“A healthy dog ​​should have a fresh, moist nose.” This old adage, whose origin cannot be dated is hard-skinned and still often slips into conversations between veterinarians and owners today.

But what is it really? Is his dog’s nose an indicator of good health? Does a hot, dry truffle necessarily rhyme with a fever? Should variations in the condition of the truffle alert us? Find in this article all our veterinary advice.

To make it short and simple: no, the temperature and humidity of the truffle are not enough to indicate the state of health of our companions.

Indeed, the condition of the truffle depends on many factors. Internal parameters of the dog but also external parameters, of its direct environment, can influence it. Thus, the state of the truffle can be very variable from one day to another and even from one hour to another. For example, a dog who wakes up from a long nap at the corner of the radiator may end up with a rather hot and dry nose without any abnormalities. Conversely, after a short outing in cold or humid weather, your pooch may come back with a very fresh and wet nose even if he is brooding a fever or another disease.

The first way to determine the state of health of your dog and to look at his behavior, his vitality and his appetite.

Here are some examples of questions you should ask yourself if you have any doubts about their health: 

• Has he been eating and if not for how long?
• Does he seem tired?
• Does he sleep and rest a lot for no apparent reason?
• Is he reluctant to move or go out?
• Does he pass urine and bowel movements at the usual frequency?
• And does his droppings look normal?

If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian who will help you make a decision on whether and how quickly to consult.

If you want to have information about her body temperature, the only reliable indicator is rectal temperature, and you can measure it at home. 

Likewise, taking a dog’s temperature can be difficult depending on its temperament. If it is not possible to do this at home or if you are in doubt after taking the temperature, do not hesitate to call a veterinarian as well.

The nose represents the tip of the nose of dogs. It consists of a particular very thick and often pigmented skin (colored black or brown). Its surface is continuously moistened by nasal secretions and, to a lesser extent, by the dog’s regular licking. This explains why it usually stays cool and humid.

Dogs use their sense of smell to a large extent to explore their environment, which makes the truffle a very important organ in its behavior and sometimes on the front line in the face of external aggressions.

Like all parts of the body, the nose itself can present lesions which may be only local or result from a general disease.

Thus, the appearance of the truffle should not be ignored and a change may be a reason for consultation. In particular, you should be careful if you see any of the following abnormalities and contact your veterinarian for a consultation:

• Depigmentation (loss of color);
• Pimples or a growth;
• Swelling, an area of ​​redness, tenderness, or pain;
• A wound ;
• Scabs or plaques;
• Discharge (blood, greenish, yellowish or other mucus, etc.);
• Cracks or cracks.

In conclusion, the truffle is not a sufficient indicator to determine the state of health of a dog. A wet and cold nose does not necessarily indicate a healthy dog, and conversely, a dry and hot nose can be quite normal depending on the dog’s direct environment. It is best to start by evaluating your general behavior, appetite and transit to get an idea of ​​your state of health.

However, the nose is an organ that can also be diseased and undergo changes in its appearance, shape or sensitivity. In these cases, a consultation with a veterinarian should be scheduled.

If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian who will help you assess the situation and advise you on the procedure to follow.