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Why Are Dogs' Noses Wet? 5 Reasons, According To A Vet

All pet parents have been there: You're cuddling with your dog, getting all warm and snuggly … until you're suddenly startled by a cold, wet nose on your bare skin. Ack! That cuddle isn't relaxing as it once was, and now, you're probably wondering, Why are dogs' noses wet?

While you've likely heard a few theories about this canine phenomenon, they might not have been from reliable sources. Well, I'm a veterinarian with more than 25 years of experience, and I combined my knowledge about this dog fact with the latest scientific research to bring you the definitive answer. Ahead, you'll find out exactly why dogs' noses are wet—and whether you should be concerned when they're not.

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Why are dogs' noses wet?

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It's not random! Two main canine traits explain why dogs' noses are wet—their incredibly strong sense of smell and their fur-covered bodies—though other factors can account for those cold, wet noses too.

To enhance their sense of smell

Dogs' noses are wet mainly because wet noses do a better job of smelling than dry noses, and since dogs use their noses more than their eyes to navigate their way through the world, this is extremely important. The canine sense of smell is incredible—it is said to be 10,000 to 100,000 times better than ours. When a dog sniffs an interesting patch of ground, they are not only able to get information about what is currently going on but also about what happened in the past. Search-and-rescue dogs are a good example of this: They can use odor gradients to figure out which direction a person traveled, since the newer odors are stronger than the older odors. Imagine what our sense of sight would be like if we could see what used to be there in addition to what is there right now!

To stay cool

A wet nose has another benefit for dogs—it can keep them cool. Humans primarily cool down when sweat evaporates off their skin, but this isn't the case for dogs. While evaporation still comes into play, it's mostly through panting, though that wet nose plays a small role too. A dog's nose and paw pads are the only two parts of a dog's body that produce the type of sweat involved in cooling. Sweat glands kick into gear whenever a dog gets too warm, so a dog that is active or exposed to high external temperatures will probably have a wet nose.

Mucus

The inside of a dog's nose produces a thin, watery mucus that captures smell molecules from the air they breathe in. A little of this mucus will drip out from time to time and make the front part of a dog's nose wet. Occasionally seeing a bit of clear fluid under your dog's nostrils is normal and nothing to worry about.

Licking

Dogs have extraordinarily long and flexible tongues that they can use to clean off their noses. You can imagine that a moist nose that is snuffling through all sorts of interesting things tends to collect a lot of dirt and debris. Using your tongue to wipe your nose may sound gross (especially since dogs lick you with it too!), but it's an effective way for dogs to keep their noses clean, wet and functioning well.

Sticking their noses in wet places

Dogs may also stick their noses in wet places, like damp grass or their water bowl. The wet nose that results is likely an unintended consequence of these types of behaviors, but the extra water will still help them smell better and stay cool.

Why are dogs' noses always cold?

Dog noses feel cold to us because they are cold. A study published in the Journal of Thermal Biology in 2017 found that the noses of "adult, alert and comfortable dogs" were on average about 9 degrees colder than the temperature of their surroundings, but this temperature differential can go as high as 25 degrees! Just imagine you and your dog are hanging out in a comfortable room that is heated to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Your dog's nose could be as cold as 45 degrees, which will feel downright frigid against your skin. The authors of the study theorize that the "cold state is the operating state" for a dog's nose, perhaps so they can better sense warm things in their environment.

What does it mean when a dog's nose is dry?

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It could mean nothing … or something. But the most important thing is not to panic if your dog's nose is dry or warm. I have examined thousands of healthy dogs, and I can tell you that it's perfectly normal for a dog's nose not to be cold and wet from time to time—for example, a dog that's in my office and about to get a vaccine. A dog that is a little chilly will probably not produce sweat on its nose. It also may not have recently licked its nose or taken a drink of water, which could account for the dryness.

Additionally, you might not be the most reliable gauge of whether your dog's nose is actually cool. A study published in the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research in 2021 showed that people are quite bad at using their sense of touch to determine if a dog's nose is warm; it might be cooler than you think! If your dog's nose is dry and feels warm to you, take a step back and look at the big picture. When you don't notice any other symptoms of illness, you probably don't have anything to worry about.

On the other hand, some health problems can cause dogs to develop a dry nose, but other clinical signs, like the ones listed below, are usually present too. Here's what you should watch out for:

Fever

A dog that has a fever may have a dry nose, but it will often also be lethargic, have a poor appetite and may shiver. Additional clinical signs, such as coughing or vomiting, will depend on the specific condition that is causing the fever. If you think your dog might have a fever, use a thermometer to get an accurate measurement of your dog's body temperature. Depending on the type of thermometer for dogs that you choose, it can be used near unfurred skin, in the ear or in the rectum.

