Do dogs sweat? Yes, contrary to common belief, dogs do sweat. However, unlike humans, sweating only serves a small part in regulating their body temperature.
Read on to learn how dogs sweat and find out the most important bodily processes that help them cool down.
The Truth About Dogs and Sweating
Is it true that dogs don’t sweat? Many dog lovers assume that dogs do not sweat, but this belief is a big misconception because our four-legged friends do produce sweat. However, this bodily process happens differently in canines.
In relation to this topic, let us answer the question: “Do dogs sweat all over their body?” No, dogs do not sweat all over their body, unlike the way we do.
Their fur traps the sweat’s moisture, hindering its evaporation and slowing down their cool-down process. Over time, dogs’ bodies developed the ability to produce sweat in areas where there is no fur.
In comparison, the human body can sweat without much problem because we are not covered in fur. It allows the moisture to evaporate swiftly and helps our bodies cool down fast.
As you continue reading, you will find out what is responsible for producing dog sweat and which places in the body do pooches sweat.
2 Types of Sweat Glands in Dogs
Canines possess 2 types of sweat glands, namely the apocrine glands and the merocrine glands. Let us look into their primary functions and learn what roles they play in dog sweat production.
1. Apocrine glands
Dogs release fluid through the apocrine glands located all over their bodies. However, these sweat glands do not help them cool down.
The primary function of apocrine glands is to release pheromones. They are particularly useful in canine communication since pooches largely rely on scents to identify other dogs.
2. Merocrine glands
How do dogs sweat? Dogs are able to sweat thanks to the merocrine glands, which function similarly to the human sweat glands.
Whenever pooches feel hot, the merocrine glands get activated and release odourless fluid, which aids in lowering internal body temperature.
Some dog owners wonder: “Do dogs sweat when nervous?” Heat is not the only thing that can cause dogs to sweat. Stress and nervousness can trigger their merocrine glands to produce sweat.
Another commonly asked question is: “Do dogs sweat smell?” Yes, dog sweat can smell. Many people have described its scent to be the same as corn chips.
With regular bathing, this odour can be easily eliminated. Note that if your dog’s sweat is extremely stinky, it is a sign of skin problems and needs the vet’s attention.
Where Do Dogs Sweat From?
The merocrine glands in canines are only present in particular areas where moisture can easily evaporate. Find out which parts of the body dogs sweat from.
Do dogs sweat from their nose?
Technically, yes. Dogs can sweat from their nose, but it is not meant for cooling their body down.
Experts speculate that the sweat glands on the nose secrete mucus to keep it moist. It is believed to attract scent molecules to the olfactory centre, increasing their sense of smell.
Do dogs sweat through their paws?
Yes, the true sweat glands of dogs can be found on their paw pads. By sweating through their paws, canines can ease the heat in their bodies a little.
So, how can you tell if a dog is sweating? Most of the time, it can be difficult to spot if dogs are sweating since they cannot sweat heavily as we can. Some of the subtle signs you can look for are moist dog paw pads and paw prints on the floor.
Although sweating helps dogs cool down, it is not the primary way their bodies regulate internal temperature. Read on to learn how dogs truly cool off.
2 Main Types of Thermoregulation in Dogs
How do dogs regulate their temperature? Sweating is only a small part of a dog’s thermoregulation. The most vital functions that effectively cool off his body are panting and vasodilation.
1. Panting
We often come across the question: “Do dogs sweat through their tongues?” No, they do not sweat through their tongues. However, the tongue has a significant role in temperature regulation via panting,
When a dog pants, heat makes its way to his chest and is released through the moisture of the tongue, mouth, and throat. The moist evaporation on his tongue and his lungs allow his body to quickly cool down.
2. Vasodilation
Another thermoregulation process called vasodilation helps keep our four-legged friends cool during a hot day. It works by expanding their blood vessels, particularly those located in the ears and face.
This pulls the warm blood closer to the skin’s surface, allowing its heat to dissipate. Once the blood cools down, it circulates back to the heart, which lowers dogs’ internal body temperature.
Watch Out for Heatstroke in Dogs
Thermoregulation in dogs is not infallible. During sweltering summer days, pooches are at high risk of a sudden rise in internal temperature.
In these cases, sweating, panting, and vasodilation will not be effective enough to stop the onset of heatstroke.
Pay close attention to your furry friend when bringing him outdoors on a hot day. If he exhibits the following symptoms, he is likely experiencing heatstroke:
- Lethargy
- Hypersalivation
- Excessive panting
- Abnormally fast heart rate
- Disorientation
- Red gums
- Seizures
Move your dog to a shady place to prevent his heatstroke from worsening. Wet a cloth with cool water and apply it to his paws, head, stomach, and armpits.
Do not use cold water as it can send his body into shock. Whilst doing this first aid, contact the vet to alert them of your dog’s emergency.
Heatstroke Prevention in Dogs
- Make sure that your dog always has fresh cool water to drink, especially when outdoors. This will ensure that he stays cool whilst preventing him from getting dehydrated from the heat.
- Take your dog out for exercise only during the coolest parts of the day. The ideal time to do this is in the evening and early morning. Avoid the afternoon since the heat tends to be at its peak during this time.
- Let your dog stay indoors whenever the temperatures exceed 75° to 80° Fahrenheit. Consider placing him in an air-conditioned room so he can escape the heat.This is also strongly recommended for brachycephalic dog breeds since they are very vulnerable to heatstroke.
- Never leave your dog inside a hot car. It does not matter if your vehicle is parked in a shady area and the windows are cracked open. Leaving him at home with a reliable dogsitter is a safer option if you need to go out for errands.
- Help your dog cool down by misting him with water. If he does not enjoy getting wet, feeding him frozen dog treats is a great simple alternative.
