Skip to main content

Why do dogs have wet noses? They’re actually really important

All the reasons why your dog's nose is wet (and how wet is too wet)

grayscale of dog nose
Pixabay / Pexels

The old cliche that a “dog’s nose knows” is undoubtedly true. Indeed, a dog’s nose tells a tale about a pet’s overall health. Generally, a cold, wet nose is considered a good sign that your dog is feeling well (even if brushing your pet’s snout may be a modestly uncomfortable way to wake up in the morning). Yet, did you ever wonder, “Why do dogs have wet noses?”

Having the answer can make for some fun water cooler discussion. Knowing the reasons behind a dog’s wet nose can also help you understand why a dry nose can be a red flag that something is amiss. Additionally, is it possible for dogs to have a nose that is too wet? We sniffed around and dug up the answers for you.

Why do dogs have wet noses?

a close up of a beagle
Simon Robben / Pexels

Generally, a dog with a wet nose is healthy. How did a pup’s snout get so wet in the first place, though? A few reasons:

  • Mucous: Your dog explores the world through their nose. Mucous isn’t just snot. Instead, dogs secrete a thin layer of mucous through the inner lining of their nose. This mucus keeps the nasal canal wet and clings to your pup’s nose holes, boosting the animal’s ability to absorb scent chemicals. As a result, dogs can smell even better, enabling them to explore the world around them more fully.
  • Sweat: Never let ’em see you sweat? Not necessarily, in the dog world. While you may not see your pet dripping in sweat like you do after a long walk, pets perspire through their paws and noses. As with humans, sweat helps regulate body temperature in dogs, keeping them cool as cucumbers even after rousing play sessions or in hot weather.
  • Licking: Your dog’s tongue is long enough to reach their nose. Saliva naturally moistens a pet’s nose a bit more than usual.
  • Environment: Dogs often walk nose-first, letting their snout lead the way. Since dogs explore the world with their noses, they may sniff around in damp grass, soil, or a giant puddle. The moisture from the environment may make a pet’s nose wetter than normal. Naturally, walking in the rain will also leave a dog’s nose (and body) pretty wet.

How wet is too wet?

a close up of a yellow lab's nose outside
Engin Akyurt / Pexels

A wet nose is usually a sign all is well. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. As the pet parent, you’ll know your dog’s “normal” nose. If a nose seems much more moist than usual, it could be a red flag that something is up. Specifically, be on the lookout for nasal discharge. Some clear discharge is normal. However, too much of it could indicate the dog is sick.

Additionally, thick, discolored green or yellow mucus may be a sign your dog has a respiratory infection (just like humans). Bloody discharge could indicate your dog has been infected by a tick, is experiencing inflammation, or even has cancer. Your vet can do a workup to get to the bottom of the issue.

Should I be concerned if my dog’s nose is dry?

a woman playing with a puppy
Oleksandr P / Pexels

While some dogs are prone to dry noses, a warm, dry snout is certainly a reason to investigate. Warm or cold weather, age, and a temporary respite from nose-licking because of sleep may also make a dog’s nose dryer. However, a dry nose can also indicate an underlying condition.

Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. Are they pooping and peeing as usual? More lethargic? Eating and drinking? If their behavior is also off, a call to the vet is in order. In fact, if in doubt, give your pet’s doctor a ring. If nothing else, you’ll get peace of mind that your dog is A-OK after a checkup.

Final thoughts

a brown and white dog looking at camera
Magda Ehlers / Pexels

Dogs’ noses are generally naturally wet and cold. A wet, cold nose is a sign your dog is feeling well. Dogs have wet noses because of mucus. Additionally, a pet’s nose may be wetter than usual if they recently sniffed around in a damp area, licked their nose, or are sweating. If a dog’s nose is way wetter than usual, your pet may have a respiratory infection. Blood in nasal discharge is another reason to call the vet.

Additionally, a dry nose isn’t always a red flag. For instance, older dogs and certain breeds naturally have drier noses. However, a dry snout can be a sign of illness. Call your vet if you’re concerned. The veterinarian can do a workup to ensure your dog is healthy and offer treatment options for illnesses.

Editors' Recommendations

BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
What to do if your dog keeps throwing up with no sign of stopping
Here's what to try first and when to call the vet
A dog sleeping in a bed with a water bottle on his head and a thermometer in his mouth.

If you're like most pet parents, the sight of your beloved dog throwing up sends shivers of fear down your spine. Just like us, dogs occasionally eat something that disagrees with them and causes them to vomit. In most cases, your dog's vomiting will resolve on its own, but if your pup keeps throwing up, it could be cause for concern.

We'll give you the rundown on everything you need to know about why your dog keeps throwing up, from potential reasons why your pet might be vomiting to when you should take your pooch to the vet. 

Read more
Can dogs eat celery? The do’s and don’ts you should know
Your pup will probably love a veggie snack now and then
Woman chops up veggies including celery for her dog

Your dog's favorite snacks might include dog biscuits, fancy chews, or even that bacon you dropped on the floor one time, but can dogs eat celery? The truth is lots of dogs like veggies, even bland ones such as celery. While you wouldn't want this green and healthy nibble to become a staple in their diet, you can absolutely give your pup a celery snack now and then — and they might grow to love it.

Can dogs have raw celery?
As omnivores, our pet dogs need a balanced diet of both meat and plants. That's likely because their domestic history made them into scavengers thousands of years ago when our ancestors were still in the hunter-gatherer phase. In modern times, this diet preference has huge benefits because you can throw in some healthful treats that will give your pup a nutrition boost and keep them full.

Read more
Why do dogs hate cats? The truth behind this age-old grudge
Find out what's behind the dog and cat rivalry that's been around forever
A black pug and a tabby cat sit on a table

Even if you've never been around dogs or cats, you've probably heard about their rough relationship. Cats and dogs are rivals at best and enemies at worst -- right? It sure seems that way when there are thousands of stories and even videos of dogs and cats not getting along. Whether you've witnessed a dog-cat chase with your own eyes or have heard your pup barking at the neighbor's cat at all times of the day, it's only natural to wonder, "Why do dogs hate cats?"
Some dogs couldn't care less if a feline friend stopped by for a visit -- that's true -- but plenty of other pups would go positively bananas. So what's the difference?

Why do dogs hate cats?
While it's easy to assume that dogs and cats "hate" one another because of their vast differences, it's a bit more complicated than that. Even dogs that regularly chase cats don't do so out of malice or hate. It's an instinctual thing!

Read more