both towards faster and slower (normally a dog makes 15-30 breathing movements/min, and its heart beats at a frequency of 70-100 beats/min).
If the following obvious signs occur, the animal should be shown to a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- a sharp jump in body temperature to 40°C and above;
- loss of consciousness;
- cloudy, unpleasant-smelling nasal discharge;
- violation of the frequency of bowel movements and urination (normally, the dog walks “smallly” 2-3 times and empties the intestines 1-2 (rarely 3) times);
- intestinal upset (diarrhea with any impurities, especially bloody);
- vomit.
Reasons when the nose is dry and feels hot
If all possible physiological causes of drying and warming of the nasal planum have been excluded, then the essence is still a malaise.
All potential causes of a hot, dry nose in a dog:
- any internal infections - bacterial, fungal or viral (it is especially important not to miss canine distemper - distemper - and rabies);
- allergy;
- colds;
- any internal or external injuries to any part of the body in which the dog feels pain;
- bruised nose;
- autoimmune disease - pemphigus foliaceus;
- poisoning, especially accompanied by intense vomiting and diarrhea, causing dehydration;
- immune reaction to the vaccine after vaccination;
- reaction to tick bites;
- the first few days of the postoperative period, while anesthesia is removed from the body;
- helminthic infestations (worms almost always provoke serious intoxication of the body, general malaise, lethargy and a warm, dry nose).
Helping the dog
The first thing an owner should do if they notice a warm (hot) and dry nose on a pet is to observe it. If activity and appetite are preserved, and there are no longer any external signs of general malaise of the animal, then you just need to wait until the temperature and humidity of the nose are restored on their own.
If recovery does not occur and there are still signs that the pet is sick, the owner needs to measure the body temperature rectally. If the indicator increases critically (more than 40°C), you need to try to reduce the levels by physical means - soldering with water, wet the fur, lay it in a cool place and apply cold to the groin and armpits. After the temperature drops, the dog is taken to the veterinarian. If the temperature is slightly elevated, then you can go to the clinic immediately, without wasting time on knocking down. You cannot give any antipyretics on your own!
If the nose is cracked, you can use calendula ointment to soften and moisturize the surface. A visit to a specialist is still required, because... Sometimes fissures need to be treated not symptomatically, but as a global primary disease.
What does a veterinarian do?
- The veterinarian will carefully examine the sick animal and interview the owner about the circumstances under which the nose was discovered to be dry and hot.
- If the clinic confirms the presence of any infection, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotic therapy and develop antiviral or antifungal treatment regimens.
- If an allergy is detected, the diet will be adjusted and antihistamines will be prescribed orally and locally. It will also be recommended to replace the bowls from which the animal eats. Allergies are often caused by low-quality plastic feeding utensils.
- If the cause of a dry nose is injury and pain, the correct pain relief and treatment of injuries will be selected.
- Medical deworming will be carried out if helminthic infection is confirmed and, if necessary, detoxification.
- A course of rehydration drips is required if there are signs of dehydration due to any underlying pathology.
- Impact on the immune system when pemphigus foliaceus (an autoimmune disease) is confirmed.
A warm (hot) and dry nose is not always a sign of pathology. Just like a wet, cold nose is a sign of health. It is important to be attentive to your pet and notice additional accompanying signs in time.
Question answer
Nose is dry and cracked
Vitamin deficiency, allergies, injury, poor diet or autoimmune disease (pemphigus foliaceus). For these reasons, bubbles form on the surface of the nose, which burst, dry out, and crusts form. Each cause requires an individual approach to eliminate symptoms. The main thing to remember is that the tip of a dog’s nose is a mucous surface, so no iodine, brilliant green or other similar irritating substances should be applied to it! Self-medication without establishing the exact cause is also not advisable.
Hot, dry nose with discharge from the eyes and nasal passages, vomiting and diarrhea
The classic signs of canine distemper are a very serious viral disease in which the survival rate of pets is directly proportional to the speed of their delivery to a specialist. The disease is popularly called plague.
Icy nose and cold ears
In this condition, hypothermia is excluded. It is necessary to immediately measure the body temperature and, if it is low, the dog should be wrapped in a warm blanket and taken to the clinic. Usually this condition is also accompanied by pallor of the mucous membranes and drooping, sunken eyes. Trembling may occur.
What does it mean if a dog has a dry nose?
