If dogs and cats have dry noses. What to do if your dog has a dry and hot nose? A dog's nose is dry and warm under normal conditions.

From childhood everyone remembers that the sign healthy dog- cold and wet nose, and therefore often get scared if the pet’s nose turns out to be warm and dry. Is this always a cause for concern? Let's try to figure this out.

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Dry cracked nose

Why is my nose dry?

What to do if your dog has a dry nose?

Your pet cannot tell you how it is feeling, so the owner has to guess about the dog’s health based on other signs. What does it mean if a dog has a dry nose? Is this always a cause for concern?

The nose may become dry or wet due to completely harmless, natural causes. Therefore, you need to carefully observe your pet and understand whether there are other signs of a painful state of the body:

loss of appetite - in healthy dog he is always excellent;
if your usually playful dog suddenly loses interest in entertainment, becomes lethargic, prefers to lie down and does not respond to his favorite toys - this is also a cause for concern;
the desire to hide so that no one will bother you;
sometimes dogs behave aggressively during illness, showing irritation at the slightest provocation, just like people;
elevated or low temperature body ( normal temperature, depending on the size and age of the dog 37.5 - 39°C);
peeling of the nose, blisters, rash;
unsatisfactory condition of the coat - if it looks overdried, disheveled and is very tangled;
vomiting, diarrhea, cough, hoarseness are clear indicators that you should immediately go to the doctor.

Why is a dry nose in a dog considered a sign of illness?

Let's first figure out why a wet and cold nose is the norm. The fact is that a dog’s nose is lined both inside and outside with mucous membrane, which secretes moisturizing substances. It is sensitive not only to odors: moisturized skin senses the slightest air movements. This feature helps wild dogs to remain “on guard” even during sleep and sense the approach of an enemy by the movement of air.

Nature dictates that dogs need to keep their noses constantly moist to survive. This provides better susceptibility to odors, protection against bacteria and viruses that can enter the body through the respiratory tract. Therefore, violation of the norm laid down by nature is considered an indicator of an increase in body temperature, and therefore illness. However, there is not always reason to panic when your pet's nose is warm and dry.

In what cases is it normal for a dog to have a warm and dry nose?

It is always necessary to look at the totality of signs, at the dog’s behavior, whether it differs from the usual. Perhaps there are natural physiological reasons such a condition of the mucous membranes:

age and personal characteristics: structural features are often found in puppies and in some breeds respiratory tract and the mucous membrane, in which it is passive, which gives a similar effect throughout life;
when the dog is sleeping, or has recently woken up: in modern conditions dogs have lost some abilities and characteristics of their wild ancestors, including the function of their nose to “guard” even in their sleep;
stress: when the dog is nervous or scared, a similar effect can be observed for a short time, but you can wait a little, calm the dog, pet it, give it a treat - and soon everything will get better;
for pregnant and lactating bitches this is also the norm;
overwork: the dog actively walked for a long time, ran, fetched a stick, or traveled with you and was just as exhausted - you just need to give him a rest, and everything will be fine;
weather conditions - when it is very hot or, conversely, there is severe frost outside, the four-legged pet’s nose dries out, sometimes even cracks;
too dry air in the house - heating and air conditioning systems dry out the air in our homes, and if it is not humidified, then not only your pet will suffer from dry skin.

That is, if your pet looks active and behaves normally, most likely nothing bad is happening, and there is no need to run to the veterinary clinic. But if the nose is not just warm, but hot, then, for sure, we are dealing with a disease.

What does it mean if a dog has a dry nose and lethargy?

If the dog is weak and has no appetite, it is lethargic and does not behave as usual - these are alarming symptoms, and you definitely need to see a doctor about them. And the sooner the better, because lethargy is common symptom many diseases.

One of these diseases is worms. Nowadays, domestic dogs are annually “drive away worms” with tablets, and worms are rare in them. Symptoms: lethargy, bloating of the abdomen, problems with recovery, increased or decreased temperature.

Plague is an acute, rapidly progressing disease. Symptoms: hot dry nose, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, purulent discharge from the nose and eyes, diarrhea or vomiting with foam and blood, refusal of food and water, fainting, convulsions. If such signs appear, consult a doctor immediately!

Rabies is a fatal disease. It is transmitted through saliva and both unvaccinated animals and people can become infected. Main symptoms: hot dry nose, no appetite, but does not refuse water, lethargy, apathy and - especially important! - photophobia. Unfortunately, dogs cannot be cured of rabies - only euthanized. In this situation, the main thing is to keep people safe.

A dog has a dry, cracked nose - what diseases can be suspected?

