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My dog has a dry nose. Does that mean he's sick or has a cold?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 160 lbs

Do Dogs get colds.? Dose a dogs dry nose mean that they are not feeling good?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Corel. Yes dogs can get colds, but a dry nose does not mean they are not feeling good. A dog's nose can go from wet to dry just by laying in the sun or near a heat source. Two signs that a dog isn't feeling well is a decrease or lack of appetite, and lethargy. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 16th, 2017

    No need to worry! Whether a dog's nose is moist or not is not considered a sign of illness in dogs. That's because a dog's nose can go from moist and wet to dry just by laying in the sun or near a heat source. You don't need to get Tanner checked out if that's the only thing you are noticing that is different about her :-)

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on February 8th, 2018

    Hi there! Whether a dog's nose is wet or dry doesn't really tell you anything about his health - so if he's acting normal, I wouldn't be concerned. It's very common for noses to be dry during the winter, since the air is more dry when it's cold out :)

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 8th, 2018

    No. As long as she’s eating, drinking and acting normal then it’s nothing to be overly concerned about. You can apply a thin film of Vaseline on it to soften it up. In the winter it’s more common for dogs to have a dry nose. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tasha.

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