Do Dogs Sweat?

You may be used to seeing your four-legged friend pant on hot days to cool themselves down. But, do dogs sweat?

Do Dogs Sweat?

Contrary to what many believe, dogs do sweat. However, the reason you have not seen your pooch sweat the same way we do is that they only produce sweat in certain parts of the body. The main sweat glands on your pup are located in their paw pads and stimulate when they need to cool down. These are called the merocrine sweat glands and are the reason you may see damp paw prints on the ground on hot days.

Because most dogs are covered in fur if they had sweat glands on their body the sweat would not evaporate. The evaporation is what causes the cooling to happen. So, it is more efficient for dogs to have sweat glands in their paws because there is little fur located there.

Another type of sweat gland on your furry friend is called the Apocrine gland. While they are considered sweat glands, the pain purpose of these glands is to release pheromones, not to cool your pooch off. These glands are located on your pup’s body. They help dogs identify each other by scent.

What’s up with Panting?

Your pup relies mostly on panting for temperature regulation. Sweating does very little to cool your pooch. When dogs pant, moisture is evaporated from their tongue, nasal passages, and the lung lining as air passes. This evaporation cools your canine.

Your companion also relies on vasodilation, or the expansion of blood vessels, to help cool them as well. When their blood vessels expand, the hot blood is brought closer to the skins surface. Here, it can cool down before returning to the heart. This is another temperature regulating element that your pooch relies on.

Your dog’s fur also acts as an insulator to keep your dog cool in hot weather and warm during the winter. Your pup’s coat catches air to regulate their body temperature.

Should I be Worried About Heat Stroke?

While dogs do have temperature regulating capabilities, they are not as effective as sweating is for people. So, this does raise the risk for heat stress and heat stroke. You should always keep and eye on your dog to be sure that they are cool and comfortable.

How Do I Keep My Dog Cool?

You can help your furry friend regulate their body temperature by controlling their environment. If your pup is outside, be sure that they have access to shaded areas and plenty of water. Additionally, don’t exercise your canine when it is to0 hot outside. Plan walks and playtime in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not so hot for your pooch. A cooling vest will also help keep your pup cool for longer. You should also pay attention to the temperature inside your home and never leave your dog alone in the car.

Knowing more about how your four-legged friend regulates their body temperature will allow you to help them stay cool and comfortable.