“Does my dog sweat?” This is a common question, especially during the hot summer months when humans sweat more than usual.
While sweating is primarily a matter of fluids for us, it's a bit different for our pets.
Let's explore whether dogs sweat, how they secrete sweat, and some simple tips to keep them cool in the summer and protect them from the dangerous heatstroke.
Does a Dog Sweat?
Sometimes, after a summer walk, you might notice a peculiar odor that resembles sweat. But can a dog really sweat?
The answer is yes. Dogs do sweat, but not like humans.
Dogs lack sweat glands distributed across their entire body like humans. Instead, they dissipate heat primarily through their mouth by panting.
Additionally, dogs use their paw pads and the vasodilation of certain areas, such as the ears, to cool down and regulate body temperature.
This explains why dogs are particularly susceptible to heatstroke, an acute condition that can occur when the temperature exceeds 41 degrees Celsius.
Heatstroke causes thermal damage to the body's tissues, including the heart, and is similar to a very high fever, often over 40 degrees, caused by environmental conditions.
Next, we'll discuss how to help your furry friend stay cool during summer. In the meantime, let's compare how humans and dogs sweat.
How Do Humans Sweat?
Humans have about 3 million sweat glands distributed across their skin.
Certain body areas have a higher concentration of these glands, such as the soles of the feet, armpits, palms, face, and genitals.
Humans have an extraordinary capacity for sweat secretion, as each gland can produce an amount of sweat greater than its weight.
In extreme heat, an acclimated body can expel up to 4-6 liters of sweat per hour.
Men sweat more because they have a very active metabolism and, consequently, a greater need to dissipate the heat produced by the body.
And How Do Dogs Sweat?
Consider that humans have a basal temperature (the temperature each person has in the morning upon waking without any activity) ranging from 35.2° to 36.9°C.
When the temperature rises to 37°C, we start talking about fever.
Dogs, however, have a higher basal temperature, between 38° and 39°C. To regulate their temperature, they have sweat glands that secrete sweat, a watery liquid containing minerals and waste substances.
A dog's sweat glands are primarily located on their paws. When it's very hot, you might notice that the dog leaves a wet mark with their paw print.
In addition, dogs have other sweat glands that mainly release pheromones, used for marking territory and communicating with other dogs.
So, Do Dogs Sweat a Lot or a Little?
Compared to humans, dogs sweat very little. So, how does our furry friend lower their body temperature? Do they only use a little sweat from their paws?
The answer is no, because dogs have two essential functions for thermoregulation.
The first is vasodilation: when the body temperature increases, the superficial capillaries dilate, allowing the blood to cool faster in areas where the skin is thinner, thus helping to dissipate heat.
Another mechanism is panting, or breathing with an open mouth.
It's no coincidence that when it's very hot, you can easily see your dog panting a lot with their mouth open and tongue out.
Another habit of your dog on hot days is to lie in the coolest areas, with their belly in contact with the floor.
Do they do this to cool down? Indeed, they do: your dog tries to keep as much skin surface as possible cool to lower their body temperature.
Another action that dogs often perform when they're hot is licking their coat to cool down, which leads us to tips on how to help them feel better when the heat is on.
Tips to Cool Your Dog in Summer
Things NOT to Do:
DON'T Shave Your Dog's Fur
Let's debunk a myth: it's unnecessary to shave a sweating dog to make them feel better. Our four-legged friends don't have sweat glands all over their bodies, so shaving them offers no benefit.
In fact, this can become a risk, as it exposes their skin, no longer protected by fur and potentially inadequately safeguarded by sunscreen, to the direct damage of the sun and heat. The dog's fur is a fundamental tool that helps them regulate their body temperature.
DON'T Give Ice-Cold Baths or Showers
A refreshing dip in a kiddie pool, creek, sea, or lake can help cool your dog in summer, but you must avoid ice-cold water, as your dog could go into shock due to the significant temperature difference between their body and the water.
DON'T Walk During the Hottest Hours of the Day
It might seem obvious, but avoid walking during the hottest hours, especially in the city, where asphalt or sidewalk stones can reach scorching temperatures and burn your dog's paws. The same goes for beach sand or mountain paths exposed to the sun, as remember that at higher altitudes, the sun is stronger!
Things TO Do to Cool Your Dog in Summer:
Brush Your Dog Regularly
Dogs with a thick undercoat should be brushed regularly to facilitate shedding, allow their skin to breathe, and keep their coat softer, letting air in.
This is one of the first measures we can adopt to help a sweating dog and, in general, our furry friends during the summer.
Provide a Shady, Ventilated Spot
Always ensure a shaded and well-ventilated area is available. Another tip is to prepare a wet mat where your dog can lie down to cool off.
Keep Fresh Water Always Available!
Another essential habit to help your dog stay well when it's hot is to ensure they always have fresh, clean water available, either by carrying it from home in a bottle or ensuring you find a water fountain along the way.
Spritz and Refreshing Baths
If you see that your furry friend is suffering from the heat, you can spritz them with a bit of clean, fresh water occasionally.
A bath in a kiddie pool, lake, sea, or river is also great, but as mentioned earlier, the water should never be ice-cold.
Refreshing End-of-Day Bath
To relieve heat and help your dog feel better after a day in the sun, it's ideal to give them a refreshing end-of-day bath with After Sun Shampoo, which contains natural extracts of hydrating and remineralizing Aloe Vera, soothing Apricot milk, and refreshing and rehydrating Witch Hazel and Melon water. A sweet pampering that refreshes and soothes skin and fur!
Today, we've seen how dogs sweat, where the sweat comes from, and the mechanisms dogs use to regulate their temperature.
Then, we outlined some simple tips to help our beloved four-legged friends, protect them from the heat, and help them enjoy the summer. Remember, we can do a lot to safeguard their well-being and health, especially during the summer!