We have probably all wondered why dogs have the wet snoutThere are many theories about this, but the answer is found in various scientific studies that have analyzed this phenomenon in detail. Humidity in the canine nose not only helps regulate its body temperature, but also improves their olfactory abilities, making dogs the mammals with one of the most acute senses of smell in the animal kingdom.
Why are dogs' snouts always wet?
Wet noses, common in most mammals, are scientifically known as rhinariumIn dogs, this characteristic is maintained thanks to the action of lateral nasal glands, which produce a special mucus. These glands are located inside the snout and release liquid into the nasal passages through tiny ducts about two centimeters long. In addition, dogs lick their snout frequently, which helps to maintain humidity from his nose. If you want to know more about dry snout, you can read more about Reasons why a dog has a dry snout.
The key role of nasal mucus
Contrary to popular belief, the fluid present in the dog's nose is not sweat, but mucous membrane. This mucus is essential to enhance the animal's olfactory capacity. Thanks to its sticky texture, captures odor particles in the environment, acting as a net that traps chemical molecules so that the olfactory cells of the truffle can analyse them. In this way, the dog is able to detect and process odours with impressive precision.
Thermal regulation and evaporation
In addition to improving their sense of smell, the moisture in their snout also plays a crucial role in temperature regulation. Since dogs do not sweat like humans, they rely on other mechanisms to dissipate heat, such as panting and evaporation through their nose. According to scientific studies, evaporation of moisture Truffle helps reduce the dog's body temperature, thus complementing its cooling system.
Dogs can detect odors more accurately
The sense of smell of dogs is thousands of times more developed than ours. While humans have approximately 5 million olfactory receptors, dogs have between 200 and 300 million. This extraordinary olfactory capacity is partly possible thanks to their moist nose, which facilitates the retention and processing of odorous molecules.
To better understand the magnitude of their olfactory power, some dogs are trained to detect diseases such as cancer, COVID-19 and diabetes, as well as explosives and drugs. All of this is possible because each smell releases chemical particles that are trapped in the mucus in the dog's nose, allowing it to process them and identify their source. For more information on how to treat nasal dryness in dogs, we recommend reading about How to treat dry nose in dogs.
The importance of licking the dog's nose
The action of lick one's snout It is a natural behavior in dogs. This behavior not only helps them keep their nose moist, but also allows them to pick up odor particles. captured in the mucusWhen a dog licks its nose, these particles reach its mouth and then a specialized organ called the Jacobson's organ, which allows it to analyze the olfactory information in even greater detail.
Is it normal for a dog to have a dry nose?
Many people believe that a dry nose in a dog It is a sign of illness, but this is not always true. The humidity of the nose fluctuates throughout the day depending on the dog's activity and environmental factors. If a dog has been sleeping or resting, its nose may become more dry. However, when it is alert or physically active, the secretion of mucus increases.
If you notice that your dog's nose is persistently dry or cracked, you could be facing a health problem, such as dehydration, fever, or skin diseases. In these cases, It is recommended to go to the veterinarian. Thus, it is important to be informed about the nasal health of dogs and to know how to recognize worrying symptoms, as mentioned in this link on Facts about dog's snout.
The moisture in dogs' noses is not just an evolutionary whim, but an essential tool for enhancing their sense of smell and regulating their body temperature. By better understanding this phenomenon, we can further appreciate the incredible capabilities of our four-legged friends and ensure their well-being by recognising potential problems if their nose is left moist for prolonged periods of time.