Most common cause Allergy is a similar problem. Very often the dog itches, covers its face with its paws, and scratches. The pet's nose cracks and peels, and most often it is dry and cold, rough to the touch.

It is quite difficult to independently diagnose an allergy and find out what exactly it manifested itself to. An exception is if you can clearly link the time between the introduction of new food, the appearance of new household cleaning chemicals in the house, the purchase of new dog dishes - and the manifestation of symptoms. Perhaps these unpleasant symptoms are more pronounced outdoors, then you can suspect an allergy to plants that are currently blooming. However, it is better to undergo an examination to rule out other, more serious illnesses. Moreover, peeling skin is also a symptom of lupus.

Another disease that modifies the surface of the skin is pemphigus. This immune disease causes blisters to appear all over the dog's body. Over time, they burst and crusts remain on the skin. Pemphigus can only be confirmed by tests. The doctor selects treatment strictly on an individual basis.

Sometimes owners are worried that the dog's nose is covered with a white coating. This usually happens when the dog is sleeping or after waking up. Sometimes this happens on a long road. This white coating- evidence of dehydration. You need to let the dog drink and, if he is hot, make sure he drinks enough water.

It is worth paying attention if pigmentation changes: these can be either breed characteristics that appear seasonally or with age, or signs of serious immune diseases.

Nasal injuries also occur. In our four-legged friends, this organ is much more sensitive than in people, and injury for a pet is a huge stress. Moreover, wounds and scratches should not be lubricated with alcohol, iodine, brilliant green - these products can burn the mucous membrane and cause new suffering to the pet. If, as a result of the injury, heavy bleeding occurs, or you suspect damage to the nasal cartilage, immediately seek qualified help.

Why does a dog have a dry nose while sleeping - is this always the norm?

When your pet sleeps, his body warms up, including his nose. It will remain like this for some time, and only after at least half an hour can you touch it again: everything should be in order. So, when your dog is sleeping and his nose is warm, there is no reason to worry.

In the wild ancestors of our four-legged pets, the nose remained moist and cool during sleep. This helped even in a dream to feel movements around, to know that an enemy was approaching by the vibrations of the air, to which the wet surface was extremely sensitive. However, nowadays, in comfortable conditions, dogs have largely lost this ability.

As we can see, even the common belief that a healthy dog’s nose should always be cold and wet is not necessarily true. So if your pet’s nose doesn’t feel the same to the touch, this is not yet a reason to panic, but good reason Take a closer look at your pet.

The nose is free of any infections that have affected her. For example, an animal that has just woken up has a dry nose, and this does not indicate any pathology. After 15-20 minutes of wakefulness, everything returns to normal. You can also have a dry nose.

In situations where the animal is nervous, the nose may dry out and feel warm to the touch. In this situation, there is no need to take the dog to the veterinarian. It is enough to remove the source of stress and stay for a while, wait until she calms down, caress the animal, give it a treat.

If your pet spends a lot of time outside in the summer, his nose may simply get burned. There's no need to panic, but next time be vigilant and apply a little sunscreen. A similar situation can occur in severe frosts. Just like the skin on the hands of people who don't wear gloves, the skin on a dog's nose can dry out and begin to crack.

What diseases are a sign of a dry nose?

The most common cause of dry nose in dogs is allergies. Often its source can be regular contact with plastic. If your pet's bowls are made of this material, replace them with glass, metal or ceramic ones. However, as in the case of humans, anything can act as an allergen, including any food product, pollen or dust.

If you have a cold, your dog's nose may also be dry. In addition to this, there will be other symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, hoarse barking. Observe your pet's behavior. A sick dog becomes lethargic, does not want to play with its owner or go outside, and may refuse to eat and hide in a secluded place. To make sure your assumption is correct, the animal needs to measure its temperature, and if it is above 39 degrees, contact a veterinarian.

A dog's dry, warm nose can also signal injury. In this case, you may also find swelling, scabs, ulcers, and swelling. In this situation, it is also better to take the animal to veterinary clinic to avoid infection.

Occurs in dogs autoimmune disease pemphigus, in which their sense of smell becomes dry and warm. After this, blisters appear on its skin, which burst and form a crust, preventing the animal from breathing. The pet must be shown to a specialist who will give advice on treatment.

A dog's nose is an amazing organ that allows the animal to subtly feel and distinguish smells. After all, smell is his main way of exploring the world and communicating. The structure of the respiratory organ is designed so that the dog can receive maximum information and, therefore, feel confident. It is not surprising that the condition of this organ is at the same time an indicator of its well-being. From this article you will learn why a dog’s nose can be dry and warm, what this condition indicates, and what the owner should do.

