8 Secrets of Your Pet's Nose

Your pet's nose may be one of its cutest features, but it is one of the most important. Read on for eight little-known facts about your pet's nose and how it contributes to their overall health.

1. Superior Sense of Smell

 

Dogs: It is estimated that a dog's sense of smell is anywhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute compared to humans. They are blessed with up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, out of which humans have approximately six million.

Cats: While not as strong as those of dogs, cats have a highly developed sense of smell. The use of their noses for exploration and searching for food and danger is part of an innate predatory arsenal.

2. Cooling Mechanism

 

Dogs: Since dogs are unable to cool their bodies by sweating through the skin, as in the case of humans, they rely on panting or even the wet lining of their noses to regulate cooling down. Evaporation of water from their noses controls their body temperature.

Cats: Like canines, felines also pant to regulate body temperatures but are more efficient in regulating it.

3. Unique Nose Prints

 

Just as in human beings, every dog and cat has a unique nose print. This is because, similar to human fingerprints, the patterns of bumps and ridges that make up a print are different from one individual to another, which makes each of them identifiable.

4. Moisturizing Properties

 

A thin layer of mucus on the nose is what helps keep it in a moist state. This layer of mucus is also useful in trapping particles of odor to enhance their smelling sensation.

5. Communication Tool

 

Dogs: Dogs are known to communicate with other dogs through their noses. They can even smell their noses as a form of greeting or to get information about them.

Cats: Cats communicate by scent marking. They have glands on their noses and rub them against things to leave the scent behind.

6. Health Indicator

The condition of the nose of a pet can indicate the conditions of its health. A wet nose is generally an indication that it is healthy. On the other hand, dry or cracked noses can be an indication of dehydration or illness.

7. Changes in Color of Nose

 

Dogs: Noses of some dog breeds tend to change color. For example, dogs of the Labrador Retriever breed may be black at birth. This may turn pink due to environmental factors like sunlight, aging, or for health reasons.

Cats: The cats' noses also discolor just as in dogs. For example, the age factor can lighten the color of a cat's nose.

8. Sensitivity to Irritants

Both are sensitive to strong smells and irritants. The dogs and cats must be protected from strong chemicals, smoke, and fumes that may cause discomfort or injuries.

Conclusion

Understanding the nose of your pet, and all that it does, will go a long way in caring for and further appreciating this fascinating world of senses that belongs to them. Notably, pay extra attention to any subtle changes in appearance or behavior of the nose, since these provide valuable peeks into the health and well-being of your pet.