Does A Cold Wet Nose Mean My Dog Is Healthy?

Do natural rosy cheeks mean I’m in the pink of health? And if I don’t I have them, I must be under the weather?

Without a doubt, you already knew the answer to this question, so what about our dogs’ health status when they experience cold and wet nose?

The coldness or dampness of a dog’s nose is an indication of his activity level and it’s not about his health condition. It’s very much the same as with humans when we exercise. Our heart beats faster as it works to pump more oxygen to our lungs. Our bodies feel sweatier and many of us may have rosy cheeks during those activities. However, dogs don’t get rosy cheeks (or maybe they do, have you checked?) when they are playing or engaging in any pursuit instead their nose will turn cold and wet.

So when dogs are sleeping or resting, their noses do feel warm and a bit dry. Just like our bodies would feel like when we are watching TV or logging our Z’s.

Do not use your dog’s nose as the only means of assessing illness. Many medical conditions do not affect the feel of the nose. The coldness and wetness of your dog’s nose will not provide any useful insight into his health or even body temperature. That’s what rectal thermometers are for, remember?

Always trust your gut feelings as a judgment on your dog’s health. If you sense something isn’t right or remotely different from his usual self, no matter how vague they are, you are probably right. Jot down your observations and suspicions and seek veterinarian guidance.