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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Cold and Wet Nose - Dogs Q: Is it a sign of ill health if my dog's nose feels dry? A: One's vision of doggie health typically involves a gleaming shiny coat, a big white smile, and a cold wet nose. Yet often in my practice I see the gleaming coat, the shiny white teeth - but the nose is dry and warm. A dry, warm nose does not necessarily indicate an unhealthy companion. Often a dog will awake from slumber with a dry warm nose. This may be due merely to a lack of water and a mild form of dehydration - or to the lack of actively licking the nose and keeping it wet. Dogs, unlike most of us, have an uncanny ability to reach their noses with their tongues, thus keeping them moist. But if you look at Bulldogs, for example, they often have difficulty licking their noses. Another thing to realize is that dogs are unable to sweat like humans. The areas they sweat from are restricted to just the footpads and the nose. They often pant when hot and this is another way they cool down. A wet nose is more efficient as a cooling device when the body is ridding excess heat. Humans are loaded with glands that perspire, so when we heat up, we can cool down by sweating. Some believe that another way a dog may cool down is through the skin over the nose - and a wet surface transmits heat much better than a dry surface does. On a cold day, check your companion's nose. It may be dry and warm. This just means that the pet may be trying to conserve body heat. One theory out there is that the moisture on the nose attracts particles in the air used for dogs to track. The particles may stick to the moist nose and allow the dog to follow scent more easily. Another theory is that the dog's moist nose is used as communication device. Often a dog will use this organ to tell us when it is time to play. Have you ever been standing around talking to a neighbor on a warm summer's day wearing shorts, when suddenly a cold tickly sensation is felt about your knee (or above)? Well, dogs use the nose to nudge you into "getting a move on" - and it's shocking when it's cold and wet! They also use it for an alarm clock when they wake you by shoving this cold wet thing in your face while you are trying to sleep in on lazy mornings. So, when all is said and done, the dog's wet nose has its work cut out. But whether it is cold and wet or warm and dry, it is not an accurate measure of your dog's overall health. Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |