Why does a dog have a warm and dry nose. dog has a dry nose

Normally, a dog's nose is cold and wet. It is believed that if her nose became hot and dry, then this is certainly a sign of illness. Is it really? Let's figure it out.

Why does a dog have a hot nose?

In fact, the belief that a pet's hot nose is a symptom of a disease is a delusion. This nose can be for many reasons:

from fatigue and overwork after serious physical exertion;
with dry and warm air in the apartment during the heating season;
during sleep or immediately after waking up;
with nervous excitement or fear;
during the period of changing teeth in puppies;
as a reaction to hot or, conversely, very cold weather.

In these cases, a warm nose in a dog is the norm. If the animal is awake and has not previously been affected by any of the above factors, and the nose is hot and dry, then this may be a symptom of the disease.

Diseases such as distemper, piroplasmosis, enteritis, and helminthic invasion most often lead to a serious change in the dog's body temperature. The temperature can also rise with allergies, with heat stroke, after vaccination, or with severe damage to the skin.

The alarm should be sounded if the dog's nose is hot and dry for several hours. The most common cause of this condition of the nose in dogs, experts call an allergic reaction. It can occur on plant pollen, dust, especially construction during repairs, a plastic bowl for food or drink, household chemicals, and even food.

A hot nose may be due to the fact that the dog, for some reason, does not drink enough. Also, the dog can catch a common cold. A hot and dry nose can become after an injury.

What should I do if my dog has a hot nose?

If your pet's nose becomes hot, do not panic. First of all, you need to pay attention to the general condition and mood of the animal, as well as whether he has an appetite, whether there is diarrhea or vomiting, whether breathing is normal.

Before you take your dog to the veterinary clinic, you can take its temperature. For a dog, it is better to choose an electric thermometer, especially if the animal is not accustomed to this procedure. The tip of the thermometer should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or baby cream and inserted into the rectum by 1.5-2.5 centimeters. Normally, the rectal temperature in four-legged friends does not exceed 39 degrees.

The normal temperature is somewhat different depending on the breed (size) and age of the animal, so it is better to check the norm on the Internet specifically for the dog of your breed and age. If the temperature is elevated, then the animal should be shown to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

If possible, it is better to call a doctor at home and not expose the dog to additional stress. If a decision is made to take the dog to the veterinary clinic, then in case of a low temperature (below 36.5 degrees), the animal should be wrapped in a blanket or blanket and a heating pad with warm water should be applied to the body.

Most dog owners believe that if a dog has a dry nose, then the dog has some kind of inflammatory disease.

Let's try to understand this issue in more detail.

The condition of the nose in a healthy dog.

Communicating with the dog during the day, its owners usually note from their faithful friend that the dog's nose is moist and cool to the touch. But sometimes they notice that for a short time the nose can be dryish and warm.

Physiological Causes of Dry Nose in Dogs:

After a walk, during which your dog actively played and decently overtired.
During sleep, as a result of a decrease in metabolic processes in the dog's body, including a decrease in the secretion of the nasal mucosa.
Indoor dogs living with a person in an apartment during the heating season (stably dry and warm air in the room).
In puppies during the period of change of milk teeth to permanent teeth. In addition, it is considered normal for puppies to have a dry and warm nose, when they look healthy on external examination, actively move, eat well and cope with their physiological needs.
During a sudden fright or nervous strain.
It is a reaction to a sharp change in atmospheric pressure, strong wind, etc.
As a result of a sharp change in the hormonal status of a bitch during estrus.

Pathological causes:

The presence of an infectious disease of a bacterial or viral etiology in a dog.

Canine distemper is especially dangerous for dogs.

plague of carnivores(Pestis) is a highly contagious viral disease of carnivores characterized by fever, acute catarrh of the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal upset, and skin exanthema. In some cases, it is accompanied by damage to the central nervous system (meningitis, encephalitis).

Another viral disease in which one of the symptoms is the presence of a dry nose in a dog is adenovirus.

