Q: Why are dogs’ noses wet?

A: As dogs explore their world predominantly through their noses, their noses need to function optimally. While scientists aren’t entirely sure why your dog’s nose is wet, it is believed that dogs’ noses secret mucus to keep the nose and nasal canals moist. This thin layer of mucus lines the nostrils and enhances the ability of the nose to absorb the scent chemicals, thereby improving your dog’s ability to smell.

While a wet nose is the norm, a dry nose isn’t always a cause for concern. Temperature and moisture are not necessarily good indicators of a dog’s health status; some healthy dogs naturally have drier noses than others. Having said this, if you notice that your dog’s nose is suddenly dry despite usually being wet, you should monitor them closely for other signs of illness and contact your vet if you are at all concerned.