Dehydration

Any condition that leads to dehydration can make a dog's nose dry out. If the cause is as simple as a temporary lack of access to water, giving your dog something to drink should take care of the problem, but health problems can be to blame too. Kidney disease and diabetes make dogs urinate more than normal, which can subsequently make them dehydrated. Diseases that result in vomiting or diarrhea can also lead to this issue. These may include gastroenteritis, bacterial or viral infections, gastrointestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis, to name a few.

Heat exhaustion or heat stroke

A dog that is developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke may also have a dry nose, but more serious symptoms will quickly become evident as its condition worsens. Signs include excessive panting, drooling, gums that are bright red, a high heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, weakness, collapse and seizures.

Diseases affecting the skin of the nose

A few health problems directly affect the skin of the nose and can make it dry. For example, keratoconjunctivitis sicca can lead to dryness that affects one or both sides of a dog's nose; with this condition, one or both eyes will also usually be red and painful and have some abnormal drainage. And the most obvious signs of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) include skin lesions on the bridge of a dog's nose and a loss of color and texture on the hairless part of a dog's nose. These symptoms are usually more noticeable than any nose dryness that a dog has.

When should I bring my dog to the vet?

Don't use the wetness or temperature of a dog's nose to determine if your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian. A healthy dog can have a warm, dry nose, and a sick dog can have a cool, wet one, so pet parents need to look to a dog's overall condition for answers. As is always the case, call your veterinarian for advice if you have any questions about your dog's health or well-being.

Hopefully, I've provided you with some good answers to the question "Why are dogs' noses wet?" And now, you might be wondering why a dog would put its wet nose on you in the first place. Two reasons come to mind:

It's just an accident when your pup is coming in close for some cuddles.

Your dog has learned it's a surefire way to get a reaction out of you!

Sources:

Why trust us

At Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on why dogs' noses are wet, Jennifer Coates, DVM, tapped her experience as a veterinarian with more than 25 years of professional experience, and then veterinarian Amy Attas, VMD, founder of City Pets and author of Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?

Your treatment options may depend on the cause of your dry eye and the severity of your symptoms. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments, such as eye drops and gels, can reduce irritation.

Reducing dryness in your environment, eating more healthy fats, and practicing eye-healthy habits may improve symptoms and support overall eye health. 

Dry eye is generally easy to treat. You can fix dry eye with artificial tears (eye drops), lifestyle changes, and surgery, if necessary. These treatments focus on reducing dryness and preserving your vision. An eye care specialist, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist, can help you create the right treatment plan for you. Treatment options depend on what's causing your symptoms and the severity of your condition. 

Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common condition that happens when your eyes aren't producing enough quality tears to keep them properly lubricated. Most people with dry eye experience painful symptoms, such as redness, blurry vision, or eye irritation.

