There’s a famous quote that says: “I don’t sweat. I sparkle.” Well, if that’s the case then these hot summer months sure have me sparkling like a diamond! While we lather on the deodorant and antiperspirant to keep our shirts dry and smelling fine, did you know our sweat glands are actually designed to help us release heat and cool down? Pretty cool! Now here’s another thought: How do our dogs keep cool? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen a dog come inside on a hot day with sweat beads on his forehead! So, it begs the question: Do dogs sweat?
Do Dogs Sweat?
Short answer: Yes, dogs do sweat a little. But it’s not their main way of cooling down. Dogs have two types of sweat glands: merocrine glands and apocrine glands. Here’s how they work:
- Merocrine glands function pretty similarly to our sweat glands. They’re located in a dog’s paw pads and activate when it’s hot, as a way of helping our pups cool down. This is why you may notice your pup leaving behind damp paw prints on super hot summer days.
- Apocrine glands – while considered sweat glands – don’t actually produce sweat to keep your dog cool. Instead, they release pheromones. These glands are located all over our dogs’ bodies and help the canine community identify other dogs by scent.
So, How Do Dogs Cool Off?
Since sweating isn’t a dog’s primary method for cooling down, they rely on other mechanisms to regulate their body temperature. On a super hot day, you’ll probably catch your dog with his mouth wide open, tongue hanging out, huffing and puffing. That’s because panting is a dog’s main way of cooling himself down. Here’s how it works … When dogs pant, they release hot air from their lungs and let in cooler external air. This ultimately helps evaporate water on their tongue, inside their mouth, nasal passages, and upper respiratory tract. As this water evaporates, your dog’s body can regulate its body temperature and cool down.
There’s Another Way Dogs Cool Down
Dogs also rely on something called vasodilation to keep cool. Vasodilation is where blood vessels, especially those near the skin’s surface, expand to increase blood flow. This helps bring overheated blood to the surface, allowing heat to be released into the air. This ultimately helps lower a dog’s internal body temperature. You might see your dog’s ears become flushed and warm as they attempt to cool off through vasodilation.
Heat Stroke In Dogs
While dogs do have natural ways to cool themselves down, they aren’t always the most effective — especially if the outside air temperature is the same (or even higher) than a dog’s normal body temperature of 102 F. You may not realize it, but heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen very quickly in dogs. Some warning signs include:
- Heavy and/or rapid panting
- Increased body temperature (normal body temp is anywhere from 101º- 102.5º)
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Anxious
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weakness and stumbling / Lack of coordination
- Muscle tremors
- Loss of consciousness
If you think your dog is suffering from a heat-related illness, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke then do the following:
- Remove your dog from the heat source. Get to a shady location or an air-conditioned space, if possible.
- Soak towels in cold water (not ice water) and wrap them around your dog to bring down his body temperature.
- As long as the dog is awake and alert, offer him something to drink. Don’t let him drink too fast, though.
- NEVER try to give a dog water who is either semi-conscious or unconscious.
- Get your pup checked by a vet immediately, even if you think he is fine.
Protecting Your Dog From the Heat
While dogs have their natural cooling mechanisms, there are several ways you can help your canine companion stay cool and comfortable in the hot summer months:
- Avoid Midday Heat: If possible, walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Feel the Ground: No matter what time of day it is, before you take off for a walk, always feel the ground with your hand. If it feels too hot for you after about 10 seconds, then it’s too hot for your pup’s paws!
- Provide Plenty of Water: Always ensure your dog has access to fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration. This is easy to do when you’re home, but this should also be top of mind when heading out for walks or other dog-friendly adventures. I recommend carrying a portable water bottle and/or collapsible bowl to ensure your furry family member remains hydrated.
- Car Rides: Never leave your dog alone in a hot car.
- Create a Cool Environment: When inside, make sure to have the air conditioner pumping! When outside, here are some products to help provide a cooler environment:
- Cooling gel mats are an innovative product that helps offer relief to your pup on a hot day. Get this: They don’t require any refrigeration or electricity. This cooling pad, for example, features pressure-activated cooling! All you have to do is set it out in a shady area and let your pup relax on the cool, comfortable surface. There are a bunch of cooling gel pads on the market. I personally have this one by Hugs Pet Products – it’s a top-rated cooling mat and comes in 3 sizes: Medium, Large, and Extra Large. For size reference, I have the Medium and it works well for my Toy Poodle and Chihuahua. So, definitely size up!
- Cooling Bandana – The All for Paws Chill Out Ice Bandana is another great cooling product. The company recommends following these instructions: Soak it in water to activate the material’s special cooling technology, ring it out, and then place it on your dog’s neck. I read a lot of reviews before buying this bandana a few years ago and picked up some good pointers. So, here’s how I use it: Soak the bandana in cold water, ring it out, place it in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes, and then strap it onto your pup before heading outside.
- Splash Pad – A doggy splash pad is the perfect way to provide your pup with some cooling playtime. It’s easy to set up – just hook it up to a garden hose and then watch the water flow through its sprinklers and fill the center (like a shallow pool).
