When we are on the sofa watching a movie, our dog keeps us company by resting his cold, wet nose on top of us. It is one of the most beautiful displays of affection that exist! In this article we will tell you everything there is to know about dogs’ noses, which must be treated gently as it is a very sensitive part of the body.
What do you need to know about dogs’ noses?
For sure you know that dogs’ sense of smell is much more developed than ours. To be precise, about 60 times more than that of humans. Through their nostrils, these animals can find a game, a missing person in the mountains or their owner when they lose it.
The nose of dogs contains approximately 300 million olfactory receptive cells. These can detect the smell of hormones and energy from all living things, including people. This is why I am able to know where or with whom you have been when you return home.
A dog’s nose
Since a dog’s nose is one of his means of communicating, it is essential that it is kept in good condition. Although many people think that when it is dry or hot, the animal has a fever, it could also mean that it is hot because it is too close to an oven or radiator. Other reasons could be that he has spent too much time in the sun or because the environment in which he sleeps is not sufficiently ventilated. In these cases, the dog must be removed from these heat sources and let him cool down.
The color of the nose depends on the pigmentation of the skin , (as for people). Some have black, others brown, but also beige or red, and each of these colors may need specific care. Light noses are more delicate when exposed to the sun. In this case it is advisable to apply a protective cream suggested by the veterinarian. The dog may, however, pull it off with his tongue. Don’t let him stay under the UV rays for too long if he has fair skin, as it could cause melanoma.
If you notice that your 4-legged friend has a dry nose, with wounds, or has scabs or congealed blood, take him to the vet as he may have some disease. Other signs could also be a growth of tissue or bumps around the nose, or a discharge of yellow, green, black or bloody secretions.
Why are dogs’ noses cold and wet?
The humidity and low temperature of the nose serve dogs for various reasons. If, for example, it stops being cold or wet, their own tongue returns the nose to its normal condition. Here’s why it’s always humid:
1. To cool off
This way the nose will not have the same temperature as the body. It is as if it were a fan. Through the tongue and the breathlessness the animal reduces its body temperature. That is, use saliva to freshen the nose. The nasal glands supply a large amount of water to the nostrils. This is why it must always be wet.
2. To better understand the signals
A wet nose is synonymous with good health in a dog, but also with a greater amount of odorous particles. In this way, it also improves the olfactory ability. Furthermore, it facilitates neuronal reception. Moisture in dogs’ nostrils works as if it were a “slide”, because it pushes the olfactory molecules to be detected faster.
3. To become impregnated with odors
We don’t understand why our furry friends like to smell rotten things or dead animals . And the worst thing is that they get so close that the nose gets all dirty. The answer is the following: the information is thus analyzed much more effectively.