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Eye drops and ointments are often the first line of treatment for dry eye and are usually effective for mild cases. An eye care specialist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription options.                                                              Over-the-Counter (OTC) The most common kind of eye drops used to treat dry eye are called "artificial tears," which mimic your tears. You can use artificial tears throughout the day or as much as you need them. Most artificial tears are available over the counter, so they do not require a prescription.    If an eye care specialist recommends artificial tears, you can choose between multiple brands to find the one that's best for you. Artificial tears come in various types and are made of different compounds and ingredients.  You may opt to use preservative-free eye drops (eye drops without added ingredients or materials) if you: Artificial tears are generally safe, but some side effects, like blurry vision or an allergic reaction, are possible. Stop using the eye drops and contact an eye care specialist right away if you experience side effects. You can also use artificial tears safely if you wear contact lenses, as long as the drops you purchase are approved for use with contact lenses. Check with an eye care specialist or pharmacist if you're not sure if you can use a certain brand or type of artificial tears with your contact lenses. People who wake up with dry eyes may consider using lubricating ointments or gels. Ointments or gels are designed to add moisture to your eyes. These treatments are also available over the counter. Keep in mind that they can cause blurry vision, which is why most people use them before bed. Prescription If you have started using artificial tears, ointments, or gels and do not see any improvement in your eye problems, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments. They may also prescribe medical-grade eye drops to reduce swelling, produce quality tears, and prevent irritation.  The types of prescription eye drops for dry eye include: Generic Medication Name    Brand Medication Name   Purpose  Cyclosporine Cequa and Restasis Reduce inflammation and increase tear production Lifitegrast   Xiidra Improve eye swelling and reduce inflammation and irritation It's a good idea to tell an eye care specialist if you take prescription medications for other health conditions. They can help you find an alternative eye drops prescription that works with your current medications. An eye care specialist may recommend surgery or procedure if you are still experiencing dry eye symptoms after using OTC or prescription artificial tears. Surgical procedures are generally not common.  An eye care specialist may suggest: Lower eyelid surgery: Dry eye can sometimes happen if your lower eyelids are too loose. An eye care specialist may repair your eyelids to reduce the amount of tears that drain too quickly, although this is rare. Tear duct plugs: An eye care specialist will insert plugs in your tear ducts (the small holes in your eye corners). This procedure can reduce the amount of tears that drain out of your eyes, which may help keep the tears in your eyes for long periods. This is not a permanent procedure. A healthcare provider can remove the tear plugs if and when needed. Dry eye treatment often includes lifestyle or environmental changes. An eye care specialist may recommend: Boosting your intake of omega-3s (healthy fats): Take omega-3 supplements in pill or tablet form, and eat more fatty fish (e.G., salmon or tuna). Try including more flax seeds in your diet. Practicing eye-healthy habits: Blink regularly, reduce your screen time, drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day, get good sleep, try gentle warm compresses on your eyes, or massage your eyelids. Reducing dryness in your environment: Use a humidifier, limit air conditioning, avoid dry or smoky settings (e.G., deserts or high altitudes), wear sunglasses outside, and reduce the use of hair dryers.  Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. The effects of supplements vary from person to person and depend on many variables, including type, dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications. Please speak with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any supplements.  Dry eye occurs when the eyes don't make enough quality tears to keep them lubricated. It can typically be fixed by using artificial tears (available over the counter or by prescription) and making lifestyle changes like boosting omega-3 intake, drinking plenty of water, and blinking often. Only in rare cases does dry eye require surgery. Taking breaks from looking at screens may also help dry eyes. If home remedies do not relieve your symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider. They can make a diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. Thanks for your feedback! 9 Sources Health.Com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Golden MI, Meyer JJ, Patel BC. Dry eye syndrome. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. National Eye Institute. Dry eye. American Optometric Association. Dry eye.         American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is dry eye? Symptoms, causes and treatment. American Optometric Association. Contact lens care.  American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lubricating eye drops. Pucker AD. A review of the compatibility of topical artificial tears and rewetting drops with contact lenses. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2020;43(5):426-432. Doi:10.1016/j.Clae.2020.04.013 MedlinePlus. Cyclosporine ophthalmic. MedlinePlus. Lifitegrast ophthalmic.

What You Need To Know About Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, or the uvea, and the surrounding tissue. It can cause pain, eye redness, and cloudy vision.

The term "uveitis" refers to a range of conditions rather than a single symptom. An injury to the eye, infection, inflammation, and some underlying diseases may cause it.

Uveitis can lead to swelling and damage in the tissue of the eye. Untreated, it may lead to vision loss and other issues. It can affect one or both eyes.

Keep reading to learn the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of uveitis.

Uveitis is inflammation of uvea. The uvea, also known as the uveal layer, uveal coat, uveal tract, or vascular tunic, is the middle layer of tissue found in the wall of the eye. This layer within the eye helps with several functions, including absorption of light and focusing.

The uvea consists of several parts. These include the:

iris, which is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil

choroid, which helps the lens focus

ciliary body, which contains a ring of muscle that sits behind the iris

The different types of uveitis affect different parts of the uvea, as described below.

Types of uveitis

There are four different types of uveitis based on where they occur on the uvea. They include:

Anterior uveitis: This is the most common form of uveitis. Also known as iritis, it affects the front part of the eye. Doctors think it results from inflammation of the iris. Iridocyclitis is similar, but it includes inflammation of the ciliary body.

Intermediate uveitis: Intermediate uveitis can be vitritis or pars planitis. Vitritis is an inflammation of the jelly-like part of the eye, the vitreous cavity. When there is no underlying cause for the intermediate uveitis, it is known as pars planitis. Pars planitis is a subtype of intermediate uveitis that has no underlying systemic disease or infection.

Posterior uveitis: Posterior uveitis is an inflammation of the retina and choroid. Posterior refers to the back of the eye.

Panuveitis: Panuveitis is inflammation in all layers of the uvea. This type of uveitis can affect other areas of the eye, including the lens, retina, optic nerve, and vitreous. It can cause reduced vision and blindness.

