Why do dogs have cold noses?
- April 29th, 2011
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Gary Mix, a network specialist and Wedding Photographer in Gainesville Florida
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Dogs are noted for their legendary scenting ability. Before domestication, the nose is considered as a very important survival asset of dogs. The nose is one of the very important assets of dogs that allowed them to survive in the wild. Thanks to the excellent scenting ability, dogs in the wild were able to survive by hunting and by avoiding their predators. Dogs are not only wonderful companions because due to the smelling ability dogs have become the dependable helpers and protectors of man . Modern day dogs no longer need to hunt or fight predators but the scenting ability is still very much at work especially for working dogs.
Aside from being home companions dogs are used in other capacities as well. Dogs have been utilized to herd but in recent years these animals noted to have excellent scenting abilities were trained to become bomb and narcotic sniffing dogs. Rescuing lives have been added to the outstanding accomplishments of these animals branded as man’s best friends. In recent years, the dog’s nose is proven to have the ability to detect some types of cancer. Dogs are really amazing animals not only because of their loyalty and affection to man but also because of their excellent scenting abilities.
Dog owners are aware that the pet has a wet and cold nose. Dogs are probably the only animals that have cold noses and an owner can’t help but wonder if the cold nose is behind the dog’s excellent scenting ability. Scientists believe that the extra moisture that wets and makes the nose cold is what increases the dog’s olfactory capabilities.
We humans get cold noses when the weather is cold, the same thing is true with dogs We know how active and curious dogs are. Dogs have the inclination to wander and to sniff anything that caught its fancy. Dogs have the inclination to sniff the ground so that the moisture from the grasses will be picked up by the nose. Dogs have the propensity to lick as this is a normal canine behavior. Dogs are voracious eaters thus after a meal they will be seen licking the nose to finish off food particles that remain on the nose.
Continuous licking will make the nose cold as the wetness of the tongue will be transferred to the nose. The coldness of the nose enhances the dog’s body temperature regulating system. Dogs do not have a very efficient cooling system due to very few pores. Dogs can only cool off the body by panting. The fluid that keeps the nose cold also helps in cooling the body.
At Sarah’s Dogs you can read more about why dogs have cold noses, dog first aid and many other interesting dog facts.