Why Is My Dog's Nose Warm?

When a dog is healthy, their nose should be cool and wet. If it’s instead warm and dry, that’s a sign that your dog might be sick. But what could a warm, dry nose mean?

The Weather Is Hot

It’s possible for a dog’s nose to be warm and dry simply because the weather is hot. Just as your own skin might feel warm to the touch on a hot summer day, the same goes for your dog’s nose. Make sure that your dog is kept in a place with plenty of shade and is given lots of water so they don’t suffer from heat stroke.

Your Dog Could Be Sunburned

If it’s been a warm and sunny day, your dog could be sunburned. Because the hair on a dog’s muzzle is thinner than elsewhere on their body, the nose and snout are more easily sunburned. If the nose is cracking as well as warm and dry, that’s a sign of sunburn. Check your dog’s ears and belly for sunburn as well.

Your Dog Could Have Heatstroke

Heatstroke is dangerous for dogs and could even be fatal. It’s for this reason that it’s important not to leave your dog in a hot car even for a short period of time and, if your dog is outside on a summer day, to ensure that they have easy access to both shade and water. A warm, dry nose could be a symptom of heatstroke, as well as:

• Excessive panting
• Dehydration
• Excessive drooling
• No urine
• Fever
• A rapid pulse
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Muscle tremors
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gums are an unusual color

Your Dog Has Allergies

If your dog has allergies, a warm, dry nose could be a symptom, depending on the type of allergy. Some common symptoms of allergies in dogs can include:

• Sneezing
• Warm, dry nose
• Swollen face
• Itching
• Hives
• Red, irritated skin
• Itchy ears
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Ear infections
• Licking constantly

Your Dog May Be Dehydrated

A warm, dry nose can also be a symptom of dehydration. Your dog might be dehydrated simply because it’s a warm day and they haven’t had enough to drink. It’s also possible that dehydration is a symptom of something more serious. If you notice other symptoms of dehydration, like lethargy or a loss of elasticity in the skin, take your dog to the vet right away.

Your Dog May Have an Autoimmune Disorder

Some autoimmune disorders in dogs have a warm, dry nose as a symptom. Pemphigus, which is a skin disorder, and lupus are both possibilities, for example. Typically, a warm, dry nose wouldn’t be the only symptom. Keep an eye out for other signs that your dog may be ill and take your dog to a vet, who can diagnose your pet.

Your Dog Is Older

Dogs’ noses are wet because they constantly lick them. They don’t do this while they’re sleeping, however. This means that senior dogs, who take more and longer naps than younger dogs do, won’t be re-moistening their noses as frequently, leading to a warmer, drier nose.

Your Dog Is a Certain Breed

Some dog breeds are more prone to dry, warm noses than others. These breeds are the ones that have compact snouts, like bulldogs or pugs. These dogs’ tongues can’t as easily reach their noses with their tongues to keep them moist.

When Should You Worry About a Warm Nose?

If your dog’s nose is warm and dry, it’s typically a cause for concern only if it’s accompanied by other symptoms or it’s clear that your dog is uncomfortable. Take your dog to the vet right away if you notice symptoms like fever, pale gums, runny nose, or inflamed skin, among other symptoms, as well as a warm, dry nose.