Dog Illnesses & a Warm Nose

A warm nose is not always an indication that a dog has a fever or is ill.

It can be perfectly normal for a dog to have a warm nose. On the other hand, dogs can suffer from many illness that cause various symptoms, including a warm nose. It's important to know what symptoms to look for and when it's normal for your dog to have a warm nose.

Dog Illness

Many dogs experience illness at one point in their lives. Common dog illnesses include ear infections, skin allergies and infections, cancer, urinary infection, arthritis, dental disease, kennel cough, kidney failure or diabetes. While all of these are concerning, some are more serious than others. A proper diet, exercise, grooming and a regular check up with your veterinarian may help prevent illness for you dog.

Warm Nose

A warm nose is not always an indication that your dog has a fever or is ill. Taking his temperature is a better indication to determine illness. A dog's temperature should be 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celcius).

Normal Causes

There are several reasons why your dog may have a warm nose, which should not raise concern. According to Pet Place a dog that is just waking up may have a warm, dry nose. In addition, if the weather is warm, his nose will be as well. A dog's nose temperature will change based on his environment.

Warm Nose and Illness

A warm nose may be one symptom associated with dry nose in a dog. Although it is normal for a dog's nose to go from cool and moist to warm and dry and back again, if the nose stays warm and dry for a long period of time this could indicate a health problem such as Parvo or a skin condition. According to the Dog Symptoms Web site, "The worst case scenario is a warm, dry nose which loses its color and becomes crusty, flaky and covered in sores." In addition, a dog who is dehydrated may have a warm nose as well as an illness. Causes of dehydration include exposure to extreme heat or a lack of fluids.

Warning

It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has symptoms in addition to a warm nose. Symptoms may include runny eyes or nose, shivering, difficulty breathing, excessive water consumption, excessive sleeping, coughing or sneezing. All of these symptoms may indicate an illness.

References

• American Kennel Club: The Healthy Dog
• Dog Symptoms: Dry Nose
• Pet Place: Why Do Dogs Have Cold, Wet Noses?
• Symptoms of Dehydration: Dog Dehydration - Symptoms and Treatment
• Pet Place: Top 20 Diseases