On the mucous membrane of a dog's nose, which lines its internal cavity and external lobe, there are so-called nasal glands that produce a special secretion. Thanks to this, the olfactory organ is always moist and cool. This is necessary, because this is how thermoregulation occurs. The fact is that the dog's body has a very small amount sweat glands. They are found on the paw pads and in the ear canals. Additional cooling occurs due to the respiratory organ.

In addition, a constantly moist surface of the nose ensures its maximum sensitivity. The dog is able not only to perceive the subtlest odors, but also to sense air movement. At the same time, she understands where their source is and divides the entire spectrum of aromas into their constituent components.

A healthy, active pet should have a moist, cool nose, which allows it to remove excess heat and distinguish odors. the best way. When a dog has a dry and warm nose, this makes the owner think that he is sick. Indeed, in some cases this is true, but not always.

In what cases does the nose get warm?

A dry nose does not always indicate that the dog is sick. Exist various situations and physiological conditions when the nose healthy pet dry and hot. During this period, no more painful symptoms are observed. The dog is active, eats well, and enjoys going for walks.

A warm nose is normal for a dog in the following cases:

The dog is sleeping or has just woken up. This happens because in this state she is completely calm and her muscles are relaxed. Once the dog wakes up and becomes active again, the function of the nose will return and it will again become wet, cold and sensitive.
Stressful state nervous tension- these are the main reasons for the release of the fear hormone cortisol into the blood, which causes reflex muscle contraction. At this time, the glands also cannot work as before, so temporary drying of the mucous membranes, including the nose, occurs.
Physical fatigue also acts in a similar way.
Features of physiology. The cause of a warm nose can be a slow metabolism when the mucous membrane behaves “passively”. Insufficient secretion of the nasal mucosa can be observed in such dogs throughout their lives.
A puppy may have a dry nose simply due to his age. His nasal glands do not work as actively. Over time, everything will fall into place.
Pregnant and lactating females may also have a warm, dry nose.
In the hot season, when dehydration occurs, the mucous membranes dry out and crack. Pure water The dog should always have it freely available.
The air in the apartment during the heating season is also excessively dry, which is why the surface of the pet’s nose sometimes cracks. Don’t forget to give your dog plenty to drink and humidify the air in the apartment.

When should you pay special attention to your dog's health?

Unfortunately, quite often hot nose observed in the pet precisely during illness. This includes literally all conditions accompanied by fever and dehydration. But, you need to remember that in this case, dry nose is not the only painful symptom. Usually he is accompanied by others, no less clear signs, indicating the nature of the pathology and the severity of the course. The main ones are:

lack of appetite and sometimes thirst;
increased thirst;
excessive lethargy, refusal to play;
the desire to go into the darkness, to hide from communication;
aggression, irritation;
peeling and cracking of the nasal mucosa, rash around the nostrils;
nasal discharge – thin or thick, greenish;
lacrimation, photophobia, sneezing, cough;
rapid breathing and heart rate;
signs of fever (over 39 degrees);
dull matted wool;
constant itchy skin;
hair loss, bald patches.

The dog should be monitored. If these symptoms increase and the dog feels worse and worse, you should immediately take it to the veterinarian.

There is also a group of signs indicating a dog’s critical condition. When they appear, the animal needs urgent help. If your dog has a dry nose and exhibits one or more of the following signs, he may be saved by taking him to a veterinarian immediately:

rise in body temperature to more than 40 degrees;
lethargy, loss of consciousness;
the presence of seizures or paresis;
Problems gastrointestinal tract(vomiting, diarrhea mixed with blood);
urinating too often or too rarely;
inappropriate behavior (strong aggression, fear of hydrophobia, walking in circles);
pain syndrome (moans, whining).

Dry and hot nose as a symptom of pathology

Let's look at what illnesses can cause a dog's nose to be dry. The condition of the nose is to some extent an indicator of her well-being. Dryness and cracks can indicate either a simple malaise or a serious illness.

About which internal pathologies Most often, a dry, hot nose may indicate this? Here are the most common reasons:

allergic reactions;
pemphigus;
cold, viral infection;
pneumonia;
nasal injuries;
helminthiasis;
plague;
rabies.

Allergic reactions

In addition to drying out the nasal mucosa, obvious symptoms of an allergic reaction in a dog are hives, itchy skin, runny nose. They are caused by allergens - substances to which the animal is intolerant. Their entry into the body causes the production of a special hormone - histamine. It is the cause of unpleasant symptoms.

The main measures to combat allergies are identifying allergens, removing them from the body and prescribing antihistamines, blocking the body's production of histamine.

Pemphigus

This is an autoimmune disease of young and middle-aged dogs. The pathology is localized on skin. The main symptoms are the appearance of pustules, crusts, and ulcerations. The affected areas are painful and itchy. First of all, the muzzle and ears are affected, then the inguinal and axillary areas and other parts of the body are involved.

There is no definitive treatment for pemphigus. Symptomatic therapy It helps to improve the condition somewhat, but relapses of the disease constantly occur throughout life.

Colds and viral infections

The main cause of dry nose during colds – heat. Dogs with low immunity and animals that do not have time to regain strength after physical activity. Puppies and older dogs are most often affected.

The main task is to prevent the infection from progressing and involving the bronchi and lungs in the process. A sick dog needs rest, warmth, and proper nutrition. Vitamins and medications are prescribed to help support the immune system.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia in dogs develops as a complication of acute respiratory disease when inflammatory process affects the lungs. Necessary competent treatment which will help avoid serious consequences. In this case, a course of antibiotic therapy is usually prescribed.

Nose injuries

Injuries to the nose are very painful and sensitive because the mucous membrane is very delicate. Wounds cannot be disinfected in the usual way using iodine or brilliant green, as it can easily be burned. May develop after impact nose bleed. Therefore, if your dog suffers a nose injury, it is recommended to apply a cold bandage and immediately contact a veterinarian.

Worm infestation

Severe infection with worms is accompanied by intoxication. Sick puppies are developmentally delayed, diarrhea, and have digestive problems. They suffer from apathy and lose weight when good appetite. Characteristic symptom canine helminthiasis - “riding” on the butt.

To protect your pet from infection with worms, it is necessary to attach importance to timely deworming and never miss the deadline for the next worming.

Plague

Plague – very severe viral disease. The causative agent is a type of paramyxovirus. Having penetrated the body, it quickly spreads through the bloodstream and affects many organs and systems. The disease can have different forms, but is always characterized by high fever, purulent discharge from the nose and eyes, pale mucous membranes.

The dog usually has no appetite at all, which means that he is rapidly losing weight. If you suspect distemper, you must immediately take your pet to a veterinarian.

Rabies

Rabies is a severe viral disease transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one by biting or slobbering on damaged skin. The disease is doubly dangerous because it can be transmitted to people. If rabies is suspected, the dog must be euthanized, and people in contact with it must be vaccinated. The first symptoms are lethargy, apathy, drooling, and hydrophobia. Then paralysis of the swallowing muscles occurs. Later others appear neurological symptoms. The dog becomes aggressive. This is the most dangerous stage. The animal must be immediately isolated.

Protect yourself and your pet from this terrible disease is possible only through timely vaccination. Rabies vaccinations must be given annually.

Don't be alarmed if your pet has a dry and warm nose. Maybe he was just tired or worried. If you do not observe any more painful symptoms, you see that he behaves normally, eats well, sleeps peacefully, then there is nothing to worry about.

What does a dry nose mean in a dog?

It's no secret that a dog's dry nose is a cause for concern. But why did such a concept arise and is such a change in the olfactory organ really dangerous for a pet?

Let's try to understand these issues by considering the main reasons responsible for the loss of the usual sputum.

The moisture and coolness of the nose are explained by its structure and purpose. Mucous membranes located on the outer and inside, secrete a special liquid that moisturizes the olfactory organ. In addition to the olfactory properties, tactile properties are also noteworthy, reacting to minor changes in environment.

A change in nasal temperature is considered normal if the dog:

immersed in sleep or recently emerged from it;
overtired after exhausting physical activity;
was exposed to the scorching sun without proper protection;
spent a long time in the cold and windy weather;
pregnant, going through lactation or estrus;
she is still very young and is experiencing a change of teeth (the puppy’s warm nose will return to normal gradually as it grows up);
experienced severe stress associated with moving, going to the vet, or other disturbing event;
predisposed to dryness and warmth at the genetic level.

Please note that all the examples discussed should not cause concern unless there are others alarming symptoms. If appetite, mood and activity are maintained at the same level, then the animal is in perfect order.

The main reasons for trouble include:

Symptoms

If you register a dry nose, carefully check for other warning signs:

temperature fluctuations (rise above 39.2° or drop below 37.5°);
deterioration of hair condition (loss, disheveled appearance);
problems with the gastrointestinal tract (stool upset, vomiting);
peeling of the surface of the nose, the appearance of crusts and cracks;
apathy, aggressiveness, avoidance of sunlit places;
changes in appetite and interest in water;
itching, cough, runny nose, wheezing in the chest.