Canine adenovirus(psarei cough), Adenovirosis cani is a highly contagious disease of dogs caused by a DNA-containing virus of the family Adenoviridae. The disease is manifested by a predominant lesion of the respiratory, less often digestive organs and conjunctiva. It occurs in the form of massive and sporadic outbreaks.

epidemiological data. The source of adenovirus are sick dogs, foxes, wolves, arctic foxes sick with this disease and releasing the virus with discharge from the nose and eyes, as well as virus carriers. In cities, stray dogs are the main reservoir of adenovirus. Dogs of various breeds are susceptible to adenovirus disease, with puppies aged 1.5-6 months being the most susceptible. Dogs older than 10 years of age are rarely affected by adenovirus. The main route of penetration of the pathogen into the body of healthy dogs is an airborne (aerogenic) virus transmitted by coughing and sneezing sick dogs. In rare cases, alimentary infection is possible. With aerogenic introduction of the virus, the main signs of the disease and pathological and anatomical changes are noted in the bronchi and lungs. Predisposing factors are tracheal anomalies and bronchiectasis. Single cases of the disease are recorded all year round. In the spring-summer period (when puppies appear), epizootics are often observed among dogs. The spread of the disease is facilitated by crowded keeping of animals, exhibitions and "bird markets". Animals that have been ill for a long time are virus carriers. Dogs that have been ill with adenovirus acquire long-term immunity.

Clinical signs. The incubation period is 5-14 days. The disease usually begins with a prolonged fever, body temperature rises by 0.5-1 ° C from the norm, increasing coughing and sneezing, serous discharge from the nose and eyes, signs of tonsillitis, conjunctivitis (), swelling of the lymph nodes. Submandibular and parotid lymph nodes are enlarged, inactive. The surface of the tonsils and the palatine curtain is often reddened. Some dogs develop swelling in the neck, accompanied by small hemorrhages; in puppies, adenovirus can be complicated by lesions of the digestive tract and liver with characteristic clinical signs (loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, pain on palpation).

Treatment and prevention in the article -.

Of the viral diseases, diseases such as: and others can lead to the appearance of a dry nose in a dog.

Infectious diseases of bacterial etiology:, and others.

Non-communicable diseases- gastritis, hepatitis, hepatosis (), pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, bronchitis, diseases of the endocrine system, nephritis, etc.

Allergy. Allergies in a dog, especially in spring, are often caused by flowering plants, household chemicals, food (). It is quite difficult to independently determine the source of an allergy in a dog. Initially, dog owners need to clean the room where the dog lives without the use of chemicals. Wet cleaning as often as possible, dishes for food should be washed daily, without using household chemicals.

During a walk in the warm season, try to avoid those places where grasses and shrubs bloom.

To more accurately determine the cause of an allergy in a dog, you should contact your veterinary clinic.

Poisoning, especially when accompanied by severe vomiting () and diarrhea (), causing the dog to become severely dehydrated.

What symptoms should owners immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

A sharp increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees and above (normal body temperature in a dog: 37.7-39 ° C);
Vomit.
Intestinal upset accompanied by diarrhea.
Turbid discharge from the nose with an unpleasant odor, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing.
Loss of consciousness.

First aid for a dog at home

At home, the owner, when a dog has a dry and hot nose, must first of all exclude the physiological causes of this phenomenon. To this end, it is necessary to carefully monitor its condition. In the event that the dog has retained its appetite and is active, it is necessary to wait until the temperature and humidity of the nose return to normal on their own.

If your dog has other additional symptoms besides a dry nose (diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, watery eyes, etc.), you should immediately contact your veterinary clinic.

