If Your Pooch's Nose is Wet, Does That Mean He's Sick?

Even though a wet nose usually means that your pug is healthy, there are some conditions to be on the lookout. Sores and scabs on your pup's nose should raise concern as well as redness and a very dry, flaky nose. Check out more causes for concern below:

It's commonly thought that you can tell a dog is healthy if your pooch's nose is wet and cold, but this isn't necessarily true.

Why is A Dog's Nose Often Wet?

Here are a few proposed explanations:

• Housekeeping: A dog's nose gets into everyone's business, not to mention his food dish.
• Cooling off: Instead, dogs dissipate body heat through their mouths, by panting, and through their wet noses, by evaporation.
• Scent detection: It's thought that a wet nose helps absorb the tiny water droplets that carry a scent, making the most minuscule odors easier to detect.

Why May a Dog's Nose Sometimes Be Dry?

• A healthy dog's nose is often warm and dry after sleep.
• A dry, chapped nose is normal, especially with age.
• Dehydration or exertion
• Lying in the sun

When Should I Be Concerned About My Dog's Nose?

If it is associated with any of the following signs, see your veterinarian right away:

• Listlessness.
• Acting painful.
• Poor appetite.
• Redness and/or the flaking skin
• Presence of nasal discharge.
• Cracked nose or sores and scabs

As you can see a wet or dry nose is completely normal, especially as your pug gets older or experiences different climate changes, is frequently exercising, etc. However, if anything changes and your pug is not eating, is not acting himself and is experiencing nasal discharge and other disconcerting symptoms on his nose, it's recommended to take him to the vet. Keep your pup healthy and happy by paying attention to his daily actions and read more about his health on Dog Health.