Dog Nose: 17 Things You Should Know

Waggyfriend, we invite you to stay reading this blog and discover the fascinating world of dog truffles with these 17 interesting facts that will make you appreciate even more the amazing nose of our dear furry friends. Remember that the dog truffle is a sensory wonder that adds magic to our connection with these incredible furry companions.

What is a dog's nose called?

Actually, what we commonly know as the nose of our furry dogs is called a truffle. The truffle is the organ of smell and the entrance to the respiratory system of dogs and it is essential that we know how to take care of it since it can change over the years or due to seasonal changes. Finally, the truffle can also be an indicator of possible health problems, since there are several diseases and allergies that can be detected by looking at your best friend's truffle.

The truffle, a fingerprint

The truffle is unique to each dog, like a fingerprint, and serves as an incredibly sensitive tool for detecting scents. This is capable of identifying odors in extremely low concentrations and distinguishing between various aromas. This olfactory ability is essential for several functions in dogs, such as search and rescue, drug and explosive detection, and hunting. Each canine truffle is unique, and its extraordinary olfactory capacity continues to be the object of study and use in various disciplines.

Allergy and dog nose

Allergies are something notorious that affects our furry nose because it can cause dryness, although this can also be caused by simple dehydration. On many occasions, the small plates where we serve their food or water are the main causes of these truffle allergies. Although this is not a determining factor, one option to consider is to change your frets for stainless steel or ceramic ones. Finally, if you suspect that your dog has allergies, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for a proper evaluation. The veterinarian can perform tests to identify possible allergies and provide an appropriate treatment plan.

In case your puppy does not like to visit the veterinarian, I recommend that you give him Waggy's brand puppy treats because they contain CBD for dogs , which helps a lot to level the stress and anxiety levels in dogs before to go to your session, which will be beneficial for everyone. In addition, one of its other ingredients is Omega 3 for dogs , a necessary and essential component for the development of the puppy.

Why do dogs have a wet nose?

The humidity in the nose of our furry dogs is extremely important since they need it to be able to capture odors, to improve their sense of taste, to regulate their body temperature, among many other purposes. That is why when they notice a slight change in humidity, our furry dogs begin to lick themselves to recover their olfactory faculties. Although a wet nose is common and healthy in dogs, it is important to note that variation in nose wetness does not always indicate a health problem. However, if you notice drastic changes, such as extreme dryness or abnormal discharge, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out possible health problems.

Dry and cracked nose in dogs

A dry and cracked nose in dogs can be caused by various factors such as a change in weather conditions, dehydration, an allergy, or in more severe cases, it may be related to a health problem. Waggy's recommends you make sure your dog is well hydrated by providing fresh, clean water. Also, remember that a dog's nose can vary in texture and wetness, and some dogs may have naturally drier noses than others.

Dog nose changes color

It is quite common for a dog's nose to experience color changes throughout its life. The variation in nose color can be due to several factors such as genetic factors, sun exposure, your age, some hormonal changes or due to your state of health although, most of the time, these changes are normal and do not indicate serious health problems. If you notice abnormal changes in your dog's nose, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as extreme dryness, peeling or bleeding, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

They breathe and smell through two different cavities

The truffle of our furry dogs is undoubtedly a mark of identity. Our furry dogs have a unique ability to process odors through two different systems: normal breathing and the vomeronasal organ. Normal breathing allows them to smell and process odors in the air through conventional airways, while the vomeronasal organ allows them to detect specific chemicals, such as pheromones, that can provide additional information about their environment and other animals. This dual ability to perceive odors is one of the reasons why dogs' sense of smell is so exceptionally keen and sophisticated. They can interpret a wide variety of odors and chemical signals, which contributes to their tracking, sensing, and communication abilities in the world around them.

Breed of dogs with poorly developed sense of smell

Not all dogs have the same olfactory capacity, some breeds of dogs with a flat face and short snout such as the PPP breeds , the English bulldog, the husky breeds , the French bulldog, boxer or Neapolitan mastiff, the Mini toy dogs do not have it as developed. These furry dogs have fewer olfactory receptor cells than dogs with long snouts.

Dog breeds with the best nose

The following dog breeds are known to have an exceptionally keen sense of smell and a "better nose":

Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are famous for their incredible sense of smell and their ability to track scents over long distances. They are commonly used in search and rescue.

Basset hound

With their long ears and keen sense of smell, Basset Hounds are expert trackers. They are known for following clues with patience and determination.

Beagle

Beagles also have an excellent sense of smell and are used in tasks such as substance detection and hunting. They are known for their energy and curious noses.

coonhound

Several Coonhound breeds, such as the Redbone Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound, are prized for their superior scenting and tracking abilities.

Labrador Retriever

In addition to being popular as companions and working dogs, Labradors have a good sense of smell and are used in various detection and searching tasks.

