Pretty much everyone has heard the saying that your dog’s nose should be cold and wet. But does that mean every dry or cracked nose means the dog is sick? No.
If your dog is in a cool, damp place, his nose will be wet and cool. If he is in a hot, dry place, his nose will tend to be dry. If he is outside on a dry, windy day, his nose will tend to be dry. His nose could even get sunburned!
A dog’s nose is normally moist due to licking. Keeping that nose damp helps the dog with scenting and helps with cooling down if your dog is hot. But other factors can weigh in on whether the nose is wet or dry. A dripping wet nose may be due to an illness like an infection.
When a Dog’s Nose Is Dry
Most dogs will not lick their noses when they sleep or nap, so when they wake up, their noses are often dry. If the air in your house is dry, your dog’s nose may be dry. If he is outside in dry, cold air, his nose can get chapped just like your lips.
A fever can cause a dry, warm nose, but a dry, warm nose doesn’t necessarily mean he has a fever. If your dog is sick, usually, he will have other signs such as lethargy or a high temperature, but his nose may feel warmer than usual and dry.
A dog who is dehydrated may have a warm, dry nose, but he also probably has a dry mouth, thick saliva (if any saliva), panting, and may even collapse.
Causes of a Dog’s Dry Nose
Older dogs and brachycephalic dogs (short muzzles, short faces) may not keep their noses as damp as they should. This could be simply because they don’t lick as much. It can also be a problem with a younger dog with a normal muzzle.
A dry nose may also be due to nasal keratosis, which is basically an overgrowth of the keratin producing cells. The nose may feel rough and can even have a “shaggy” appearance. The skin on the paw pads may also become thick and cracked. Cocker Spaniels are known for this problem.
Allergies are sometimes blamed for dry nose. Pollen and other irritants may cause some extra keratin.
First Aid for Dog’s Dry Nose
If your dog has a dry nose, you need to determine if there is an underlying cause such as pemphigus and treat it. A veterinary visit can diagnose it but will require some diagnostics.
If your house is dry, consider adding a humidifier. Always make sure your dog has plenty of clean, fresh water to drink. Wiping on some coconut oil or olive oil can help. Shea butter and aloe vera can help with dry, cracked nose.
Commercial dog balms can be put directly on the dog’s nose. Natural Dog Snout Soother is basically a lip balm for dog noses. Blissful Dog Nose Balm and the original farmer’s friend, Bag Balm, can be used as needed. You should only need to apply any of these once or twice a day. As you put any balm on, immediately offer a treat or two to distract your dog from just licking it right off. Caution: Human lip balms and petroleum jelly may have some ingredients that are not safe for dogs, so it is best to avoid them.
