Dog care / First dog & Paws
Is a dry dog nose a bad sign?
Usually not. A warm, dry nose on its own doesn't mean your dog is sick.
Everyday reasons noses dry out
- Just woke up from a nap
- Dry winter air or a heater
- Sun and wind
- Getting older
What helps
- Fresh water, always. A well-hydrated dog is the best start.
- Shade and short sun breaks on bright days, especially for light-coloured noses.
- A dab of balm on a rough, dry nose. Rub it in so there's nothing left to lick off.
The rule of thumb: look at the whole dog, not just the nose. Eating, drinking, playing and acting like themselves? That's a good sign.
We're dog people, not vets. Check with your vet about your own dog.