There are a lot of options: the animal was sleeping, ran/jumped for a long time and actively, overheated in the sun or in a warm room, got scared or really got sick. But the disease is necessarily accompanied by some additional signs, which the veterinarian will use to make an accurate diagnosis.
Nose is cold but dry
Perhaps the body does not have enough vitamins D and A. It is enough to lubricate it with panthenol and introduce vegetable oil into the diet to activate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. If small furrows begin to appear (the nose is cracking), it is good to use calendula ointment. Also, a cold and dry nose is most often observed with allergies (much more often than a hot and not wet nose).
Along with a warm nose, the dog’s eyes become watery and clear snot comes out.
There is a high chance that your pet has developed an allergic reaction to something. But to find out a more precise reason, it is better to show your pet to a veterinarian to rule out infections and colds.
Warm nasal planum, semi-consciousness and heavy breathing
The condition resembles heatstroke (sunstroke). It is advisable to provide first aid if the owner is sure that the dog has overheated in the sun or has been in a stuffy room for a long time. The pet moves to any cool place, cool water (not cold) is drunk a little at a time, the fur is wetted, and cold is applied to hairless areas of the body (groin and armpits). In all other cases, this is a reason to immediately visit a veterinarian.
Nose is hot (warm) but wet
When the nose returns to its normal moist state after any physiological cause, it is first moistened and then cooled. You can catch the moment when warmth combines with “wetness”.
The dog is lethargic, dry nose, no appetite
Lethargy with a dry nose and lack of desire to eat even your favorite treat is always a sign of ill health. You need to take a close look at your pet so as not to miss other symptoms that will help determine what is wrong with him. Possible overheating, infection or poisoning. Be sure to show it to a specialist.
Puppy has a dry nose
If it is dry, but not hot, and the puppy feels great, then this phenomenon is considered as a variant of the physiological norm. Puppies are active and have a different metabolism from adult dogs, so warm and dry noses are more common.
Dogs usually have a moist nose that is pleasant to the touch. But what to do if your dog has a warm and dry nose? The causes and treatment of this symptom vary depending on many factors.
In order not to make a mistake in choosing a strategy to combat the disease, you need to systematize all the symptoms. It is important to familiarize yourself with potential diagnoses and only then draw conclusions.
If the nasal cavity and the outer part of the olfactory organ are left without moisture for a long time, and its temperature is higher than normal, the animal needs close attention from its owner. Usually, breathing and nasal problems are accompanied by other symptoms. After analysis and consultation with a veterinarian, it will be possible to establish the correct diagnosis.
- The dog is lethargic and shows no interest in toys or food. In case of illness, the animal does not respond to a name, commands or calls for a walk, preferring to lie passively in its place or closer to warmth.
- When measuring body temperature rectally, the results differ from the norm. A healthy dog's body temperature does not exceed 37.7-39 degrees Celsius. Already at 40 degrees, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
- An equally dangerous symptom is a metabolic disorder. The optimal frequency of urination is considered to be 2-3 times in 24 hours, and bowel cleansing occurs from 1 to 3 times, as a maximum. You shouldn’t risk your dog’s health, so if there is bloody discharge or vomiting, be sure to take the animal to a veterinary clinic.
- The skin on the nose cracks due to lack of natural moisture. In case of serious illnesses, it may become covered with cloudy discharge with an unpleasant odor.
- The heart rate changes (usually it beats faster than normal) and even the pet’s breathing rhythm. The dog's pulse rate ranges from 70 to 100 beats per minute, and up to 30 breaths take place during the same time.
Colds
After being outside for long periods of time during the cooler months, a dog with a weakened immune system may catch a cold. Another prerequisite for the disease is living in a poorly heated room or enclosure that is not protected from drafts and wind. The animal can be cured at home. But to do this, you not only need to choose the right recovery strategy, you need to identify all the symptoms.
With a cold, in addition to a dry, hot nose, your pet will have hoarse breathing, snoring during sleep (usually caused by nasal congestion), and regular sneezing or coughing. The owner needs to reduce the calorie content of the standard daily diet, provide the dog with enough drinking water, and also temporarily limit walking, and prepare a warm place.
A dog can exhibit allergic reactions to unsuitable food, cheap and low-quality plates or toys, even random objects and creatures encountered on the street. You can determine the problem by the condition of the animal: if the dog is lethargic, does not eat, and only drinks water, then you should consult a veterinarian or independently determine the source.
