{"id":3472,"date":"2022-06-03T10:40:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T14:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/?p=3472"},"modified":"2022-06-03T10:40:00","modified_gmt":"2022-06-03T14:40:00","slug":"can-dogs-sweat-to-cool-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/can-dogs-sweat-to-cool-down\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Dogs Sweat to Cool Down?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In the absence of an efficient cooling system, dogs require special attention to fluctuating internal body temperatures. This is especially true during the hottest summer days, and even more so in dogs with dark fur coats, or thick double coats. Since they are covered with thousands of hair follicles, dogs sweat through their paws, nose, and tongue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Body Mechanics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the people that care for them, dogs aren\u2019t built to perspire as a way to cool down their entire skin. The truth is, dogs produce sweat in the parts of their bodies that aren\u2019t covered in hair follicles. You\u2019ve probably noticed your dog\u2019s cool, wet nose, or moist paw prints on hardwood floors. While these sweat glands play important roles in cooling, dogs have another option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Panting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs sweat primarily through their paw pads, but they also use panting to help with temperature regulation. When they inhale and exhale through an open mouth, the effect is similar to sweating. Warm moisture moves out of the body through respiration and evaporates. Additionally, blood vessels near the mouth and ears enlarge, contributing to a cooling effect.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Your Dog Needs More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While panting and sweating are essential mechanisms in the canine defense against overheating, the only real solution to a high body temperature is water and shade. Dehydration and heat stroke are real risks to dog safety and can be prevented in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n