Do Dogs Sweat

Do Dogs Sweat? 

Many people wonder if dogs sweat like humans do. The answer is both yes and no—dogs do sweat, but not in the same way humans do. While humans have sweat glands all over their bodies to help cool down, dogs rely more on other mechanisms, like panting, to regulate their body temperature. In this article, we’ll explain how dogs stay cool, where they sweat, and what you can do to help your dog in hot weather.

Which are the Main Ways Dogs Usually Use to Lose Heat in Extreme Hot Weather?

Dogs dissipate heat in extreme heat in the following ways.

• Breathing

Dogs dissipate heat by panting, which is more efficient than humans dissipating heat by sweating. When dogs pant, they inhale cooler air and exhale hotter air from their bodies, thus lowering their body temperature. 

• Tongue Cooling

Dogs have an abundance of sweat glands distributed on their tongues and when they open their mouths and stick out their tongues, they can evaporate the water on their tongues to a certain extent, thus carrying away the heat. 

• Sweating on the paws

Dogs also have sweat glands on their paws, and the wet footprints they leave on the ground can help dissipate heat. 

• Finding shade

In hot weather, dogs will actively seek shade to dissipate heat, such as lying on the floor or finding shady corners, which can lower body temperature and help dissipate heat. 

• Licking and scratching

These behaviors increase the surface area of the skin and help the dog to dissipate heat more quickly. Scratching also stimulates vasodilation of the skin, increasing blood flow and further promoting heat dissipation. 

• Ears dissipate heat

A dog's large ears are also an important part of its heat dissipation, with blood vessels in the ears helping to bring heat to the surface and eventually dissipate it into the air. 

To help dogs dissipate heat better in hot weather, dog owners should provide plenty of fresh water, make sure the dog has a shady resting place, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and watch the dog for signs of heat stroke. 

How to Trim Dog's Hair Correctly to Dissipate Heat?

There are several areas of your dog's hair that should be trimmed correctly to help dissipate heat during the summer months.

• Hair around the footpads

Trimming the hair around the pads of the feet will help your dog dissipate heat through the pads, as this is one of the main areas where your dog dissipates heat. 

• Hair on the belly and sides

Properly trimming the coat on your dog's body and keeping the length around 2-3 centimeters can help your dog dissipate heat better while protecting the skin from UV rays. 

• Hair on the buttocks

Especially the hair around the anus, keeping this area clean and tidy helps your dog's hygiene and comfort. 

• Hair on legs and feet

Trimming the hair on your dog's legs and feet will keep these areas clean, as well as reduce the burden on your dog when walking, making heat dissipation more effective. 

When trimming the hair, you should avoid shaving your dog's coat as this can expose the skin to direct sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and potentially leading to skin problems. Use appropriate pet scissors and combs and trim along the lines of your dog's body to maintain aesthetic appeal while achieving heat dissipation. 

Why is it Not Recommended to Completely Shave Dog's Hair to Help Dissipate Heat?

There are several main reasons why it is not recommended to completely shave your dog's coat to help dissipate heat.

Protecting the skin

A dog's hair protects the skin from UV rays, and shaving the hair exposes the skin to direct sunlight, which can easily cause sunburn or even increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Protects against allergies and parasites

Hair also helps insulate against allergens such as pollen and dust mites as well as blocking parasites, and shaved hair can make your dog more susceptible to these external stimuli. 

Damaged Hair Follicles

Shaving the hair may damage your dog's hair follicles, especially in dog breeds with double coats, which can lead to permanent hair damage and affect your dog's thermoregulatory functions. 

Psychological effects

Dogs may experience low self-esteem or anxiety as a result of losing their hair, affecting their mental health. 

Limited actual heat dissipation

The main way a dog dissipates heat is through the sweat glands on the tongue and soles of the feet, and through dilated blood vessels, and shaving the coat has limited practical help in dissipating heat. 

Therefore, if you need to help your dog dissipate heat, it is recommended that you keep the hair trimmed to a certain length, rather than shaving it completely. This will provide some cooling without damaging the dog's skin and hair follicles. 

How to Cool My Dog?

• Provide plenty of fresh water

Make sure your dog has fresh, cool water to drink at all times and change it regularly to keep it at the right temperature.

• Use ice pads or coolers

Place ice pads or coolers in your dog's resting area to help them dissipate heat by touching these cooling surfaces.

• Swimming or water play

If conditions permit, allow your dog to swim or play in water, which is a very effective way to dissipate heat.

• Wet Towel Wipes

Use a wet towel to wipe your dog's belly and paws, which are rich in blood vessels and help lower body temperature quickly.

• Air conditioner temperature setting

Set your air conditioner at around 26 degrees, which is a more appropriate temperature for your dog. Avoid setting the temperature too low to prevent your dog from catching a cold or getting air conditioning sickness. 

• Avoid direct airflow

Don't let the air conditioner or fan blow directly on your dog to prevent them from catching a cold. You can adjust the direction of the air conditioner so that it does not blow directly on your dog, or make sure your dog has a place to hide when using a fan. 

• Ventilate regularly

Even if you use an air conditioner, you should open the windows regularly to keep the air in the room fresh. You can place a few pots of water indoors and use water evaporation to help cool the room. 

• Provide food with high water content

Add water-rich foods such as cucumber and watermelon to your dog's diet to increase their water intake.

• Avoid going outside during hot times

Try to take your dog outside in the morning or evening when it's cooler, and minimize outdoor exposure during the midday heat.

By taking these steps, you can help your dog stay properly hydrated and cool in hot weather and prevent the risk of heat stroke.

What Should I Do When Taking My Dog Out in the Summer?

When taking your dog out in the summer, sun protection is an important measure to protect the health of your dog's skin. Here are some suggestions for effective sun protection.

Use a canine sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen designed specifically for dogs and apply it to the areas of your dog's body that are easily exposed to the sun, such as the nose, ears, and belly. Make sure that the sunscreen you use is appropriate for your dog's skin and has adequate SPF. 

Provide shade

Use a parasol or dress your dog in sun protection, especially for dogs with short and light-colored coats, which are more susceptible to sunburn. 

Choose shady routes

When outdoors, choose paths with shade and avoid letting your dog walk on the ground in direct sunlight to prevent paw burns. 

Pay attention to your dog's behavior

Observe your dog for restlessness, excessive licking, or attempts to find shade, which may be signs that your dog is feeling hot or uncomfortable. 

By doing the above, you can help your dog safely enjoy the outdoors in the summer while protecting them from UV rays.

How to Properly Measure if My Dog is in Heatstroke?

Correctly measuring whether your dog is in heatstroke can be done by following a few steps.

• Observe your dog's behavior and symptoms

Dogs suffering from heatstroke may show symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, abnormally high body temperature (over 40°C), loss of appetite, slow response, fatigue, unwillingness to move, drooling, dull eyes, and cyanosis of the mouth and lips. 

• Measuring your dog's body temperature

Use a pet-specific thermometer to measure your dog's rectal temperature. Normally, a dog's body temperature should be between 38-39.2°C. If the temperature is above this range, especially if it is significantly elevated, it may be a sign of heat stroke. 

• Check your dog's skin condition

Check your dog's skin on the hairless area of the abdomen for heatstroke-related skin changes such as flushing, extensive bleeding spots or blood spots. 

• Assess the dog's environment

Has the dog been exposed to high temperatures, stifling heat, or direct sunlight for an extended period of time, all of which are risk factors for heat stroke? 

If your dog shows any of these signs of heat stroke, take immediate cooling measures and contact your veterinarian for professional treatment as soon as possible. While waiting for treatment, you can move your dog to a cooler area and use cold water to wipe or soak your dog in cold water to help lower his body temperature. 

Related: Heat Stroke in Dogs

How to Treat Heat Stroke in Dogs?

When a dog suffers from heatstroke, the following emergency treatment measures should be taken immediately.

Cool down quickly

Move your dog to a cool, ventilated area and use cold water to wipe its body, especially the abdomen, armpits and foot pads to help dissipate heat. Avoid the use of ice water as too low a temperature can cause vasoconstriction and slow down the heat dissipation process.

Keep breathing well

Ensure that your dog's head is kept in a lowered position to facilitate breathing and remove secretions from the mouth. 

Provide hydration

If your dog is conscious, give a small amount of room temperature water, but do not force him to drink large amounts as this may cause vomiting. 

Contact a veterinarian immediately

Even if your dog's symptoms subside, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, as heat stroke can lead to internal organ damage that requires specialized treatment. 

When dealing with a dog with heatstroke, do not use ice packs or cold water directly on your dog, as this may cause the body temperature to drop too quickly and cause other health problems.

What Foods or Snacks are Suitable for Dogs to Beat the Summer Heat?

Mung bean soup: can promote urination and remove internal heat, but should be fed in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs. 
Cucumber: with lots of water, warm nature and low calories, it can be used as a snack, but should not be overdone to avoid diarrhea. 
Apple: contains water-soluble food fiber, which helps digestion and reduces diarrhea problems, but remove the core. 
Watermelon: rich in water, suitable for replenishing the water lost by dogs in hot weather, but should avoid feeding frozen watermelon. 
Light dog food: choosing light, low-salt dog food that clears heat and reduces fire will help your dog stay in good health during the summer. 
When offering these heat-reducing foods, you should make sure that the food is fresh, clean, and that all parts that could be dangerous to your dog, such as the core and seeds, are removed. Also, you should feed your dog the right amount according to his specific health condition and dietary preferences to avoid overdoing it.

FAQs

Conclusion 

While dogs do sweat through their paw pads, this is not their main method of staying cool. Instead, dogs rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. In hot weather, it’s essential to help your dog stay cool by providing water, shade, and rest. Recognizing the signs of overheating and knowing how to cool your dog down can prevent heat-related issues and keep your furry friend safe.