If we talk about general tips for dealing with reactions, then refrain from buying plastic bowls, intensely colored bedding made from artificial materials, or food with bad reviews. In this case, the likelihood of allergies will decrease, but there are a number of dog breeds with reduced resistance to them. If your pet is one of them, try to pay attention to the quality of the objects around him.
Unsuitable climate
The possibility that the dog was injured due to the terrain should not be ruled out. Typically, an animal that does not like the climate constantly lies down, does not show love for life, and refuses food. These include heat, wind, scorching rays of the sun and sudden changes in weather. If the reason lies in weather conditions, try to leave the animal at home, providing coolness or warmth (depending on the situation), and care with zoological cosmetics.
Injuries
Inflammatory processes that appear after the formation of injuries on the pet’s body can also cause a dry nose. Please note: Typically, an injured dog will have red eyes, drowsiness, lameness, and general lethargy. It is worth consulting a doctor especially if the animal refuses to move. But if you doubt the reasons for behavioral changes, provide your dog with rest and allow him to recover.
Other diseases
A dry and warm nose can be a sign of more serious illnesses. For example, dogs with also have a dry nose. But there is no need to worry ahead of time: the diagnosis will only be correct in conjunction with other symptoms. These include refusal to eat, discharge of pus from the eyes and nostrils. Take a closer look if the animal is sneezing and the skin on its body is slightly peeling. If you have rabies, your pet may seek solitude in a secluded place and behave aggressively. Most likely, the animal's nose will have an elevated temperature. If you suspect rabies, contact a specialist as soon as possible: the disease threatens not only the death of the dog (infected people are euthanized), but also possible injuries to household members and others.
It is quite possible that the animal has caught a cold: you will involuntarily notice a runny nose, sneezing and coughing of your pet. Dry nose will haunt him from the moment of illness, but everything will change as soon as the treatment is successfully completed. Pemphigus deserves mention: a disruption of the immune system, which manifests itself in the formation of blisters on the nose. If you observe symptoms, contact your veterinarian so as not to put your pet's life at risk.
Video: what to do if your dog has a warm and dry nose?
When can you not worry?
You will quickly realize that something is wrong if the dog is trembling, whining and at the same time has a warm, withered olfactory organ. But perhaps your pet will not show such obvious symptoms of illness. In the following paragraphs, we will figure out what to think when changes in temperature and humidity of the nose are the only reason for doubting the well-being of the animal.
- If your pet has a warm, dry nose, don't panic right away: the reasons may be completely natural and harmless. A change in the humidity of this sense organ occurs when the animal has not had time to adapt to weather or climatic conditions, for example, on trips or at the turn of the year. When nature returns to a standard state or the climate zone changes to the usual one, the dog’s mucous membrane will normalize.
- In case of severe stress (after vaccination, communication with an unfriendly animal or change of place of residence or owners) or poor health, the condition of the nose may change. If you see that the animal is shaking, let it recover and try to cheer it up: a treat and unobtrusive stroking will be a good incentive. Make sure it stays longer in a place that is comfortable and familiar to it.
- The same thing happens if the dog is in a state of decline. In this case, the pet will return to normal after several hours of restful sleep in a cool place. At this moment, the best help for your pet is to provide peace.
- Dogs with pink or gray noses have a high chance of getting sunburned. If the olfactory organ gets hot, cracks, begins to peel and becomes several shades redder, start treating it with a special cream (to avoid allergic reactions, consult your veterinarian). Nose care should be constant, because repeated sunburn can cause cancer of the dog’s skin.
- A cold nose combined with cool tips of the ears can be signs of hypothermia (usually pets get it after an unsuccessful walk in the cold or a shower with too low a temperature). First of all, take your dog's temperature. If she is below the age norm, the eyes are drooping, and the gums are lighter than usual, you should contact a veterinarian. If the indicators are normal, it will be enough to warm the four-legged pet.
- Miniature dog breeds also tend to have a dry, warm nose. The same can be said about puppies or already grown individuals. Thus, there is no need to worry if your animal constantly exhibits this symptom.
- Sometimes sleepy animals also have a dry nose with an elevated temperature. Veterinary experts say that your four-legged pet's body heats up significantly during sleep. As a result, the nasal mucosa and its outer surface become less moisturized. After waking up the dog, give it a little time to recover, if it remains the same cheerful character, everything is within normal limits.
