What does it mean if your dog's nose is dry?

A dry dog nose can quickly go from bad to worse, drying out and forming crusty scabs that flake off and bleed. It is a commonly cited fact that if your dog's nose is dry they are sick. A dry nose doesn't always mean your dog is sick, but it does indicate an underlying issue such as an allergy or irritant. read more

Weather, extreme heat or cold can contribute to a dry dog nose. Exposure to the sun can cause your dog’s nose to become sunburned. During winter the skin is also prone to drying out, especially if your dog spends time in front of a heater or source of warm, blowing air. read more

2. Your dog is too close to the heat. During the colder months, dogs (like cats) love to sleep close to heating vents and ducts. They find comfy spots with the warm air blowing on their faces. However, being too close to heating sources can cause your puppy’s nose to become dry. It can also make the nose cracked. read more

The purpose of this FAQ is to serve as a basic guideline to know when to consult your vet to see if an examination is in order. Answer: The "warm nose myth" has many pet owners feeling that their pet has a fever (or otherwise sick) if the nose is warm and dry. read more