Please note that your dog should be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately if it has:

there was an attack with loss of consciousness;
difficulty urinating and defecating;
the temperature sharply exceeded 40°;
cloudy mucus appeared from the sinuses, emitting an unpleasant odor;
foreign impurities are observed in the stool;
traces of blood are visible in the vomit.

We will also consider the classic signs that accompany dryness, depending on its cause:

Diagnosis and treatment

If your pet has a bunch of symptoms, it should be shown to a doctor. Try to do this with maximum comfort for the sick animal. If there is a high temperature, then it is wiser to leave the pet at home and call the veterinarian.

Please note that you cannot lower your temperature on your own using antipyretics. Such actions can aggravate the patient's condition.

After passing necessary tests and diagnosing the cause that affected the dry nose, appropriate treatment will be prescribed:

Taking antibiotics to fight viral diseases.
Adjustment of the diet, allowing you to identify the allergen, and sparing the sick body.
Elimination of injuries using painkillers and healing ointments.
The use of anthelmintics and cleansing the body of waste products of worms.
Rehydration of a dehydrated animal by infusion of special solutions.
Boosting immunity with a vitamin and mineral course.

Let's look at the features of treatment depending on the diagnosis:

Prevention

As preventive measures To protect your pet from possible dangers, it is recommended:

Avoid plastic bowls and keep them clean. Give preference to ceramics or aluminum. They do not cause allergic reactions and prevent the increased growth of bacteria. Wash the feeders after each meal without adding detergent.
Choose high-quality food and monitor the reaction of the dog’s body. When feeding natural products introduce new food gradually, studying the well-being of the puppies.
Use sunscreen not only for yourself, but also for your four-legged friend. In hot weather, lubricate your nose with it, and in winter, moisturize the mucous membrane with vegetable oils.
Do not walk your dog near allergenic plants during the flowering period.
Attend veterinary examinations, deworming and vaccinations in a timely manner.

Conclusion

A dog’s nose is the most important indicator that allows you to suspect something is wrong. However, not all existing causes require urgent intervention. Learn to understand the changes in the condition of your four-legged friend and try to learn new information that will allow you to skillfully understand possible ailments.

Watch also the video

One of the signs that may indicate a dry and warm nose. What to do if your dog’s nose is hot, and what might this indicate?

Does a hot nose always indicate illness?

It is not always so. Sometimes a hot nose is related to the dog's behavior at the moment. The nostrils may be warm if the pet is sleeping or has recently woken up, sometimes as a result of very vigorous physical activity. The nose may be hot due to the air temperature, in extreme cold or heat. If he becomes dry, regardless of these signs, this is really a reason to think about and analyze the state of your pet’s health.

Causes of dry nose in dogs

There are many reasons elevated temperature and dry nose.

Allergy. It is one of the most common reasons. It is possible that a dry nose is caused by poor diet, which causes an allergic reaction in the animal. It can also occur due to dust, pollen, drugs, chemical substances etc. Therefore, if your dog has a dry nose, you should first check for allergic reactions to certain substances.
A dog's nose may indicate that the temperature is too hot or cold. It can become hot due to extreme thirst, so if you notice a hot nose on your pet, you need to make sure that the animal does not need water.
A dry and hot nose may be a sign of... various diseases. As a rule, it indicates an increased body temperature of the pet.
Cold. The nose may be dry if the animal has a cold. Then, in addition to the elevated temperature, there will be other symptoms (for example, cough, nasal discharge similar to a runny nose, hoarseness or sneezing).
Injury. After an injury, the dog's nose may also have an elevated temperature.
Pemphigus. Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease. Its main symptom is the appearance of blisters on the pet's nose. Over time, they burst, but a kind of crust forms on the animal’s nostrils, which prevents the dog from breathing freely.

What to do?

If your pet has a hot nose, you need to remember that this often always indicates discomfort. Therefore, it is worth taking some measures to help understand why your pet’s nose has an elevated temperature.

Protect your pet from allergies. You should only walk in places where there is no a large number of dust or pollen. You can also have an allergy test done by your veterinarian.
Check if your pet is thirsty and give him the required amount of water.
Make sure your pet is comfortable in the environment. If he is hot or cold, take him to a comfortable place. It is possible that your nose will become wetter and colder.
If you suspect a cold or other illness, it is best to consult a veterinarian. If this is not done on time, a number of complications can occur.

It is necessary to monitor the pet's condition and ensure complete comfort. If the dog does not experience discomfort, her nose will be cold and wet!