Even novice dog owners know that when a dog has a dry nose, it is cause for concern, because the olfactory organ of a healthy animal should be moist to the touch and cool. What are the causes of this phenomenon, and should you immediately go to the vet if this symptom occurs?
10 reasons for dry noses in dogs
We must immediately clarify that a dry nose in itself is not an indicator of some kind of pathology and, accordingly, a reason for concern. Animals have special glands in their noses that produce mucus. It acts as a specific filter. Through it, dogs perceive and analyze odors. When the nose dries out, the dog begins to experience discomfort because it cannot fully perceive information about the world around it. Accordingly, he begins to get nervous.
In normal conditions, in the absence of such signs as lethargy, apathy, or lack of appetite, the reasons why a dog has a dry nose are the following:
Other factors that cause dry nose in dogs
In the absence of pathological changes, factors that cause dogs to have a dry nose may include:
Features of the structure of a dog's nose
As already noted, the humidity of the respiratory organ in dogs is ensured by the continuous secretion of special mucus. Its main task is to act as a kind of filter that facilitates the recognition of odors.
As the dog dries out, it loses the ability to recognize odors. If in the conditions of home life this is not so critical, then in the wild it would have dire consequences: he did not recognize the prey, did not eat, became weak, fell ill, and died. It has been scientifically proven that a wet nose greatly enhances not only the ability to recognize odors, but also to determine their source, direction and break it down into individual components. In addition to the tongue, the nose also performs a thermoregulatory function, helping to maintain a stable balance in the body.
Additional symptoms of diseases
In addition to a dry nose, evidence that all is not well with your pet will include fever, changes in the color of the whites of the eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, and damage to the skin in the form of scratching.
Naturally, the reason for a trip to the veterinary clinic will be the presence of worms in the stool, persistent diarrhea, severe thirst, lethargy, loss of appetite, and hoarse breathing.
When is a dry nose still normal?
In other cases, a dog’s dry nose is not a reason to be afraid. And, fortunately, there are many more such cases. So, a dog’s nose may be dry:
Preventive measures
To avoid such a symptom as a dry nose, it is important to carefully monitor your pet on the street, prohibiting it from getting into dirt and debris, where there may be shards of glass, pieces of metal or plastic that can injure the animal. It is important to limit contact with yard dogs and cats and wild animals, which can carry serious diseases, including rabies.
When walking in hot weather, periodically look for shaded places for your pet to rest and take water with you to quench your dog’s thirst. It is advisable to avoid areas where there is a high likelihood of allergens.
The dog must be bathed periodically, monitor the cleanliness of the home and the presence of drafts, as well as the quality of food and water. Regularly carry out vaccinations and anthelmintic therapy. Comprehensive information about the frequency and correctness of this procedure will be provided by a specialist in the clinic where the pet is observed.
Treatment options
In case of injury, stop the bleeding, treat the wound and administer an anesthetic if necessary, then immediately go to the veterinarian. If you are dehydrated, try to inject water with a syringe.
In case of poisoning, rinse the stomach and give the animal an adsorbent. For colds, antibiotics, vitamin complexes, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed. All manipulations should be carried out in accordance with the recommendation of a specialist, since self-medication is fraught with deterioration of the animal’s condition and even death.
Thus, a healthy dog's nose will be cold and wet. If temporary dryness does not pose a threat to the pet’s health, then if there are signs such as a coating on the tongue, watery eyes, falling out hair, and a number of others discussed in detail above, there is no need to delay a visit to the veterinarian. It’s better to play it safe than to regret a missed opportunity later, because you won’t be able to restore your beloved dog’s health.
A dog's nose is an indicator of the animal's health. A wet nose inhales tiny particles, which are analyzed by the olfactory glands.
Should an owner worry if his pet’s nose becomes dry?
What kind of nose should a dog have?
Dog lovers have repeatedly felt the touch of a wet and cold nose. There is nothing unusual in this, since this fact indicates that the pet is healthy. There are two reasons why a dog's nose is wet:
- A thin layer of mucus on the nose helps to perceive odors. Dogs' excellent sense of smell is due in part to this mucous humectant, which helps absorb and retain odors. A dog's nose licking is actually a way of "sensing" a scent, giving the dog more information about its surroundings.
- The nose is also one of the few places that dogs use for their thermoregulation. They do not have sweat glands like humans. Instead, dogs “sweat” their noses and paw pads.