English Springer Spaniel

These dogs are known for being excellent hunters and trackers, taking advantage of their keen sense of smell.

The sun, your greatest enemy

The characteristics of your pet will determine the care you should take; some of them will need sun protection on their nose. Prolonged sun exposure, especially in hot climates or in dogs with light-colored noses, can affect a dog's nose causing sunburn, dryness and cracking, or changes in pigmentation. Remember that every dog ​​is unique, and some may be more sensitive to sun exposure than others. Proper care and protection can help keep your dog's nose healthy and comfortable.

The truffle, the best tracker

The dog's nose, which refers to its nose, is, in fact, an extraordinary tracking and detection instrument. Dogs are known for having an extremely keen sense of smell, and this ability is used in various tasks and fields. This is why they have a special sensitivity when it comes to identifying odors, they can discriminate between different odors precisely and they can be trained in a specific way. The dogs' nose is an exceptional tool that makes them efficient and valuable trackers in various practical applications and specialized jobs.

You can inhale and exhale at the same time

This fact can also be considered a myth because the breathing process in mammals, including dogs, involves separate inhalation and exhalation cycles. However, it is important to note that dogs have a unique ability to circulate air efficiently through their respiratory system. They have a special structure in the nose called the nasal concha, which helps direct the air flow efficiently, allowing the capture of odors even during inhalation. Although they do not inhale and exhale simultaneously, dogs can process odors continuously and efficiently while breathing, this allows them to gather constant olfactory information from their environment, contributing to their keen sense of smell and their detection and tracking abilities.

Common diseases in dogs

A dog's nose can be affected by various diseases or health problems such as the following:

nasal keratosis

This is a condition where the nose becomes rough and dry. It can cause cracking and peeling of the nose. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, are more prone to this condition.

Sunburn

Prolonged sun exposure, especially in dogs with light-colored noses, can cause nose sunburn. This can result in redness, dryness and peeling.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections can affect the truffle and cause inflammation, discharge or changes in texture. Infections often require veterinary treatment with antibiotics or other medications.

Traumatic injuries

Bumps, cuts or injuries to the nose can occur and cause problems. It is important to clean and treat any wound properly.

dry nose

Truffle dryness can be due to lack of hydration or extreme weather conditions. Keeping the dog well hydrated and providing shade on hot days can help.

Identify and remember each smell

Dogs are extraordinary at identifying and remembering odors through their keen sense of smell, which is associated with the nose (nose). Jacobson's organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ, and the olfactory structures in the nasal passages allow dogs to detect and process a wide variety of odors in a highly specialized manner. The precision and sensitivity of dogs' sense of smell is so remarkable that they are used in a wide variety of fields, from security and law enforcement services to medical and scientific applications. Their ability to identify and remember specific odors is an integral part of their behavior and function in the world around them.

Can you guess the time

This point may also be a conception that we have due to external factors. While dogs have keen senses, including the sense of smell, that can sense changes in the environment, there is no strong evidence that they can determine exact time. Dogs are creatures that are highly sensitive to their owners' daily patterns and routines. They can learn to associate certain events, such as feeding time with barf diet or the moment when the owners return home, with environmental and behavioral signals. Dogs are more likely to respond to daily routines, environmental cues, and human behavior to anticipate events rather than having a precise understanding of time in terms of hours and minutes.

What happens if a dog hits your nose?

If a dog hits its nose, the severity of the impact and possible consequences will depend on the force of the blow and the dog's facial structure:

Minor injuries

In many cases, if the bump is minor, the dog may only experience temporary discomfort, such as pain or swelling. They may sneeze or shake their head to relieve discomfort.

Serious injuries

In more serious cases, the blow can cause injuries, such as bruises, fractures or damage to the soft tissues of the nose. If there is bleeding, significant swelling, or changes in the shape of the nose, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Injuries to the nasal bones

Some dog breeds have flatter snouts, which could increase the risk of injury to the nasal bones in the event of a hard blow. This is more common in short-nosed breeds, such as brachycephalians.

Tooth injuries

Depending on how the hit occurs, there may also be a risk of injury to the teeth, especially if the dog hits something hard.

Hygiene and the dog truffle

The hygiene of a dog's nose is important for its health and comfort:

• You can gently wipe your dog's nose with a soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals or wipes that can irritate the sensitive skin of your nose.
• Hydration is key to truffle health. You can apply a small amount of balm or oil specifically formulated for dogs' nose to help prevent dryness and cracks.
• If your dog has a light or pink nose, especially in breeds more susceptible to sunburn, you can apply pet-friendly sunscreen to protect it from sun exposure. Make sure you use animal-safe products.
• Perform regular checks of the truffle to detect any abnormal changes in texture, color or shape. If you notice anything unusual, such as extreme dryness, peeling, bleeding, or drastic changes in pigmentation, consult your veterinarian.