Is it true that if your dog has a warm nose that it is an indication of fever or illness? Or is this just a myth?

And another one.. do they eat grass when they are sick? Those are two really common things I hear.

If a dog was eating grass, with a warm nose... Would he be REALLY sick?

Sorry, I've heard those 'facts' all my life too, and I don't know if they're true.

Originally Posted by luvdanes04

And another one.. do they eat grass when they are sick? Those are two really common things I hear.

I don't think the warm nose senerio is true. There are lots of thoughts on grass eating.... I think the sharp blades on the grass irritate some dogs' intestinal tract causing them to vomit and that some dogs might learn to eat grass to induce vomiting if they don't feel well. Natalie grazes on grass ocassionally but never vomits...she seems to enjoy it for a little snack. Sebastian always vomits when he eats grass.

Originally Posted by luvdanes04

Is it true that if your dog has a warm nose that it is an indication of fever or illness? Or is this just a myth?

Whenever I call the vet, to ask them about a health concern with my dog, they do ask me this question. So, I would have to lean towards it being fact, more then fiction......

Yes, most dogs eat grass to induce vomiting. Odd how they know to do it. I have known one dog that ate grass just because, but my 3 seem to do it when they aren't acting like they feel well, and then they vomit shortly after.

As for the nose thing, I believe that a cold nose is generally a sign of good health - now, a warm nose doesn't necessarily signal a specific problem, but it can be a symptom, which is why vets often ask or check for that.

I'd always heard that it was a dry nose that signaled illness. I've never heard of them eating grass though. I have a dog who used to eat gravel, but I think he did that for "fun".

I have always heard this don't know if this is true or not.