The region is responsible for the keen sense of smell of these animals — much more powerful than that of humans —, for heat exchanges in the body, for identifying whether another cat or dog has passed by, for recognizing females in heat, for noticing the presence of prey or even predators and many other functions.

As you’ve seen, this is a very important part for pets. Do you want to know the curiosities about cat snout and dog snout? See now!

What are the types of dog muzzles?

Dogs have three main types of noses, check it out:

  • Large-snouted dogs : these are dolichocephalic dogs (i.e., long-snouted), which have a longer and narrower head, as is the case with the Greyhound, Dachshund and Collie breeds .
  • Medium dog snout : called mesocephalic, they are breeds like Labrador, Beagles, dogs without defined breed and others.
  • Short muzzle : Brachycephalic dogs have a flat muzzle. This is the case for Pugs , Bulldogs and Shih Tzu.

Interestingly, short-nosed dogs are more likely to have health issues involving breathing and sweating. Therefore, if you have one at home, avoid doing very intense physical exercises with it at very hot times.

What about the types of cat muzzles?

There are also cat breeds with a flat nose , when the cat has an inverted “v” shaped nose. This is the case with Persian, Himalayan and Exotic cats.

Breeds like the Maine Coon and the Burmese cat have a long, curved snout. * The Norwegian Forest Dog has a * straight and pointed snout , while the Scottish Fold has a very small cat snout.

What is the ideal temperature for a dog’s nose?

If you wonder what it means when the dog’s nose is cold, know that this is exactly how it should be.

Naturally, a dog’s nose is cold and wet, but this can change throughout the day. If he has just done physical exercise, for example, this part of the body will work to regulate temperature and perspire, as the dog sweats through its muzzle.

Therefore, if you have a dog with a hot nose at home, wait a while for the body to normalize. If this condition is long-lasting, however, look for a veterinarian as this could be a sign of a fever .

What is the normal temperature of a cat’s nose?

The same goes for the cat’s muzzle. Many people think that a cold nose indicates that he is cold, but this is not the case.

A cat’s nose is cold and humid because, like dogs, it is where the heat exchange and thermal control of the body takes place.

This regulation is carried out by means of glands located at the tip of the snout, which release a secretion to retain heat and also better absorb smells.

Why does the cat’s muzzle change color?

There is nothing to worry about with a cat’s muzzle changing color, as it is natural. Not all felines undergo this transformation, but it usually happens in the pet’s first year of life.

When they are born, cats usually have a light pink muzzle, which darkens as they age.

If your cat is older and you notice changes in skin color, consult your veterinarian. Although they are rarer, this can be a sign of some health problems, such as:

  • Vitiligo
  • Lupus
  • Some types of cancer
  • Pemphigus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease.

In which cases should you be concerned?

Observing the muzzle to know the health status of the pet can be a good strategy. After all, this region may undergo changes if your cat or dog has contracted some diseases.

However, this is not a rule and it is necessary to evaluate other signs of the body and take tests to correctly diagnose a disease. Do you suspect something is wrong? Look for the vet!

Dog and cat with dry muzzle

In most cases, there is nothing to worry about with a dry muzzle. The humidity in the region changes according to the temperature and weather of the day or if your pet spent a long time in the sun, for example.

However, if the dryness is constant and you see small cracks or flaking on the surrounding skin, it is important to go to a veterinarian to assess whether it is a case of dehydration.

Many cats drink little water and, with that, they can become dehydrated. It is also possible that there is a related illness causing the dry nose symptom, such as a fever.

In the case of dogs, a dog with a hot and dry nose can also be an indication of fever, but it is important to observe other symptoms such as prostration, for example, to suspect a disease. A dry dog’s muzzle, by itself, is not a problem.