When dogs noses are wet

There are a number of problems that can cause this. One of the most common causes of a too-wet nose is an upper respiratory tract infection. This is very common in dogs, and caused by many different kinds of bacteria and viruses. Brachycephalic short-nosed breeds, such as pugs or bulldogs, are more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections, due to their narrow nasal passage trapping more microbes.

Usually, a dog with an upper respiratory tract infection will be producing a lot more mucus, which will also be thicker and discoloured red, green, or even black in extreme cases.

The mucous may dry and leave crustiness around the nose too. Often these infections can be cleared up with a course of antibiotics from our vets, but some infections may require more treatment. Another cause may be itching or allergic reactions.

It will also likely be scratching and licking it a lot more, making it even wetter. The scratching can cause redness and damage to the skin. A dog can be allergic to or irritated by many things, and it can be difficult to determine what it is. If the cause cannot be identified and removed, your dog can be given specific anti-allergy medications to prevent the reaction.

Finally, some dogs will lick their nose excessively due to an underlying nervous problem — this could be present at birth, or caused by some trauma or injury. Commonly, anxiety, seizures, and perceived itching lead to excess licking of the nose. As mentioned above, this can lead to crusting or damaged skin. Some of these issues can be treated with training, others with some medication. Published: August 31, Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article.

What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Say more When your dog nuzzles up to you and gives you one of their signature affectionate licks, you may have noticed that their nose is wet and cold. Wet noses in dogs are very common. This means that whilst their nose may be dry in the morning, it could become wetter as the day progresses. It's quite a cocktail! Be sure to keep your toilet lids closed to avoid that last one. Toilet water may look clean, but it can harbor bacteria that can be harmful to your dog.

Have you dog-proofed your house recently? Check out our pet safety guide to help ensure your dog is safe from harm at home. If your dog's nose isn't wet, does that mean there is a problem? Not necessarily. While wet noses are typical, some healthy dogs have naturally drier noses than other pups. Your dog's nose may also range from wet to dry, depending on what they're doing during the day.

For instance, your dog may have a drier nose after taking a nap near the fireplace or exerting themselves in an energetic game, which can make them a bit dehydrated. Some dog parents jump to the conclusion that their dog has a fever if they have a warm and dry nose.

While this can be a sign of an elevated temperature, it's not an accurate way to tell if your dog has a fever or not. If a dry nose is accompanied by other symptoms, such as mucous discharge or stomach upset, you should take your dog to the veterinarian to find out what is going on.