Why is a dog's nose cold?
Dogs are noted for their legendary scenting ability. The nose has been a very efficient "tool" that has helped dogs to survive in the wild. The nose is one of the very important assets of dogs that allowed them to survive in the wild. Dogs that have survived in the wild have greatly depended on the nose to hunt and more importantly to avoid their predators. The ultra sensitive smelling ability of the dog is one of the reasons why these animals are highly valued . 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. The excellent scenting abilities are valuable assets of dogs utilized to herd and to detect bombs and narcotics. Dogs have been the wonderful companions of man but these animals have saved a lot of lives as rescue dogs as well. The power of a dog's nose was proven again when these animals have detected some types of cancer. Dogs are outstanding companions but the outstanding scenting ability have further elevated the dog's status in the eyes of man
A wet and cold nose is one of the distinct characteristics of dogs. 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.
Dogs like humans, would have cold noses too when the weather is cold Apart from being active, dogs are curious animals too. 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 inclination to lick. Dogs will be seen licking the nose after a meal.
Because the tongue is wet, the moisture 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. To regulate body temperature, a dog would open the mouth, hang out the tongue and pant. The fluid that keeps the nose moist and cold aids in regulating body temperature.
Aside from being home companions dogs are used in other capacities as well. The excellent scenting abilities are valuable assets of dogs utilized to herd and to detect bombs and narcotics. Dogs have been the wonderful companions of man but these animals have saved a lot of lives as rescue dogs as well. The power of a dog's nose was proven again when these animals have detected some types of cancer. Dogs are outstanding companions but the outstanding scenting ability have further elevated the dog's status in the eyes of man
A wet and cold nose is one of the distinct characteristics of dogs. 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.
Dogs like humans, would have cold noses too when the weather is cold Apart from being active, dogs are curious animals too. 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 inclination to lick. Dogs will be seen licking the nose after a meal.
Because the tongue is wet, the moisture 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. To regulate body temperature, a dog would open the mouth, hang out the tongue and pant. The fluid that keeps the nose moist and cold aids in regulating body temperature.
About the Author:
At Sarah's Dogs you can read more about why dogs have cold noses, dog first aid and many other interesting dog facts.
0 comments:
Post a Comment