The general belief that a dog's nose should be wet and cold is to some extent untrue. The condition of the dog's nose changes hourly. Such changes are often associated with the external environment of the animal.
A dry nose can be in a completely healthy pet or it can be wet, for example, in a dog suffering from cardiovascular disease or an injury. A dog with a runny nose will have a wet nose. A cold nose in a dog is generally an unreliable sign of the animal's health.
Important! Objective indicators of a dog’s health are its appetite, the amount of water it drinks, and significant changes in behavior.
Pathological causes of dry and warm nose
A dog's most powerful sense is smell. They use their wet nose to analyze and understand the world around them. A dry and hot nose causes discomfort to the dog and makes it impossible to receive information about the environment. Deprived of his sense of smell, the dog is stressed and nervous.
As mentioned above, a pet’s nose is not a clinical manifestation of disease. In pathological cases, symptoms of poor health include a dry nose in the dog, lethargy, fatigue and lack of appetite.
Reasons why a dog may have a dry nose:
- Sunburn. A dry, red nose can actually indicate sunburn. Dogs with light or pink noses are more susceptible to sunburn than others. It is important to protect your pet's noses, as repeated sunburn can lead to the development of skin cancer.
- Skin diseases. Dermatological problems often cause ulcers and cracks on a dog's nose.
- Cold. In addition to a dry nose, the dog will have characteristic symptoms of colds: cough, wheezing, discharge from the nasal passages, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue.
- Injury. Often a dry nose indicates that the dog has harmed itself in some way. In the absence of visible damage, there is a risk of injured internal systems and vital organs.
- Dehydration. A dry nose is one of many symptoms of dehydration in your pet. A dehydrated dog's eyes become sour, the gums become dry, and the skin loses its elasticity. If your dog refuses to drink, you should immediately take him to a veterinary clinic.
- Strange nasal discharge. Clear nasal discharge is acceptable. If they acquire a yellow, green or dark tint, or become thick, then your pet should be shown to a veterinarian.
- Allergy. Dogs are also susceptible to allergic reactions, and a dry nose in this case is a symptom of an allergy. Dry nose due to allergies can be eliminated by taking antihistamines prescribed by a veterinarian, excluding potential allergens.
- Pemphigus. Refers to autoimmune skin diseases. The dog’s body is not able to distinguish between pathogenic microorganisms and its own structures, so it begins to fight against its own surface layer of the epidermis. One of the places where the disease is localized is the animal’s nose. Bubbles with liquid appear on it and burst. The leaked liquid dries and forms crusts, making it difficult for the dog to breathe.
- Helminthiasis. In addition to a dry nose, the dog will experience lethargy, vomiting, and high body temperature. Deworming should be carried out once a season (4 times a year).
- Plague. In addition to a dry nose, symptoms of this disease include purulent discharge from the nose and eyes, diarrhea, refusal to eat, and apathy. The dog is unsteady on its feet, staggers, and possible fainting or convulsions.
What to do?
Before taking any action, you should objectively assess the animal’s condition and act based on clinical indications. If the owner notices that the dog has a warm and dry nose, a possible solution to the problem is the following:
- Pay attention to details: at what time of the day or year does the dog’s nose become dry, how long does the dryness last, whether the pet’s diet or behavior has changed, whether there are other clinical symptoms of diseases. You should measure the temperature with caution; this is an unpleasant procedure for your pet, so it is recommended to lubricate the tip of the thermometer with oil or Vaseline. A temperature of 37.5-39 o C is considered normal for dogs. Using a veterinary tonometer, you can measure the dog’s blood pressure. Normally it is 120-140 mmHg. You can use a human blood pressure monitor, but the results will most likely be inaccurate.
- In case of colds Provide your pet with plenty of fluids and rest, and offer him his favorite food. to maintain strength. You should not completely give up walking in the fresh air; the dog needs to satisfy its natural needs. You can simply reduce the time you spend outside to 15 minutes.
- Remove potential food, chemical and other allergens. During the flowering period of plants, it is recommended to walk the dog away from pollen sources. Identifying the allergen may take some time. Cleaning of the premises where the animal is located must be carried out without the use of chemicals. A common type of allergic dermatitis in pets is a reaction to flea bites. Flea saliva contains about 15 types of toxins that enter the bloodstream during a bite.
