The dog may sneeze frequently, trying to clear the nasal passages of mucous. In advanced cases, the mucous may become bloody. The dog's sense of smell is usually impaired, which may affect its appetite. Despite common belief, nose temperature is not a good indicator of being sick or healthy. Normal dogs may have hot, cold, dry or wet noses.
Body temperature is, however, an important indicator.
A dog with severe rhinitis may have an elevated body temperature. If this is the case, the dog generally becomes lethargic and has a poor appetite. Most cases remain confined to the nose and sinuses. In these instances the risks are minimal. In addition, if the nasal discharge is one of many symptoms such as seen in canine distemper and hepatitis , the condition is extremely serious.