Is it Normal for a Dog's Nose to Be Wet?

Evaluating your dog's health based on whether its nose is cold and wet may not be a reliable indicator. The temperature and relative moisture of the nose varies by breed and situations.

  1. The nose

    • Your dog's nose is very sensitive and has more moisture internally to help it sort smells. Many breeds often lick their noses. Short-nosed dogs such as bulldogs and pubs do not lick as much due to muzzle structure.

    Normal wet

    • Wet noses should be clear. Any discharge color (yellow, brown or green), thick or odorous is a sign of an infection or problem.

    Humidity

    • If the air is humid and your dog's nose is dry, the dog may have a problem. Take its temperature to determine if it has a fever. If the air is really dry, it is normal for your dog's nose to be dry, too.

    Nose condition

    • Even if the nose is wet, if there is cracking or flaky skin, redness or your dog has problems breathing, your dog is not healthy and needs to see a vet.

    Too wet

    • If the moisture is clear but the nose is running a lot, the dog could have a tumor, allergies or may something stuck in the nose.