- To avoid sunburn, before going outside Sunscreen or lotion is rubbed into the pet's nose purchased from a pet store. Your dog will also benefit from children's sunscreen. A dry nose can be lubricated with calendula or aloe juice, as well as olive or coconut oil, and Vaseline.
- Pass the necessary tests and consult a veterinarian.
When is there no reason to worry?
In most cases, a dry nose is not a cause for concern, but it should be remembered that it can be one of the symptoms of various diseases. Below are common reasons why a dog's nose may be dry.
- The dog is sleeping. During sleep, the pet does not lick its nose, so it dries out. The nose will become moist again within ten minutes after the animal awakens.
- Hot dry air in the room. In this case, a dog’s dry nose can be compared to a person’s sore throat, which appears as a result of heating the air by heating devices. The dog could lie down next to the heater, and his nose would become dry because of this. Humidity will be restored as soon as the dog moves away from the heat source.
- Impact of natural factors. In winter, the dog's nose becomes dry due to low air temperatures, which causes cracks to appear on its surface.
- Plastic. Many pets are disgusted by plastic dishes or toys. If this is the reason for a dog’s dry nose, then the solution to the problem will be to replace your pet’s plastic dishes with ceramic or stainless steel. Rubber ones will be a good replacement for plastic toys.
- Age and individual characteristics. Puppies often have warm noses. As children grow older, this feature disappears. Also, a dog’s nose can be warm all the time, which is not a pathology and does not indicate the development of diseases. The mucous membrane in this case is in a passive state, which is considered an individual feature of the body.
- Overwork and stress. Prolonged physical activity (running, swimming, training) consumes the dog’s energy reserves. Animals, like people, are characterized by a loss of strength. A dry nose under these circumstances will no longer be dry after the dog has regained its strength.
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Important! The dog's nose should not remain dry for long, otherwise cracks will appear on it. You can remove dryness with Vaseline, olive or coconut oil, which is rubbed in a small amount into the animal’s nose.
Conclusion
In most cases, a dog's dry nose is not a symptom of a developing disease. Temporary dryness does not entail physical discomfort for the animal. But a chronic or cracked dry nose may be a sign of a more serious problem. In this case, the veterinarian should examine the dog and determine what is causing the pet's dry nose.
Even an inexperienced dog owner probably knows that one of the first signs of a healthy dog is always its cool and moist nose. If this part of your pet's body is dry and hot, something is probably wrong with the animal. But still, a dry nose in a puppy is not in every case a sign of pathology.
But first you need to talk about what a puppy’s nose should be like normally:
- The skin should be slightly damp and cool.
- The condition of the skin on the nose itself is of great importance. Normally, it is smooth, shiny, and “silky” to the touch. Even if the nose is cool and damp, but it is full of sores, scabs or ulcers, there is no need to talk about health. In any case, such a puppy must be shown to a veterinarian.
- The skin on the nose should be elastic. Its dryness and “parchment” state often indicate illness.
The main reasons why a puppy's nose may become dry
First, let's look at the (relatively) safe reasons why a puppy's nose may become dry:
- During active games, running and training, your pet's nose may dry out and become quite warm to the touch. This phenomenon is associated with the peculiarities of the thermoregulation mechanism of dogs. These animals have practically no sweat glands; their bodies are cooled by the evaporation of water from the tongue and... nose. Accordingly, during active “races” the nose dries out as expected.
- Sleeping dogs (both puppies and adult animals) have a dry and warm nose. This is also due to the peculiarities of thermoregulation and a slowdown in metabolism during sleep. And in this case, everything is fine with the animal; there is no need to worry about the dryness of its nose.
- Dogs' noses dry out quickly in hot and stuffy rooms, as well as after long walks in the hot season. Let us note once again that the mechanism of thermoregulation in these animals is not very effective, and therefore in such conditions the dog can become very overheated and suffer from heatstroke. To prevent this from happening, you should maintain a normal temperature in the room and do not walk with your pet during the midday heat.
Pathological causes of “drying” of the nose:
Read also: What Pets Should Stay Away From
However, it is pointless to pay attention to the dryness/wetness of the nose alone. It is necessary to look at the general well-being of the dog, the presence of appetite/thirst, etc. If the puppy’s nose is dry, but the baby remains in good health and cheerfulness, there is no reason to worry, you just need to keep a close eye on the pet for a while.
