Any owner knows that if a dog has a dry nose, close attention must be paid to its well-being. Among the many different reasons, there are completely harmless ones. It is necessary to understand what the dryness of the nose may be associated with, what measures should be taken.

The dog's sense of smell is so developed that it is able to smell not only smells that are elusive to humans, but also the slightest fluctuations in the air. The glands located inside and outside the olfactory organ secrete a special secret. If the pet's body is functioning normally, the skin of the nose is moist and cool. The opposite state is not always an indicator of any pathology.

There are several completely harmless factors that explain why a dog has a dry nose. . These include:

  • Dream. During this period, metabolic processes slow down, the secretory function decreases, so for another 15-20 minutes after waking up, the animal's nose remains dry and warm.
  • Overwork. During physical exertion, during a long active game, the nose dries up.
  • Reaction to windy conditions. Animals are very sensitive to weather conditions.
  • Change of teeth in a puppy.
  • The period of hormonal adjustment (pregnancy, estrus).
  • The first days after childbirth.
  • Individual features of the structure of the organ, metabolic rate to the fact that during the life of the animal there is a dry nose.

As a result of these reasons, the olfactory organ remains dry for a short period of time. When this symptom manifests itself for several hours and additional ones are observed along with it, one can assume the onset of a disease.

When a dog's dry nose is a sign of illness

Other accompanying symptoms also indicate a deterioration in the well-being of a pet:

  • Lethargy. The dog seeks to retire, hide in a dark place, loses interest in games and entertainment.
  • Aggression. It can manifest itself as a result of increased irritability caused by the disease.
  • Combing the muzzle.
  • Wool takes on a tousled look.
  • Breathing is difficult, wheezing is heard. Starts sneezing, coughing.
  • Chair disorder. Eating grass, the dog often provokes vomiting.
  • Increased body temperature.
  • No appetite. This indicator does not change without a serious reason.

If, along with the fact that the dog has a warm and dry nose, any of these symptoms are present, it is necessary to take the pet to the doctor. Timely treatment of an existing disease significantly increases the chances of recovery. In the case when the cause of dryness is any pathology, the veterinarian will tell you what to do. Previously, he will establish a diagnosis by conducting the necessary examination. Excessive dryness can indicate various pathologies.

Allergy

This is one of the most common causes of dry nose in dogs. Along with this symptom, there are many others. The animal rubs its muzzle with its paws, constantly itching. Dandruff is formed, the skin begins to peel off, the coat becomes too dry. All actions are aimed at identifying the allergen. In its role may be products, pollen of flowering plants, house dust. Often the allergen is a bowl made of synthetic materials, so it is recommended to replace it with a ceramic or metal one.

It is necessary to exclude the contact of the dog with synthetics, woolen fabric, rubber, polymers. You can not bathe a pet, especially with the use of detergents. You will have to abandon for a while the use of household chemicals when cleaning the apartment. On a walk with a dog, flowering plants should be avoided, while carefully monitoring its condition. Be sure to write down everything that had to be excluded. As soon as the dog feels better, the list is presented to the veterinarian. Tests sometimes help determine the allergen.

Pemphigus

A disease with this name is often found in dogs, accompanied not only by dryness of the nose, but also by the appearance of blisters on it - bubbles filled with liquid. When they ripen, they burst, leaving behind dried crusts. The accumulation of bubbles prevents the dog from breathing normally. Factors provoking the development of the disease are taking certain medications, an infectious disease, and ultraviolet radiation.

Pemphigus on the nose of a dog

It is possible to establish the type of pathogen only on the basis of the results of the analyzes. Depending on this, treatment is prescribed.

Cold

The cause of a dry nose in a dog can be a cold. It is manifested by apathy, drowsiness, wheezing and sneezing. Temperature rise is possible. Even if it turned out to alleviate the condition of the pet at home, it must be shown to the veterinarian in order to exclude the development of pneumonia. Otherwise, serious long-term treatment will be required using antibiotics, droppers and other procedures.

The disease in an advanced stage can lead to the death of a pet. Therefore, it is important to start treatment when the first symptoms appear, without neglecting the dog's dry nose. Self-medication is unacceptable if you suspect pneumonia or bronchitis. First aid measures to help alleviate the condition:

  • Creating a calm environment. The dog needs to be offered delicious food, provided with a drink.
  • Maintaining the optimum temperature in the room. It shouldn't be too hot or cold. It is important to ensure that there are no drafts.
  • Reduction of walking time to 15 minutes.
  • With severe chills, the pet should be covered with a warm blanket or put a heating pad next to it.
  • Combing wool with a brush. As a result of such a massage, blood circulation improves, protective forces are activated.

When there is no opportunity to show the dog to the doctor, and wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms intensify, it is necessary to use broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additionally, medications that normalize the intestinal microflora will be required.

Worms

Worm infestation is accompanied by constipation, temperature fluctuations, signs of intoxication. The dog becomes lethargic, loses interest in life. Severe damage leads to bulging of the peritoneum. Therefore, if a pet has a dry, warm nose and any of these symptoms, you should urgently seek help from a veterinarian. After receiving the results of the tests, appropriate anthelmintic treatment will be prescribed. Usually, Espirantel, Febantel, Pirantel are used for this purpose. Conducting regular deworming eliminates the possibility of infection with worms.

distemper

A warm nose can be a sign of a more serious illness - distemper. The dog has a depressed state, which worsens more and more if no action is taken. The animal refuses to eat, weakens, the process of digestion is disturbed. In the eyes, near the nasal passages, pus accumulates. The nose dries up, becoming not just warm, but even hot. When walking, the dog staggers, falling on its side. In advanced cases, convulsions and fainting are possible.

Rabies

A dangerous disease that can be transmitted to people and other animals. Belongs to the category of incurable. In addition to the signs characteristic of many other diseases, rabies is characterized by the symptom of photophobia. At the initial stage, the dog does not refuse water, but later begins to experience fear of it. A dry and hot nose is one of the first signs of illness. An infected animal must be euthanized.

Other Causes of Dry Nose in Dogs

Not always such a sign is the reason for an immediate visit to the doctor. You just need to know what it means if a dog has a dry nose, to study all the likely causes of this phenomenon. It may be related to trauma. Therefore, the animal must be examined, given first aid and delivered to a veterinarian. The olfactory organ of a dog has a sensitivity hundreds of times greater than that of a human. The slightest scratch caused by cat claws or branches causes pain in the pet. As a result, the tip of the nose dries up and becomes hot. It is unacceptable to treat the wound with iodine or brilliant green - this can aggravate the pain syndrome.

With prolonged exposure to the sun, a burn of the skin that is not protected by wool is possible. First of all, the nose suffers. The booth must be installed in such a way that the dog has the opportunity to hide from the sun.

In winter, often one of the reasons why a dog has a dry nose and cracks is severe frost, wind. Under the influence of these natural factors, painful cracks form on the nose.

If the dog has a cold and dry nose, this may be a sign of hypothermia, as well as a decrease in body temperature. A similar symptom, combined with pale gums and dull eyes, is a reason to seek veterinary help.

When the dryness of the nose is associated with physiological characteristics or climatic conditions, it is enough to lubricate it with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. Careful monitoring of the pet will help to detect the onset of the disease in time.

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