So What Does a Wet Nose Really Mean?

1) Your Pup’s Nose Is In Use

When dogs follow a specific scent, their nose develops a thin layer of moist mucus. This allows your pooch to absorb the scent chemicals around him, which enhances his sense of smell. It doesn’t stop there, though. Dogs then lick the mucus off of their nose to transfer the scent chemicals to the olfactory glands in the roof of the mouth. Doing this allows your dog to separate and better identify various smells.

In this case, your dog’s nose is wet for two reasons:

The layer of mucus
Your dog has been licking it!

2) Your Pooch Is Trying To Cool Down

You may have heard that panting is the main way a dog cools off when overheated. But did you know that canines also sweat through their paws and nose? If your dog is outside in the blazing sun, you may notice his nose getting wetter because his body is trying to release excess heat.

3) Some Breeds Have Wetter Noses

To some extent, it’s genetics!

What Does a Dry Nose Mean?

1) A Dog’s Nose Naturally Gets Dry During Sleep

When your dog first wakes up in the morning you may notice his nose is dryer.

2) Your Pup is Dehydrated

If your dog isn’t drinking enough water throughout the day, his nose can become dry. So make sure your pup’s drinking bowl is always filled with fresh water.

3) Old Age

As a dog gets up in years, they experience some bodily changes. One of these changes is their nose may become dryer. This is especially true in older dogs with low activity level.

4) Sunburn



One of the most common areas for a dog to get sunburned is the nose — especially if your dog has a pink nose. Just like when us humans get sunburned, it could result in your dog’s nose becoming dry and cracky. It could also become red and painful for your pooch. So if your dog is going to spend an extended period of time in the harsh sun, apply some dog-approved sunscreen.



While it’s normal for your dog’s nose to be moist, it’s not normal for it to be dripping wet. Here are some signs it’s time to call your vet:

If your dog has thick discharge coming from his nose then it’s time to schedule an appointment with your vet.
Any discharge that comes from your dog’s nose should be clear. If it isn’t colorless then it’s time to see your vet.
If your pooch is pawing at his nose then it’s time to visit your vet.
Any bleeding from your dog’s nose isn’t normal and you should get to your vet immediately.