Taking care of your dog’s nose:
It’s long been said that a cool, wet nose is a sign a dog is healthy. Not true: A sick dog’s nose can be hot, cold, wet, or dry. Note what your dog’s nose looks like when it’s healthy and it’ll be easier to spot problems when they show up.

To examine your dog’s nose, look for any signs of unusual discharge, including blood. Also keep an eye out for excessive dryness, a crusty nose, or one that’s paler than normal. Then watch your dog’s nose as it breathes. If the nostrils flare more than usual, that could be a sign of breathing problems.

Always talk to your vet about your concerns. Because nose discharge in dogs can be a variety of colors and caused by many things, a quick exam by your vet is often the best way to get at the cause of a dog’s nose discharge.