Dogs’ noses act as sweat glands and can become wet as a means of discharging heat (air movement across a wet surface results in greater heat loss). In addition, discharges from the nasal cavity will accumulate on the nose. Clear discharge can occur with temperature changes (cool weather) and also with some allergies. Discolored discharges usually indicate some pathological process in the nasal cavity (infection, neoplasia, foreign body, bleeding disorder) and should be evaluated as soon as possible. —John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB
Wet noses increase a dog’s ability to smell. Scientists believe the thin layer of mucous on a “wet nose” helps trap scent chemicals that are then licked off and processed by a dog’s special olfactory (smelling) glands located in the roof of its mouth. Wet noses are also the result of specialized sweat glands. Dogs can only perspire from the pads of their feet and noses, further contributing to a “wet nose.” —Ernie Ward, DVM
