Why are dog's noses wet?

Answer 1

From a veterinarian:

For starters, dogs' noses aren't always wet. Sometimes they're dry, sometimes they're runny, sometimes they're scaly. Most of the time, though, a bright, happy dog will continually lick his nose (and you, the air, and his private parts; it's not like they're discriminating) and so the nose is wet. When the dog isn't feeling well, he tends not to lick his nose, and the nose is dry. This is not a direct correlation, however, and does not mean that dry noses equal fevers. The brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, Bostons, pugs, also known as the snorty ones) have noses set so high on their muzzles that they can't reach them with their tongues and thus the noses tend to become cracked and dry on top. The nose, known to its friends as the nasal planum, is unique in the dog in that it lacks apocrine sweat glands, as do the footpads. The footpads do have eccrine sweat glands, which is why nervous dogs and cats leave sweaty little footprints everywhere.

Some other animals do lick their noses. Their own, I mean. Cats do, but their tongues are so dry you don't get the same sloppiness as dogs. Cows are the pre-eminent nose-lickers, as they can clean a little ways up each nostril with a swipe of the tongue: truly an awe-inspiring sight and one that should not be missed on your next trip to the farm

Answer 2

According to legend, God bestowed cold, wet noses on dogs for saving Noah's Ark from sinking. As the story goes, a dog was on patrol when he discovered water pouring through a hole in the hull. The quick-witted dog stuck his nose in the small hole to keep water from flooding in. The second dog ran off to alert Noah, who quickly repaired the hole. The dogs saved the day. For their actions, God made a cold, wet nose the symbol of good health for a dog.

However, while this is often true, it's not the best barometer for health and should not be relied on. Although most people say a healthy nose should be "cold and wet," it is actually more appropriate to describe it as moist. A wet, runny nose is a sign of trouble and should be checked out by a veterinarian. By the way, a normal moist nose doesn't always mean a dog is healthy; if your dog has a moist nose but seems lethargic, or in discomfort or pain, consult your vet.

Conversely, a dry nose doesn't always signal illness. Dogs just waking from sleep often have a warm, relatively dry nose. And, some dogs, like bulldogs, just have dry noses that even chap and crack.

Despite what many people think, you cannot determine your dog's temperature by feeling his nose. A warm nose does not mean your dog has a fever. Only a properly used thermometer can tell you that. So remember, if your dog shows discomfort, lethargy or loss of appetite, you'll need to have your local vet examine him, regardless of the condition of his nose.

If you see a nasal discharge, swelling, or detect unpleasant odors emanating from your dog's nose, or if he has difficulty breathing, get him checked out right away. It could mean the presence of a foreign object, tumor or infection.

Answer 3

Some are and some aren't. The dog licks his nose and it becomes wet.

I see you deleted your "I want to breed my 6 month old doxie" question. Please, rather than running from the truth, take the time to read the AKC breeding guidelines and start talking to other responsible owners of doxies. Dachshunds are a breed that are prone to SEVERE back problems, which can be aggrevated by irresponsible breeding. This can lead to paralyzation and death in the dog.

Perhaps you are just a young girl who doesn't know any better - that breeding isn't a right - it's a priviledge. Your dog is old enough to be spayed. Do so and save her from numerous cancers and from complications that stem from beginner undereducated breeders trying to breed their dogs. Again, if your dog is not personally a show champion, it's immoral to breed her.

http://dogplay.com/Breeding/index.html

http://www.akc.org/breeders/resp_breeding/index.cfm

http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=dachshund is a list of doxie yahoo groups. Join a few of them and talk to the people there. They can guide you through owning a doxie and what a responsible breeder is.

Asking about breeding a 6 month old doxie means that your dog should be fixed NOW. Y!A should NEVER be a breeder's main source of information. Get going in these groups to be a more active part of the doxie breed and to learn as much as you can.

Answer 4

that's solid to be moist, yet no longer too moist. it is going to be like your nostril.... If its too moist it reason inner bleeding and selitre cutrimatic mutilcellular strategies idomostosis photogenic bladashprer and would desire to be taken care of appropriate away. the thank you to maintain this from happening you need to purchase a paper cup and shove paper towels into it. decrease holes on the two area of the suitable element of the cup close to the suitable. Then use some form of string or rubber band and tie it interior the holes and around the dogs neck or face. attempt to make it in effective condition nicely. you may positioned stickers on it in case you sense that's cramping your dogs style.

Answer 5

sometimes the dogs nose is wet to help keep him cool or he,s being playing in water if u are worried about him call a vet and they will tell u if there's anything is wrong with him

Answer 6

They aren't always wet. Sometimes they are dry as a bone. It doesn't mean anything. The only thing you can tell from the nose is if there is snot coming out if it the dog may need to see a vet.

Answer 7

Wet noses are usually caused by the condesation of the cooler air when it meets the warmer air of the inner nostril...or if the dog just licked the nose or drank water or...

Answer 8

It better allows for the nose to pick up and "hold onto" scents, and assist in keeping the dog cool - a form of perspiration....

You will also note that most dog and cat's noses are black - thats protection from sunlight!!

Answer 9

Dogs noses need to keep moist. It is not only for their well-being, but also for other reasons.

If your dog is sleeping, it's nose should become dry. But if it is awake and it is dry, it is usually a good sign that your dog is sick.

Answer 10

It cools them down, like sweating.