There are so many little things about our canine friends that make us love them so much. Those waggly tails, cheeky personalities, adorable puppy dog eyes, and boop-able snoots, just to name a few. But while we know why their tails wag, why they can be so cheeky from time to time, and how they use those puppy dog eyes to their benefit, have you ever wondered to yourself, why do dogs have wet noses? Is it a problem if their nose is dry, or perhaps too wet?
We’re here to give you the full run-down on the reason behind your pup’s wet snout and what it can tell you about their health.
Why do dogs have wet noses?
A wet nose on a dog isn’t just a cute little quirk – it serves a multitude of purposes, from boosting their sense of smell to keeping them cool. Here are just three reasons why dogs have wet noses.
Sweating
We humans have sweat glands all over the body. Dogs, on the other hand, mostly sweat from their paw pads and, you guessed it, their noses. Our canine pals sweat for the same reason we do – to keep cool! If you notice your dog’s nose is extra wet after a long workout with their favourite local Dog Walker, it’s likely their internal air-con working its magic
Mucus secretion
Yep, it sounds gross, but the mucus produced by dogs’ noses actually gives them some pretty amazing superpowers. The thin layer of mucus on your dog’s nose is one of the reasons why their sense of smell is between 10,000 and 100,000 times more powerful than ours. Some studies suggest they can even smell human emotions and tell the time! Well, not exactly, but they can tell how long it’s been since they’ve been for a walk (or seen their favourite human!) simply based on the intensity of the scent remaining. Pretty amazing, right?
Licking
It’s one of the simpler reasons as to why our pups have wet noses, but you’ve probably noticed how often your dog licks their snoot. We’ll get into why they do this next, but suffice to say your pup is very good at keeping their nose wet on their own!
Why do dogs lick their noses?
Okay, so now we know one of the reasons why dogs have wet noses is because they wet it themselves, the question remains – why do they lick their noses in the first place?
Well, think about it this way. Dogs rely on their sense of smell in much the same way that we humans rely on our sight. It’s largely how they perceive the world. Anyone who wears glasses on a daily basis knows that those lenses can get dirty pretty quickly, and dirty lenses can cloud vision (or at least distract from what you’re trying to see). A similar thing happens to our four-legged friends. After a while of sniffing flowers, other dogs, people, their food, your food… their nose can get quite dirty. Licking it is their way of cleaning up, thus enabling them to smell even better – just like cleaning glasses lenses can help us see better!
On the other hand, it’s also believed that dogs lick their noses as a way of getting more information about a particular scent. It’s almost as if they’re tasting the smell. This amazing ability is one of the many reasons why puppers have such a strong sense of smell.
You can actually train your dog’s sense of smell. You may be thinking, ‘why would I want to do that?’. Well, in addition to helping them become the next super sleuth, dogs can use their noses for all manner of tasks. It’s also a crafty way to sharpen your pooch’s mind.
Should I worry if my dog’s nose is dry?
You’ve probably heard that a wet nose means a healthy pup, while a dry nose indicates a sick doggo. Fortunately, that’s not true – at least, not often. While a wet nose is typically considered “normal”, having a dry nose doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your furry best friend. Here are a few reasons why your dog’s nose might be dry.
- Some breeds naturally have drier noses than others
- They’ve just woken up
- They’ve just exercised
- The weather is hot and dry
- They haven’t been drinking enough water
- Their nose could be sunburnt
- Dogs’ noses can gradually dry out as they get older
Generally speaking, you should only worry about a dry nose if it’s accompanied by other symptoms. If your pup is also lethargic, experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, lacks an appetite, or appears to be weak or in pain, consult with a vet as soon as possible.
Should I worry if my dog’s nose is too wet?
While a dry nose is usually quite benign, an extra-wet dog nose may signal a health problem. Dogs can have runny noses for the same reasons we do, one of the most common being an upper respiratory infection. It can occur in any breed, but brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are more susceptible due to their narrower nostrils.
Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in dogs aren’t too different to the symptoms we humans experience. Think a runny nose, lots of thick, discoloured mucus, and occasionally crustiness around the nose, too. These infections are usually quite mild and can be treated with a course of antibiotics from your vet.
A dog’s nose may also be wetter than usual because of allergies, blockages, and even anxiety, so it’s best to get checked out by a vet to get a clear answer.
