Why Do Dogs Have Cold Noses?

By Jerry Welsh

There is a legend that explains why the dog's nose is cold. Legend has it that during the Great Flood, all the animals have to thank the dogs for saving Noah's ark from sinking. Even back then dogs possess an inquisitive nature. While the two dogs are roaming around the ark they noticed water pouring from a hole in the hull. One dog stuck his nose on the hole while the other called for help. The cold nose is the badge of honor conferred by God for the dogs' gallant act.

If you are a dog lover or if you have a pet dog ten to one, you have noticed the cold nose of your furry friend. Have you observed how Fido or Bubba cleans his mouth after a meal? Dogs have long tongues that can easily reach the nose. The tongue is the dog's very personal "table napkin" that is used to clean the mouth after a messy meal. Some people may think that the dog's fondness for licking its nose is the reason for the cold nose.

A cold nose is the barometer for the good health of the dog. How many times have you heard an advice to check the dog's nose if you are buying or adopting one? A healthy dog is one with a cold and wet nose. There may be truth to this fact but a cold wet nose does not always indicate good health for the dog. There are some breeds with dry and chapped noses but they are actually healthy. In the same manner, a dog with a cold nose that appears to be lethargic may be a case for the vet.

We know that dogs do not have pores in their bodies aside from the ones on their paws. Dogs don't sweat and they cool themselves by panting. Although the nose has a very small surface it helps in keeping the dog cool especially on very hot days.

The cold wet nose plays an important role in the survival of the dog. This gives the dog a heightened olfactory capacity. Before dogs were domesticated, they have relied on their excellent sense of smell to scent prey in order to survive. Nowadays, this great smelling skill has made the dog excel in herding, in hunting vermin and other pests. Likewise this has made the dog do extremely well in search and rescue operations, in bombs and illegal substance detection.

Would you like to know more about dogs and their noses? Visit http://www.sarahsdogs.com/qa/why_do_dogs_have_cold_noses.html Sarah's Dogs, http://www.sarahsdogs.com, also have lots of other information on dogs and their, sometimes rather strange, behaviour.