Three Signs Of A Dog's Runny Nose
Posted on: 21 March 2023
It's healthy for a dog's nose to be wet, but it shouldn't be runny. If the dog's nose is runny, it's often an indicator of a health issue — much in the same way as a human's runny nose suggests a cold or another type of illness. Keeping an eye on your dog will often alert you to the fact that its nose is runny, but it's useful to be aware of other signs of this issue. If your dog has a runny nose for more than a short period of time, you should contact your animal hospital to explain what you've noticed. It may be necessary to have an appointment with the veterinarian to assess the animal. Here are some things to look for.
Damp Areas On Its Bed
A lot of dogs spend a considerable amount of time on their bed throughout the day. It's a good idea to get in the habit of taking a periodic look at the condition of the bed when the dog isn't occupying it. If the dog is contending with a runny nose, there's a good chance that you'll see some damp areas on the bed. As the dog's nose runs while the animal is asleep, these damp areas can be visible. When you notice this issue, you can carefully check your dog to see if its nose is indeed runny.
Frequent Licking
When awake, dogs won't often let their nose run until the mucus is dripping off their face. Instead, they'll often lick their nose repeatedly, reacting in this manner every time they feel their nose running. Many pet owners have ideas of how their dogs generally behave. It may stand out if you notice that your dog is licking its nose much more than usual. You might see it licking its nose during the day or hear chronic licking when you're in bed at night.
Raw Appearance
Just like humans, a runny nose can often result in raw skin around the nose. This can particularly be true for dogs that lick their noses frequently, as the combination of the dampness from the runny nose and the contact from the tongue can make the area look raw and sore. For example, the area may be pinker or redder than usual. You may find that it's easier to notice this issue on a dog that has a light-colored nose over one with a black nose.
Contact your local pet care hospital upon noticing your dog's runny nose.
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