Dogs & Wet Noses

Have you ever noticed that your four-legged friend usually has a wet nose? This is more common than you would think! It is inevitable. You may wonder why your dog has a wet nose. We are here to help you. One of the most interesting facts is that a dog’s moist nose results from a mixture of mucus and saliva. Dog’s noses secrete a thin layer of mucus. In addition, our four-legged friends love to lick their noses, which will also cause wetness.

Our research shows that a wet nose serves many vital purposes for dogs. Did you know a wet nose helps dogs regulate their body temperature with moisture? Remember that dogs do not have sweat glands all over their bodies like humans. Therefore, they utilize sweat glands in their noses and paw pads to maintain safe internal temperatures!

We know that dogs have a fantastic sense of smell. The wet nose contributes to this. When dogs inhale, tiny scent particles float in the air and get trapped in their nose mucus. Researchers suggest that this helps dogs break down and interpret colors. No wonder why a dog’s sense of smell is much better than ours!

What happens if your dog’s nose is dry? There are multiple reasons why a dog’s nose may be dry. The dog may be in an environment with low humidity. Another reason is that they just woke up from a long nap and haven’t licked their nose in a while! As an owner, you must pay close attention to bleeding, discoloration, or nose cracking. If this occurs, you will need to seek veterinary care.