Have you always wanted to know why your dog has a cold nose? Does this indicate health problems? In this article, we will tell you what the purpose of the dog’s nose, which always stays cold, is.
Why does my dog have a cold nose?
The nose is the dog’s most important sensory organ and is, therefore, more sensitive and developed than in humans. The dog has spots around its nostrils where hair does not grow. This area is called the nasal mirror or rhinarium. The area has a lower temperature than the rest of the body and also has many nerves.
In a study, researchers suspected that this is why the dog’s nose is so sensitive to heat. In an experiment, it became clear that the area of the brain that receives stimuli through the nose became particularly active. For the researchers, this proved that dogs can sense heat with their noses. So far, the dog is the only mammal that has this ability.
The nose of dogs is always wet and cold for a very simple reason, because dogs regularly lick their noses. Logically, the moisture cools down the olfactory organ. Dogs use their tongues to clean their noses like we would use a handkerchief. So the nose does not moisten itself from the inside out.
So you don’t have to worry if your nose isn’t wet and cold. For example, if the four-legged friend has slept in a warm place or next to a heater, it will have a dry and warm nose. In the course of the day, however, he will lick his nose again, making it wet and cold again.
What does a cold nose in dogs mean?
Dogs lick their noses throughout the day to clean them. This cools the nose. So a cold nose is a completely normal side effect of constant moisture.
Does a cold nose in dogs indicate an illness?
The dog’s health should not be judged solely on the condition of its nose. As already mentioned, dogs can have a dry and warm nose after a night in front of a warm heater or a similarly dry, warm place. The general condition of the dog should always be taken into account. is he eating well Is he agile and fit? Or is the dog rather exhausted and listless, although it usually happily waits for its master? All these factors are part of the state of health and not just the nose alone.
However, if you have certain symptoms, such as nosebleeds, discharge, or a cracked and sore nose, you should see your veterinarian. Nosebleeds in particular can be an indication of poisoning and should be clarified with the veterinarian immediately.
The nasal region is also very prone to sunburn. Hairless dogs and animals with light-colored fur in particular can quickly get sunburned. But the stomach area, the ears and the skull plate are also very susceptible to sunburn. Once a dog’s nose is sunburned, it will be hot and cracked. It might even crack.
Dogs have a lot of pain when they get sunburned and the veterinarian is the right place to go. To prevent sunburn, you should give your dog a shady spot, no matter where you are. Dogs that sleep too long in the sun should also be kept in mind, and the particularly long walks should not necessarily take place in the blazing sun in summer. Alternatively, there are sun creams and shirts that protect against UV light for the particularly vulnerable animals.
Is my dog healthy if he has a cold nose?
You always have to look at the overall condition of the dog. is he eating Is he fit and agile? Then he will be healthy too. So a wet-cold nose just shows that the dog is in the habit of cleaning its nose.
Should the nose always be cold and wet?
The cold and wet nose can sometimes be warm and dry, even though the dog is not sick. Then you don’t have to worry if you can rule out sunburn. However, if you have certain symptoms such as nosebleeds, green-yellow discharge or wounds, you should call a veterinarian. You also have to consider the overall condition of the dog. If he is tired, exhausted and listless or no longer wants to eat, an illness is definitely the trigger. Then the dog may also have a dry, warm nose
