Why Is My Dog's Nose Dry? | MetLife Pet Insurance

Dogs’ noses, like their tongues, can tell us a lot about their health. A cold, wet nose is a common trait of a healthy dog — but what if your dog’s nose is dry?  In this article, we’ll cover what a healthy dog nose looks like, common causes of dry noses in dogs, how to treat your pup’s dry nose, and when you should contact your veterinarian.

What a Healthy Dog’s Nose Looks Like

A healthy dog's nose should be cold and moist. It shouldn’t drip excessively or have any discharge from your dog’s nostrils. If your dog's nose is warm, it may be a sign of a fever or infection.1 It’s wise to make a mental note of what your dog’s nose normally feels like so that you can catch any changes or abnormalities that occur. If your dog’s nose is typically dry, take note if it ever begins to look painful or cracked.

Possible Causes of a Dry Nose

Often a dry nose is just a temporary side effect of an environmental change like hot weather or allergies.2 But since a dry nose can also be a symptom of some serious conditions, it’s wise to try deducing the cause and monitor your dog’s health. Look for any additional symptoms, such as fatigue or loss of appetite, that accompany a dry nose. These symptoms could help lead you toward a possible diagnosis and could be beneficial information to give to your vet if your furry friend’s nose continues to stay dry.

There can be several causes of dry noses in dogs, but we’ve narrowed down some of the most common reasons your dog’s nose isn’t as wet as it should be.

Sunburn

Sunburn is a common culprit for dry noses in dogs because the skin of your pup’s nose and snout are delicate. Since the hair on the muzzle is usually thinner, it doesn’t protect their skin from sunburn. Dogs with light-colored coats and noses without pigmentation are particularly susceptible to sunburn.

 If your dog’s nose is sunburned, it will be dry and the skin may be cracked. You’ll likely see signs of sunburn on other parts of your dog, including their ears and belly.

Dehydration

A dry nose may also be a symptom that your dog is severely dehydrated. If this is the case, there will be other symptoms, like lethargy, and their skin may lose elasticity. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, contact your veterinarian as dehydration can be a sign of other underlying illnesses and conditions.

Autoimmune disorders

Sometimes an autoimmune disease or disorder can lead to a dry nose in dogs. Examples of these conditions include lupus and pemphigus (a skin disorder). Sometimes these autoimmune disorders will cause dogs to develop sores, cracked skin, or crusty scabs around the nose.