Is it Normal for a Dog's Nose to Be Wet?

The dog's nose can indicate health problems.

Evaluating your dog's health based on whether its nose is cold and wet may not be a reliable indicator. The temperature and relative moisture of the nose varies by breed and situations.

The nose

Your dog's nose is very sensitive and has more moisture internally to help it sort smells. Many breeds often lick their noses. Short-nosed dogs such as bulldogs and pubs do not lick as much due to muzzle structure.

Normal wet

Wet noses should be clear. Any discharge color (yellow, brown or green), thick or odorous is a sign of an infection or problem.

Humidity

If the air is humid and your dog's nose is dry, the dog may have a problem. Take its temperature to determine if it has a fever. If the air is really dry, it is normal for your dog's nose to be dry, too.

Nose condition

Even if the nose is wet, if there is cracking or flaky skin, redness or your dog has problems breathing, your dog is not healthy and needs to see a vet.

Too wet

If the moisture is clear but the nose is running a lot, the dog could have a tumor, allergies or may something stuck in the nose.

References

• The Healthy Dog
• The Cold,Wet Nose
• Dog Symptoms Dry Nose

Resources

• Canine Nose Bleeding and Tumors
• First Steps in Diagnosing Dog Health Problems