Dogs’ noses are lovely to boop, never mind that it’s a pug’s pushed-in nose or a collie’s long snout.
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You may be wondering: Do those noses have boogers? Why are they wet? Here are some facts about our pooches’ adorable snoots.
Peek-a-Booger!
Yes, pooches do have that icky stuff in their noses.
The thicker and runnier a dog’s nasal discharge is, the more boogers it’ll have.
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Here are some things that produce nasal discharge and boogers in dogs:
• Allergies – Dogs have runny noses and watery eyes whenever they have an allergic reaction. The nasal discharge dries up into booger bits.
• Foreign objects – Did a tiny blade of grass or seed just get into your dog’s nose? It’ll trigger some nasal discharge, which later solidifies into boogers. You know your pooch has sniffed wee foreign objects when it pats its nose with its paws.
• Infections – Dogs may also have some nasal discharge, plus pus and mucus, as a symptom of a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection. Take your pet to the vet immediately once you notice these symptoms on your dog.
• Tumors – Dogs’ nasal discharge may also signal the presence of a polyp or tumor inside their noses. Have your trusted vet check for these.
That said, boogers don’t always mean your dog is sick or irritated by teeny stuff it’s sniffed.
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Pooches that are flat-faced or have soft, floppy nose cartilages tend to have more nasal discharge—and more boogers as a result—than others.
What’s the Wet Stuff on My Dog’s Nose?
The moisture on your dog’s nose is a smooth layer of mucus.
This substance gives your canine a sharper sense of smell and helps it stay cool.
It breaks down chemicals in the air so the dog can ingest the scent and recognize it.
Dogs that are more active and frequently sniff around usually have wetter noses than those less active.
When Is a Wet Dog’s Nose Too Wet?
Wet dog noses are normal. But if your pooch’s nose is excessively damp and has a thick, abnormal discharge, it may be a sign of respiratory illness.
Other conditions aside from cold also give dogs runny noses.
If your canine has a runny nose and other neurological symptoms, it might be affected by distemper.
A runny nose is also a symptom of kennel cough. Both conditions can be prevented by vaccination.
If you notice your pooch has an unusually runny nose or its nasal discharge is smelly, yellow or green, or speckled with blood, have your pet checked by your vet.
What Does a Dry Nose Mean?
A dry dog nose is usually associated with sickness.
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Contrary to popular belief, though, this isn’t necessarily true.
As mentioned earlier, dog noses that are less wet than others may just mean the pooch is a bit lethargic.
Watch out for other symptoms to determine if your dog is dealing with a health problem.
How Should I Keep My Dog’s Nose in Good Shape?
To prevent nosebleeds, never poke into your dog’s snout when examining it, especially if the pooch’s snoot is short.
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Get to know it and its discharges well so you’ll recognize any unusual secretions and determine when to take your canine bud to a pet clinic near you.
