Checking your dog’s nose: what a warm nose really means

A cool, wet nose is considered a sign of health. A warm or dry nose, on the other hand, is quickly interpreted as a fever. It's not that simple. Temperature and humidity change throughout the day. Discharge, cracks, bleeding, breathing and behaviour are more informative.

The dog's nose is a fascinating sensory organ. Its surface is kept moist by secretions and regular licking. Moisture can bind odour particles. Nevertheless, a nose is not cool and wet all the time.

It can be warmer and drier after sleeping, in dry heated air, after sun or if the dog hasn't licked its nose for a while. Even a sick dog can have a wet nose. The nasal temperature is therefore not suitable for measuring fever.

Many healthy noses are smooth to finely structured, slightly moist and without painful cracks. Depending on the pigment, the colour ranges from black to brown to pink or spotted.

Temporary dryness can also be normal. Assess not just the moment, but the development over several hours and the condition of the entire dog.

A warm nose alone says little. Observe whether your dog is eating, drinking, breathing and being active normally. If the nose returns to normal after sleep or exercise, there is usually no cause for concern.

If severe dryness persists or cracks and crusts develop, dehydration, skin diseases, irritation or immune-related diseases can play a role, among other things.

Small superficial changes can occur due to dry air. Deep cracks, bleeding, painful crusts, open areas or loss of normal surface structure should be examined.

Do not apply human creams, essential oils, or disinfectants. Dogs lick their noses and can ingest ingredients. Only use preparations that have been recommended by a vet.

Clear, thin discharge may occur with short-term irritation. Persistent, yellow, green, bloody, or foul-smelling discharge is noticeable. Unilateral discharge can correspond to a foreign body, dental problem, or a change in one side of the nose, among other things.

Additional signs include:

Do not stick anything into the nostril or try to remove a foreign object with tweezers. Plant material can slide deeper or break off.

Some dogs develop a lighter nose in the winter. Age and genetic pigmentation can also change colour. Sudden, irregular or inflamed changes should still be shown to a vet.

It is important to distinguish between the skin of the nose and a coloured discharge. Blood, yellow-green secretion or a brown crust are not normal pigment changes.

Provide fresh water and pleasant humidity. Gently remove surface dirt with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing and heavily scented products.

If the air is dry in winter, a humidifier can help if it is operated hygienically. Keep your dog away from smoke, sprays and irritating fumes.

Make an appointment if there is persistent discharge, cracking, bleeding, pain, severe crusting, or significant colour change. Fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and frequent sneezing are also reasons for an examination.

Immediate help is needed for:

A warm or dry nose is not a reliable test of illness. The decisive factors are duration, discharge, skin changes, breathing and general condition. If you know your dog's normal condition, you can recognise relevant changes earlier.