Treatment

When establishing a pathological cause of dry nose in your dog, the veterinarian, after a clinical examination and diagnosis, will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

There are always times when a pet does not feel very well. Usually the owner notices this and immediately feels the nose of the animal. If it is cold and wet, the dog is healthy; if it is dry and warm, there may be some problems with the health of the animal. However, a dry nose does not always signal the presence of a disease. The reasons for this can be many. But how to understand when a dry nose is the norm, and when it is a pathology? In what cases can you calm down, and in what cases should you start sounding the alarm and contact the veterinarian? As part of this article, various options for dry nose in dogs will be considered.

Dryness and warmth of the nose - not always dangerous

Since ancient times, there has been an unchanging tradition to determine the condition of the dog by feeling the nose. The thing is that earlier there were no thermometers and other devices for determining the health status of a pet, so this method was the most popular. And there were no veterinary clinics yet. First, let's talk about why a wet and cold nose is considered to be a variant of the norm.

The surface of the dog's nose is covered with a mucous membrane that produces moisturizing secretions. A dog needs a nose not only to detect smell, but also to respond to the slightest temperature changes. When the dog is in a dream, this body is responsible for the possible approach of the enemy and controls all processes occurring nearby. The olfactory organ of the animal is able to control body temperature, infectious diseases and weakened immunity.

When is a dry and warm nose in a dog normal?

Features of the animal's body and age. Often similar manifestations occur in puppies. This is due to the growth and restructuring of the body. If there are no accompanying symptoms, then you should not worry. The kid will just grow up and everything will pass. Some pets, due to the structural features of the body and the breed, have a slow metabolism. In such cases, the constant dryness of the nose is a manifestation of the normal process of life.
The dog just woke up. If the pet is kept in comfortable conditions, then over time it loses its ability to be in a constant state of anxiety and alertness. Thanks to this, the life expectancy of the animal is significantly increased, but the nose “dries” more often. In cases where the animal is resting in a specially equipped house for sleeping or under a blanket, its body heats up and the nose “dries out”. After waking up, the pet is enough to drink water and everything will be fine.
Feelings and stress. If the animal has experienced some kind of emotional shock and is very alarmed, calm it down, give it something tasty, provide it with care and affection, and also place it in a calm and quiet place. The main thing is that the nervous system of the animal returns to normal, and with it the work of all organs normalizes.
Fatigue. After long and heavy physical exertion, the animal may feel a breakdown. Do not worry. This can be easily restored. The main thing is to provide the dog with complete rest, good nutrition. After rest, the animal will regain strength and return to its usual rhythm of life. It happens that during long journeys or when moving to a new place of residence, the animal completely refuses to eat and behaves rather strangely. The most important thing here is to monitor the condition of the dog. If there are no additional signs, then it will be enough just to play with the pet, provide it with attention, affection and care. Very soon he will return to normal and get rid of his worries.

A very cold nose and ears of a dog is a clear indicator of hypothermia in the pet's body. Here you need to change the temperature, but if the pet's eyes are dull and drooping, and the gums are pale, we immediately go to the veterinarian. Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between ordinary overwork and pathologies of various organs.

Animal nose:

smooth surface;
the surface of the nose is covered with cracks, itches and flakes.

Pet body temperature:

temperature high/low;
temperature indicators are normal: from 37.5 to 39 degrees.

Animal health:

The dog is cheerful, active, has a good appetite and willingly plays with the owner.
The dog is looking for a quiet and dark place, does not want to eat and drink, constantly combs his skin, behaves aggressively.

Pet hair:

has a healthy sheen, pleasant to the touch and cool;
hair gets tangled, tangled, has an unhealthy look.

How does a dog breathe?

breathing occurs without difficulty through the nose;
it is difficult for the dog to breathe through the nose, congestion, sneezing, and inflammation are observed.

Digestion of food:

the animal behaves naturally;
there is diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, inability to go to the toilet if desired.

If from this plan all the answers have a positive connotation, then be sure that the animal is up to something and most likely there are problems on a psychological background. Perhaps the dog lacks attention, care or affection. But, in order not to think up anything superfluous for yourself, seek help from a veterinarian for the sake of prevention. This will not be superfluous for the pet and for your nervous system. If there are more negative answers from the plan, then it is recommended to immediately take the pet to the veterinary clinic, especially if you have just recently adopted a pet and this is your first experience.