Additional symptoms, their explanation and what to do
Below we list additional symptoms, their explanation and what a breeder should do if alarming clinical signs are detected.
Nose is very hot
When a puppy’s nose is very hot and so hot that it can be easily detected with a light touch, he definitely has health problems:
- This is either serious hyperthermia (the puppy is very overheated).
- Sometimes local on the nose increases due to and (i.e. local diseases of the skin of the nose itself). This is easy to guess by the presence of wounds, cracks, ulcers and other lesions of the skin.
- Or, more likely, your pet's general body temperature is very elevated.
In any case, the baby must be placed in a well-ventilated room (but without drafts). Give the puppy as much water as possible. If the problem is hyperthermia due to overheating, this is enough to normalize the animal’s condition. For local skin lesions, ointments with an antiseptic and healing effect are used (synthomycin liniment, salicylic and tetracycline ointments).
If the temperature persists and the puppy’s condition continues to deteriorate, it is necessary to call a veterinarian.
Nose is very cold
Oddly enough, but in cases where the nose is very cold, everything can be much worse. The fact is that a sharp decrease in body temperature is possible only with a very serious condition of the body and a decrease in the activity of the temperature center in the brain:
- Terminal degree of dehydration.
- Near-death state.
In this case, the puppy is immediately placed in a warm place (but not in the heat), after which a veterinarian should be immediately called.
Dry nose while sleeping
We already wrote above that a dry nose during sleep is completely normal. When a puppy sleeps, his body does not need such intensive cooling, metabolic processes slow down, which is why the nose dries out. You don’t need to do anything; within 30-45 minutes from the moment you wake up, your pet’s nose will return to its normal state on its own.
The puppy doesn't eat anything
When, and at the same time he has a completely dry nose, then this definitely indicates an illness.
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Unfortunately, it is difficult to say what kind of disease this is. A thorough veterinary examination is required to make an accurate diagnosis. We can only give the following recommendations:
- Try to “seduce” the puppy by giving him the most delicious pieces of food.
- Drinking should be in unlimited quantities.
- If the puppy's condition worsens and he continues to refuse food, it is necessary to call a specialist. In cases where the pet still does not drink, this should be done immediately.
The puppy is lethargic
When a puppy is lethargic and has a dry nose, this indicates the same thing: the animal is sick. Most often the reasons are the following:
- Your pet has a fever due to an infection.
- He got poisoned.
- Perhaps the baby's intestines are full of helminths.
- Sometimes this sign indicates severe fatigue or overheating of the pet.
You can do the following:
- Provide the baby with the most comfortable living conditions; the room must have ventilation and adequate air temperature.
- Use only high-quality canned or natural food to stimulate appetite.
If the puppy’s condition does not change within 24 hours or begins to worsen, the advice is still the same - you need to call a veterinary specialist.
Vomiting attacks
Most often, vomiting indicates the following problems:
- Poisoning.
- Severe helminthic infestations.
- Some infectious diseases (especially).
- Overeating, eating poor quality food, garbage.
If you are vomiting, you can advise the following:
- Give your pet complete rest.
- A fasting diet is advisable. Duration - from four to six (maximum - eight hours).
- The puppy needs clean drinking water in unlimited quantities.
- If there is a suspicion of poisoning or eating spoiled/low-quality food, the puppy is given two tablets of activated carbon per kilogram of weight up to five times a day.
Again, if the pet’s condition remains unchanged, consultation with a specialist is necessary.
The puppy has diarrhea
If the puppy has a dry nose, then:
- This often indicates severe dehydration secondary to diarrhea.
- Most likely, diarrhea is caused by some kind of infection.
- It is possible that the animal is poisoned.
The tips are largely similar to those described above:
- For the first six hours - a fasting diet.
- Give your puppy at least three tablets of activated charcoal per kilogram of weight. Repeat every hour.
- An unlimited supply of clean and fresh drinking water is a vital requirement.
If all else fails, you need to call a veterinarian.
Rapid breathing
As a rule, rapid breathing coupled with a dry nose indicates that the puppy is simply overtired and/or overheated. His body strives to lose excess heat through intensive ventilation of the lungs. Often it is enough to place the baby in normal conditions in a ventilated room for his body to return to normal.
The puppy is shaking all over
When his nose is completely dry, in almost 100% of cases this indicates an increased overall body temperature. There may be two reasons:
- Or is it some kind of infectious disease.
- Or the baby simply overheated.
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