Uveitis types can be either acute or chronic. "Acute" means short-term, while "chronic" means long-term.

The signs and symptoms of uveitis can vary. Often, they occur suddenly, but they can come on gradually. Possible symptoms include:

floaters, which are spots in the eye that look like tiny rods or chains of transparent bubbles floating around in the field of vision

eye pain and redness

general vision problems, including blurred or cloudy vision

photophobia, an abnormal sensitivity to light

headaches

Without treatment, uveitis can lead to vision loss.

Uveitis can occur in anyone. The inflammation may occur only in the eye, or have links to conditions that affect other parts of the body, too.

Infections that may cause or increase the risk of uveitis include:

Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders may also cause uveitis. These include:

Injury to the eye is another possible cause of uveitis. Injury may be due to trauma, recent surgery, or exposure to chemicals.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase a person's risk of developing uveitis. Some common risk factors are:

smoking

use of certain medications

low vitamin D levels

living with an autoimmune disease

pregnancy

In addition, females have a higher chance of developing uveitis than males.

An eye doctor will be able to see uveitis when performing an eye exam.

During an exam, the doctor will likely look at the eye with a special slit lamp. The key feature of uveitis is seeing white blood cells either in the anterior chamber or vitreous.

Other findings include bumps on the cornea, called keratic precipitates. If there is inflammation in the iris, patients may feel some pain when the pupil contracts, which is when light hits it.

Due to the number of potential underlying conditions that may cause uveitis, the doctor may refer a person to a uveitis specialist or rheumatologist for a complete check-up and diagnosis of an underlying condition.

A person with uveitis who receives prompt and appropriate treatment will usually recover. Without treatment, the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, band keratopathy, retinal edema, and permanent vision loss increases.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the most common treatment for uveitis involves the use of corticosteroid drops to help reduce inflammation. In addition, a person may use eye drops to help open the pupils, which reduces swelling and pain.

An ophthalmologist may also prescribe one of the following:

oral steroids in the form of pills

injected steroids given either around or in the eye

a surgical implant that provides small doses of steroids over time

A doctor may also recommend immunomodulator therapy or biologics to help reduce the immune system response. If an ophthalmologist or optometrist suspects an underlying autoimmune disorder, they will likely recommend that a person contact a rheumatologist for specialized care.

Which treatment a doctor recommends can vary based on the type of uveitis.

Treating anterior uveitis

Some common treatments for anterior uveitis include:

eye drops to widen the pupil

drops to reduce pressure on eyes

topical corticosteroids

Treating intermediate and posterior uveitis

A doctor may use additional methods to treat intermediate, posterior, and anterior uveitis, including:

corticosteroids in the form of injections, implants, or oral medication

antivirals, antibiotics, or other medications

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain and swelling

immunosuppressants

corticotropin

biologic agents

The treatment they suggest will depend on the underlying cause.

Prompt treatment and close monitoring can help reduce the risk of complications.

If they do occur, they may include:

With early diagnosis and treatment, the outlook for uveitis is often positive. While people can develop complications, there are treatments that can significantly reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

The time it takes to recover from uveitis depends on the underlying cause, and whether it is acute or chronic.

People living with chronic forms of uveitis may need ongoing monitoring and care to ensure that other conditions, such as cataracts or glaucoma, do not develop.

A person can reduce their risk of vision loss from uveitis by following all treatment recommendations to reduce inflammation and pressure in the eye.

The following helps answer some common questions about uveitis.

Is there a natural cure for uveitis?

No, there is no proven natural cure for uveitis. It is essential that people with this condition get treatment from an eye doctor, as alternative therapies may not work, which may mean a person eventually loses vision.

Complementary therapies may help to reduce symptoms of chronic conditions that can lead to uveitis, but they are not a cure and may not directly benefit the eyes. They are not a substitute for medical care.

A person should talk with their doctor about complementary therapies before starting one, as they can have risks.

What is the difference between uveitis and conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, affects the outer layer of the eye, while uveitis affects the middle layer.

While both can cause red, irritated eyes, conjunctivitis often does not cause vision issues. However, a person may experience watery eyes, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye, discharge, or irritation.

The causes of these conditions also differ. While uveitis may be the result of inflammation from a range of causes, conjunctivitis is typically the result of an infection, irritant, or allergen.

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. There are several types of uveitis based on the parts of the eye it affects. A person may develop acute or chronic forms, which affects the outlook.

Treatment can vary, but the main focus is to reduce inflammation and swelling to prevent complications. People living with an underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease, should work with their doctor to manage both conditions and reduce the risk of vision loss.

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