Many dog owners have often heard that healthy dogs' noses must be moist. When a dog's nose is dry, it means that the dog is sick. This information makes people who see their dog's nose dry rush to see a doctor because they are worried that their pet is sick. But how much of this information is true? Does a dry nose really equal sickness? If you want to know, try reading to gain knowledge.
The Importance of a Dog's Nose
A dog's nose is a small structure that is not only used for smelling, but also as a drainage channel for tears from the eyes through the tear ducts. In addition, there are sweat glands that produce sweat to help cool the body temperature. Most importantly, dogs use smell to communicate. It can be said that the sense of smell is considered the primary sense of dogs. Sometimes, dogs will lick their own noses to distinguish the scents that will be sent to the location of the olfactory glands on the top of the oral cavity wall. Therefore, when we see a dog sniffing and licking its nose, it may mean that it is communicating with other animals or getting to know something.
Does a dog's dry nose mean that the dog is sick?
A dog's dry nose can indicate that he is sick or unwell. But it's not always the case. Because sometimes dogs with a fever may have a wet nose or a runny nose. In fact, dry noses in dogs are not sometimes caused by illness. Some dogs may have dry noses because they don't lick their noses often. Therefore, a dry nose does not always mean that your dog is sick. The causes of a dog having a fever can be caused by many factors, such as:
- Infection in the body
- Have a tumor or cancer
- Metabolic diseases in the body
- Endocrine diseases
- Various inflammations occur in the body.
- Side effects of some medications
Therefore, if your dog shows any abnormalities, such as licking its nose more than usual, having a fever, a runny nose, coughing, or sneezing, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Some diseases that cause dry noses in dogs
Certain diseases can cause dogs to have permanent dry noses, such as:
1. Diseases related to autoimmune disorders Such as autoimmune diseases, blistering diseases, which cause the dog's skin and nose to become dry, cracked and bleed. Diagnosis of autoimmune disorders can be done by blood and urine tests or by collecting tissue samples from the nose. Treatment can be done by giving immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids, such as Prednisolone.
2. Severe allergies to dust or food. This can trigger the dog's nose to become red and swollen, and the dog may scratch or scratch its face. This allergic reaction can be treated with antihistamines, but in severe cases, steroids may be necessary.
3. Dry nose from sunlight and the dog's facial structure Too much sun exposure, especially in dogs with pink nose skin, can easily cause the nose to peel and crack.
Short-faced dogs such as pugs and bulldogs that are unable to lick their noses may also suffer from dry noses. This is because the structure of their skulls makes them more likely to have a hard, flaky nose that can break.
Treatment of dry nose in dogs
In chronic cases, you may be able to use a topical lotion to help keep the nose moist and soft. But to be safe, you must use an edible type, as the dog may lick its nose and ingest the lotion. However, the best treatment should include examining the cause of the dog's dry nose and observing other symptoms.
Now everyone knows that a dog's dry nose does not always mean that he is sick, but it can be caused by other reasons. If you want to know if your dog is sick, you can try to observe other symptoms such as coughing, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting. If the symptoms are obvious like this, you should take him to see a veterinarian for immediate treatment.
References
Dr. Oraya Prapanphot (Dr. Nun), veterinarian at Talingchan Animal Hospital
Is Dry Nose a Sign of Illness in Dogs?. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/dry-nose-sign-illness-dogs
Text book of Respiratory disease in dogs and cats 2004 edited by : lesky G. king