When does a hot nose signal an illness in an animal?

Allergic reactions are the most common problem. Associated signs: the pet constantly scratches the skin, covers its muzzle with its paws and becomes very nervous. There are constant twitching of the body, dandruff and peeling of the skin. It is very difficult to determine the allergen on your own and you can hardly do without the help of a specialist. Of course, you can try to replace all the dishes of the animal with stainless or ceramic, remove all synthetic items, carpets. The diet will also have to be radically changed: leave only cereals and broths. More often to carry out wet cleaning of the premises, refusing to use household chemicals. You should mark in a notebook every thing that was removed from the dog's everyday life. Walk your pet away from flowers that can cause allergic reactions. As soon as you notice an improvement in the animal, immediately go to the doctor for further therapy. Sometimes with the help of tests you can identify the type of allergen, but if this does not work out the first time, continue to keep a diary and write down all the items that you remove from your pet's everyday life. Only such small steps can cope with this disease and detect the allergen.
Pemphigus is a completely immune disease. The main symptoms of the disease are the appearance of blisters on the nose or body of the animal. The bubbles burst, leaving a crust in their place. It can only be detected with the help of tests that will confirm one or another type of pathogen.
Cold. It can occur in the form of a common cold, or it can turn into a more severe form - pneumonia. It is worth remembering that this complication is much more severe in dogs than in humans and is much easier to end in death. Therefore, it is very important to show your pet to the veterinarian in a timely manner. The specialist examines the dog's chest, listens to it and decides what to do next.
Plague. A very acute disease, quickly turning into a severe form. Signs: apathy, the formation of pus on the mucous surfaces. Diarrhea and vomiting with an admixture of blood, convulsions.
Rabies. This disease poses a serious threat to both animals and humans. In animals, it is, unfortunately, incurable. Signs: photophobia, aggressiveness, lack of appetite, but the dog is very thirsty. If a dog is ill with rabies, then it is euthanized.

If you find certain symptoms in an animal, you should not be tormented by guesswork, but immediately visit a veterinarian, because sometimes an extra minute will help save your pet's life.

Video: how to understand that the dog is sick

Nose without any infections that struck her. For example, in a newly awakened animal, the nose is always dry, and this does not indicate any pathology. After 15-20 minutes of being awake, everything returns to normal. You may also have a dry nose.

In situations where the animal is nervous, the nose may become dry and warm to the touch. In this situation, you do not need to take the dog to the veterinarian. It is enough to remove the source of stress and stay for a while, waiting for her to calm down, caress the animal, give him a treat.

If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors in the summer, his nose may simply get burned. Don't panic, but next time be vigilant and smear it with a little sunscreen. A similar situation can occur in severe frosts. Like the skin on the hands of people who don't wear gloves, the skin on a dog's nose can dry out and begin to crack.

What disease is dry nose?

The most common cause of dry nose in dogs is allergies. Often its source can be regular contact with plastic. If your pet's bowls are made from this material, replace them with glass, metal, or ceramic bowls. However, as in the case of a person, anything can act as an allergen, including any food product, pollen or dust.

With a cold, a dog's nose can also be dry. In addition, there will be other symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, hoarse barking. Observe your pet's behavior. A sick dog becomes lethargic, does not want to play with the owner or go outside, may refuse food and hide in a secluded place. To make sure your assumption is correct, the animal needs to take the temperature, and if it is above 39 degrees, consult a veterinarian.

A dry, warm nose in a dog can also signal an injury. In this case, you may also find swelling, scabs, ulcers, swelling. In this situation, it is also better to take the animal to a veterinary clinic to avoid infection.

In dogs, an autoimmune disease called pemphigus occurs, in which their olfactory organ becomes dry and warm. After that, blisters appear on his skin, which burst and form a crust that prevents the animal from breathing. The pet must be shown to a specialist who will give advice on treatment.

