As a pet parent, the touch of your pooch’s slobbery snout is pretty much the norm. So, when your dog’s nose isn’t wet, it may raise some red flags — is it normal if your dog’s nose is dry? Is my pup dehydrated? Should I see a vet?
The fact is, your dog's nose can go from wet and cold to warm and dry for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at why your dog may have a dry nose and when you should contact VEG ER for pets emergency hospital to speak to the pros.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR DOG’S NOSE IS DRY?
It’s a common belief that a dry nose signifies that your dog is sick —but this isn't necessarily true. However, if a dry nose is accompanied with other symptoms, it indicates a need for closer attention.
You may notice your dog sporting a dry nose after changes in the environment or daily routine. Exposure to sun, wind, a heat source like a fireplace, or a vent blasting cool air can affect the moisture levels of your dog’s nose. Likewise, dehydration can also cause your thirsty pup’s sniffer to become dry.
CANINE DRY NOSE PREVENTION AND MAINTENANCE
Simple day-to-day care is all that’s needed to help manage and even prevent your doggy’s dry nose. Here are some things you can do:
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!: Always make sure your pup has access to a bowl of clean, fresh water. Proper hydration is key to maintaining a dog’s moist nose.
Hook up a Humidifier: If your home tends to run a bit dry, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Check Your Home Temp: Do you like your home extra cool or warm and toasty? The use of your heating and cooling systems may contribute to dry air, which could impact that sweet little snooping snout.
WHEN TO CONSULT AN ER VET ABOUT YOUR DOG’S DRY NOSE
While an occasional dry nose in dogs can be as normal as them barking at the mailman, sometimes it may warrant a visit to your nearest VEG emergency animal clinic. If your pet’s dry nose persists and is accompanied by the following symptoms, seek ER veterinary care at VEG, as it can be a sign of an underlying health issue:
Behavioral changes
Change in nasal discharge
Cracking
Sores in or around nose
CONTACT VEG FOR YOUR DOG EMERGENCIES
Now that we’ve nosed around some of the facts around your dog’s dry snout, you know when to seek professional emergency care when your pup needs it. A VEG emergency vet will help you get to the bottom of your dog’s dry nose by looking for signs of infections, illnesses, or allergies and suggest a treatment for that adorable snout you’ve come to love so much!
Call us or head over to VEG ER for pets anytime your dog is in need of emergency or urgent care. Our VEGgies are here 24/7, even on holidays. You can stay with your dog throughout treatment and maybe even get some of your dog’s snout snuggles too!
