Do Dogs Sweat?

Dogs sweat, but not in the same way as humans.

When the weather warms up and humans get sweaty, it’s logical to think about how dogs cool themselves down. If you’re wondering if dogs sweat through their skin, the answer is no. They technically do sweat, but it occurs through glands, not dog skin.  

How Dogs Sweat and Where Dog Sweat Comes From

Both dogs and humans have sweat glands, but dogs generally sweat less than humans and function differently. Dogs have a sweat gland called the merocrine sweat gland. It is found in a dog’s paws, and it releases sweat when they are hot or stressed to regulate body temperature. The sweat is odor-free until it mixes with skin bacteria, which is a similar process to how humans sweat, although a dog’s odor isn’t as intense as a human’s.

Merocrine Glands

Merocrine sweat glands produce predominantly water and salt for humans and pups alike. But, in dogs, these sweat glands are found in their paw pads and noses where there is little to no hair. It allows the dog to release sweat to cool the body as it dries, rather than remain trapped under its hair.  

Sometimes, when it’s hot outside, your dog might leave wet paw prints. That’s the merocrine glands doing what they are supposed to do.  

Why Do Dogs Sweat and Pant?

If your dog is sweating through its paws and nose and panting at the same time, it can be a sign of overheating. Dogs use these two techniques for two reasons: Sweating through paws and noses helps cool the dog down, while panting helps lower overall body temperature. Here’s what happens scientifically as a dog tries to cool down:  

• Dogs quickly breathe in, which cools the inside of the dog’s body.
• Dogs quickly breathe out air and emit heat through their breath.
• This cycle evaporates moisture from a dog’s mouth and other mucous membranes.
• The more humidity there is, the warmer the moisture. This makes it harder for dogs to cool themselves through panting alone.

Sweat cools a dog as it evaporates, but their bodies need more than their paws to regulate their temperature effectively.

While liquid evaporates from a dog’s mouth as they pant, this is saliva, not sweat from the tongue. Panting is a short-term solution for dogs to self-regulate body temperature.  

Two signs that your dog’s body temperature may be rising to dangerous levels while panting are:

• Their tongue grows in width and length.
• Panting becomes heavier or more forceful, and you may notice your dog panting heavily even without recent exercise.

These may be signs of heatstroke. To help cool your dog off, bring them to a cooler environment as quickly as possible and contact your veterinarian for further instructions.  

Other signs of heatstroke may include:

• Excessive salivating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Disorientation

It’s important to know that dogs don’t have the same capacity to keep their body temperatures cool as humans do. If your dog is panting and sweating, they are more quickly prone to overheating than you might be. Even though your dog might love being active outside all summer, it may be best to avoid having your dog doing strenuous exercise when temps are above 75 to 80 degrees. If a hot environment is unavoidable, ensure you have the tools for your dog to beat the heat and leave them outside as little as possible.  

How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Prevent Overheating

If your dog sweats excessively and pants excessively, they may be overheating. Cooling them down is an important first step in getting them back to baseline. Here are a few tips on how to prevent your dog from sweating, excessively panting, and overheating:

• Have plenty of cold water available to keep them hydrated. It's recommended that dogs drink every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise.  
• Encourage them to have fun and cool off in water. However, be sure to avoid algae, as it can be deadly for dogs. Always practice water safety in bodies of water like pools, lakes, and the ocean.  
• The moment panting seems labored, stop playing outside and bring them inside to cooler temperatures.  
• Always offer shade, and exercise during the coolest parts of the day.  
• If you crate your dog, make sure they have good ventilation and air flow.  

Puppies, seniors, dogs with health or respiratory issues, and dogs with dark-colored coats or double coats are more prone to overheating. Keep a closer eye on them, especially short-muzzle dogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boxers.  

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses in Dogs

It’s important that dog owners watch their pups carefully for any signs of their dog overheating, which can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.  

What does this look like in dogs? Normal dog body temperatures should be around 100 to 102.5 degrees. If a dog’s temperature rises 104 and 105 degrees, that might signify heat exhaustion or another heat-related illness, and it’s time to call your vet. Other signs of overheating may include:  

• Ears that droop suddenly
• Lowered tail
• Excessive drooling
• Restless behavior
• Difficulty breathing
• A sudden disengagement from the physical activities they were doing

What Is Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Heatstroke can happen when a dog’s temperature rises above 106 degrees. It can be fatal. If you suspect your dog is having a heatstroke, get them to a cooler environment and contact your veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke symptoms could also include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Pale, red or blue gums
• Disorientation
• Rapid heartbeat

Tips to Enjoy the Summer with Your Dog

Summer should be a time to enjoy being outside with your dog. Consider these quick safety tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer to avoid overheating and keep you and your dog happy and healthy:  

• Offer your dog water every time you take a drink break for yourself.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. Internal car temperatures rise faster than external temperatures.
• Play in the shade and try to avoid midday heat.  
• The concrete gets hot. If you can’t place your palm comfortably there for 8 seconds, it might be too hot for your dog.  
• If your air conditioning is not working or there isn’t any available, head to a well-ventilated area and keep a close eye on your pup.
• Consider having a professional dog groomer properly cut your dog’s hair to minimize heat retention.  
• Call your vet immediately if your dog’s temperature is 104 degrees or higher.

For more expert tips on dog skin, explore our other dog skin and ear health articles.