What does a dog's dry nose mean?

It's no secret that a dog's dry nose is a cause for concern. But why did such a concept arise and is such a change in the olfactory organ really dangerous for a pet?

Let's try to understand these issues by considering the main reasons responsible for the loss of habitual sputum.

Humidity and coolness of the nose are explained by its structure and purpose. The mucous membranes located on the outer and inner sides secrete a special liquid that moisturizes the olfactory organ. In addition to olfactory properties, tactile properties are also remarkable, reacting to minor changes in the environment.

A change in nasal temperature is considered normal if the dog:

immersed in sleep or came out of it recently;
overworked after exhausting physical activity;
was under the scorching sun without proper protection;
for a long time stayed in the cold in windy weather;
pregnant, going through lactation or estrus;
still very small and going through a change of teeth (a warm nose in a puppy will return to normal gradually with growing up);
has experienced severe stress related to moving, going to the vet, or other unsettling event;
predisposed to dryness and warmth at the genetic level.

Please note that all the examples considered should not cause concern only in the absence of other alarming symptoms. If appetite, mood and activity are maintained at the same level, then the animal is in perfect order.

The main reasons for trouble include:

Symptoms

When registering a dry nose, carefully check for other warning signs:

temperature fluctuations (rise above 39.2° or fall below 37.5°);
deterioration of the condition of the coat (loss, disheveled appearance);
problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract (stool disorder, vomiting);
peeling of the surface of the nose, the appearance of crusts and cracks;
apathy, aggressiveness, avoidance of places flooded with the sun;
change in appetite and interest in water;
itching, cough, runny nose, wheezing in the chest.

Please note that the dog should be immediately taken to a veterinary clinic if it has:

there was an attack with loss of consciousness;
difficulties with urination and defecation;
the temperature sharply exceeded the mark of 40 °;
cloudy mucus appeared from the sinuses, exuding an unpleasant odor;
foreign impurities are observed in the feces;
visible traces of blood in the vomit.

We also consider the classic signs that accompany dryness, depending on its cause:

Diagnosis and treatment

If the pet has accumulated a bunch of symptoms, then it should be shown to the doctor. Try to do this with maximum comfort for the sick animal. If there is a high temperature, then it is wiser to leave the pet at home, calling the veterinarian for him.

Please note that it is impossible to bring down the temperature with antipyretics on your own. Such actions can aggravate the patient's condition.

After passing the necessary tests and diagnosing the cause that affected the dryness of the nose, the appropriate treatment will be prescribed:

Taking antibiotics to fight viral diseases.
Adjustment of the diet, which allows you to determine the allergen, and sparing the sick body.
Elimination of injuries with the use of painkillers and healing ointments.
The use of anthelmintics and cleansing the body of the waste products of worms.
Rehydration of a dehydrated animal by infusion of special solutions.
Immunity boost with vitamins and minerals.

We will analyze the features of treatment depending on the diagnosis:

Prevention

As a preventive measure to protect your pet from possible dangers, it is recommended:

Avoid plastic bowls and keep them clean. Give preference to ceramics or aluminum. They do not cause allergic reactions and prevent the increased growth of bacteria. Wash feeders after each meal without adding detergent.
Choose high-quality food and monitor the reaction of the dog's body. When feeding natural foods, introduce new food gradually, studying the well-being of the puppies.
Use sunscreen not only for yourself, but also for your four-legged friend. In hot weather, lubricate their nose with it, and in winter, moisturize the mucous membrane with vegetable oils.
Do not walk the dog during the flowering period next to allergenic plants.
Timely attend veterinary examinations, undergo deworming and vaccinations.

Conclusion

A dog's nose is the most important indicator that allows you to suspect something is wrong. However, not all existing causes require urgent intervention. Learn to understand the changes in the state of a four-legged friend and try to learn new information that allows you to skillfully understand possible ailments.