Why is My Dog's Nose Dry?
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We have always heard that when a dog's nose is dry it is because they are sick. The truth is that it can be dry for various reasons and not all are related to diseases. Healthy dogs also have dry noses on many occasions.
You should not worry that your dog's nose is not wet unless you have noticed wounds, cracks or dryness lasting several days. In fact, dogs with pink noses are often more dry because of sun exposure. Likewise, after a long sleep, it is also common for dog to have a little dryness on their nose. This is nothing a little water can't solve.
Have you ever wondered why is my dog's nose dry? And you got scared thinking they could be sick, AnimalWised are here to answer your concerns.
The climate
One of the causes that can dry the nose of your pet is the weather. In places where it is very cold, windy or sunny, it is normal for our dogs' noses to look less moist if they are exposed to the weather for a long time. They can even crack slightly, just like people's lips.
If the cracks do not bleed, suppurate or if sores do not appear, we should not worry. We can solve this by washing their snout, drying it gently and putting a thin layer of petroleum jelly to moisturize the area.
Light-skinned dogs are prone to sunburn. They usually have pink noses and when they burn, in addition to dryness, they turn a more reddish color. You can put some protective cream on them every time you go outside, thus avoiding burns.
The vet can advise you some special moisturizers for the noses of dogs. They are usually very affordable and are made so as not to damage the dog's stomach in case they lick it.
Low defenses
If after applying moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly they still have a dry nose, they may have low defenses. A vet can give a reliable diagnosis, and if it is for this reason, you may have to give food supplements to your dog and even change their feed. Weakness in the immune system can cause your dog to catch any other disease more easily than normal.
Distemper or parvovirus
Sometimes the dryness of the nose may be caused by some more serious illness. Canine parvovirus or distemper can cause your dog's snout to look dry and cracked. If your dog has other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or a runny nose, he or she may have some illness and should go to the vet straight away. Do not forget that the sooner you detect a disease, the more effective the treatment will be and the more likely your dog to heal without complications.
When should I go to the vet?
There are some signs to look out for that tell you something is wrong with your dog's health and that you should visit the veterinarian. Be especially careful if you notice that your dog's nose has any of the following characteristics:
- If the dryness lasts for several days and the nose is hot.
- If they bleed through the nose.
- If sores appear.
- If they have discharge of greenish or yellowish color.
- If the nose becomes inflamed.
- If lumps appear.
- If you notice that it is difficult for them to breathe, that it hurts if you touch them or the dog is too apathetic.
- If the nose is very discolored.
- If they scratch constantly and rub their nose on different places to relieve itch.
- If you notice that they drink more than normal.
If you want to read similar articles to Why is My Dog's Nose Dry?, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.
