What Makes a Dog's Nose Wet?

A cool, moist dog nose does not necessarily indicate a healthy dog. There are a number of circumstances that produce a wet nose and are a normal part of the canine physiology, such as licking the nose. But, a wet nose should not be the only health guide taken into consideration, as there are situations when wetness indicates a more serious condition.

  1. Keeping Cool

    • Both panting and a wet nose help keep a dog cool.

      When a dog is hot, he pants. The water that evaporates from the mouth helps keep the dog cool. In addition to panting, there are two lateral nasal glands that function similar to human sweat glands, reports the Sept. 1, 1972 "Science Magazine" article, "Thermal Panting in Dogs: The Lateral Nasal Gland, a Source of Water for Evaporative Cooling." These glands drain through a single duct near the opening of the nostril, making the nose wet. The evaporation of this moisture on the outside of the nose also assists in keeping the dog cool.

    Sense of Smell

    • A wet nose helps capture molecules in the air, helping dogs smell.

      Within a dog's nasal cavity are millions of receptors, making his sense of smell more than a thousand times greater than humans, according to Extension Animal Scientist and Alabama A&M University Associate Professor Julio E. Correa, in the July 2005 ACES publication, "The Dog's Sense of Smell." Mucus glands inside the nose secrete moisture, making the dog's nose wet. This wetness captures molecules in the air, brings them into contact with a special tissue layer inside the nose that contains the nerves. Nerve impulses are then transmitted to the dog's olfactory lobe, allowing the dog to recognize scents.

    Exercising

    • Exercise is an activity that makes a dog's nose wet.

      When humans exercise, the heart beats faster and we sweat. When a dog exercises or is nervous, he secretes a clear, watery mucus from the nose, making it wet and shiny. This is not considered a health issue and usually subsides once the dog calms down, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

    Irritants

    • Discharge associated with nasal irritation can make a dog's nose wet. A runny nose often indicates some type of irritant in the dog's nasal passages, such as foreign objects in the nose, nasal polyps, and tumors. Allergies generate sneezing and can bring clear nasal discharge as well as runny eyes. Seek treatment from a veterinarian for nasal irritations.

    Infections

    • A number of infections generate discharge that contribute to a wet dog nose. An infected tooth in the upper jaw causes discharge from the nose if the infection opens a passage through the dog's hard palate, called an Oral-Nasal Fistula. This causes the dog to regurgitate food and water out through his nose. Both a nasal infection and a sinus infection cause nasal discharge. When a dog's nose is wet in these situations, contact the veterinarian immediately.