Why is my dog’s nose wet?

Many believe that a dog’s nose being cold and wet is a sign of good health and that a dry and warm nose means they’re sick. It is a little more complicated than that.

Dogs lick their noses all the time, for several reasons. They like to keep clean, the moisture on the nose helps them identify interesting scents, and it helps them figure out the direction of a smell. The moisture from licking their noses also helps them cool off.

A warm and dry nose could just mean that the dog took a nap and hasn’t licked its nose for a while.

If your dog’s nose changes texture or loses pigmentation, it’s time to see the vet.