Key Takeaways

  • Dogs have sweat glands, but they are located mainly in their paw pads and noses.
  • Dogs cool themselves down by panting, vasodilation (dilating of a dog’s blood vessels), and licking their paws.
  • To keep your pup cool during hot summer months provide them with plenty of water, shade to rest in and avoid leaving them locked inside cars as this can lead to serious health issues or even death.
  • Signs that your dog is overheating include: fast heart rate; excessive drooling; warm when touched; coordination loss; colored gums (red & hot); rapid/irregular heartbeat tremors or seizure-like symptoms etc.  

Do Dogs Sweat?

So, do dogs sweat? The answer is yes and no. Dogs do have sweat glands, but they are not the same as human perspiration glands. Human sweat glands are located all over the body and produce a liquid that evaporates to help cool the body down. Dog sweat glands, on the other hand, are mainly located in their paw pads. This means that when dogs perspire, it is not always for the purpose of cooling down their bodies.

How Do Dogs Keep Themselves Cool?

So how do dogs stay cool if they don’t have regular sweating like humans? Dogs pant! Panting helps circulate air through their bodies and also helps evaporate any moisture on their tongue and throat. This process of evaporation helps to cool them down.

Do Dogs Sweat Like Humans?

Do dogs have to worry about overheating as humans do? Not as much. Dogs are able to regulate their body temperature better than we are, and they can also cool themselves down by panting, vasodilation (dilating of a dog’s blood vessels) and licking their paws. However, if it is really hot outside or your dog is very active, he may still overheat. Never leave your four-legged companion locked in your car. Especially in the summer months! You may even be fined for that!

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Keep Your Dog Cool During Heatwaves

There are some things you can do to help keep your dog cool during the hot summer months. Make sure he has plenty of cool water to drink, provide him with a shady spot to rest in, and don’t leave him in the car on a hot day. You can also buy cooling mats or vests for dogs that will help keep them comfortable when it’s warm outside.

Heat Stroke in Dogs

So, do dogs sweat? Yes! If you think your dog is getting too hot, there are some warning signs to look for. If your dog is panting heavily, has a bright red tongue, or is staggering around, he may be overheated. Vasodilation might not be enough to prevent your pup from a heatstroke.

Thus, if you see any of the mentioned signs, first take your dog to a cool place and give him plenty of water to drink. If you think your furry friend might be suffering from a heat stroke, rush to the veterinarian and do not even hesitate for a second!

Our Reader’s Story

My dog, Spot, has always been a bit of a sweat hog. He loves to run and play, and he always seems to be panting and dripping with sweat. But, I never really knew if dogs actually sweat or not. 
Turns out, dogs do sweat, but not in the same way as humans. Dogs have sweat glands in their paws and noses, which help them cool down when they get too hot. They also pant, which helps them to evaporate moisture from their lungs and cool off. 
So, the next time Spot is running around the backyard, I won’t worry about him getting too hot. He’s got his own built-in cooling system!
heat stroke in dogs

Signs of Overheating

According to experts, be on the lookout for the following indications that your dog is overheating:

  • fast or erratically beating heart rate;
  • excessive drooling;
  • warm when touched;
  • it’s possible that a dog can go into a coma;
  • coordination loss;
  • colored gums (red, hot);
  • rapid or irregular heart rate;
  • tremors or a seizure;
  • heavy or rapid panting.
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Can a Dog Produce Sweat When Stressed?

Dogs do sweat when worried or anxious. Dogs who experience anxiety or stress may start to sweat from their pads (not from their armpits, or groin area). This sweating is not always caused by fear or anxiety; it can also be a sign of pain or illness. These could also be pheromones, through which canines can “talk” to each other or attract one another.

Read also: Do dogs get cold?

Canine’s Sweat Glands. Do Dogs Have a Bad B.O?

Do dogs stink when perspiring? No, not usually. Dogs’ sudor doesn’t have the same smell as human one because it doesn’t contain the same bacteria. However, if your dog is anxious or stressed, he may start to sweat from his paws and perhaps face (it is where his merocrine glands are) due to drooling. Perspiration can cause body odor (due to a canine’s apocrine glands, it is those that give the scent). If you notice your dog starting to stink, try to find the cause of his anxiety and help him relax. No sweat, buddy!

canine's sweat glands - do dogs have a bad B.O.

Dogs Are Cool and Will Stay Cool. Conclusion

So, do dogs sweat? The answer is yes and no. Dogs have sudor glands, but they are not the same as human sweat glands. Dog’s cool themselves down by panting and licking their paws. If you think your dog is getting too hot, look for signs of overheating and take him to a cool place to rest where he/she can get hydrated quickly. And don’t forget to give him lots of love! 🙂

To sum up, dogs sweat just like humans do, through their skin. This is an important fact to remember when the weather starts to heat up and your dog needs to stay cool. There are a few ways you can help your pup beat the heat, including providing plenty of water, shade, and air conditioning. Make sure to never leave your pet in a parked car on a hot day, as this can cause serious health problems, even death.

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If you have any questions about how to keep your furry friend safe during extreme weather conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help! Wag your tails if you liked our blog post!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dogs Sweat All Over Their Body?

No, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet and through their noses. The rest of their body is cooled off through panting.

Why Does My Dog Seem Sweaty?

Dogs do not sweat all over their body like people do, so if your dog appears to be sweating it is likely because they are too hot or anxious.

Do Dogs Sweat in Their Sleep?

No, dogs do not sweat in their sleep. They cool off through panting and by curling up in a comfortable spot.

Do Dogs Actually Smile?

Yes, dogs can smile! A dog’s smile is usually accompanied by relaxed facial muscles, a relaxed body, and a wagging tail.

Why Do Dogs Sleep Next to You?

Dogs sleep next to you because it makes them feel safe and secure. It is also a way for them to show their affection and loyalty to you.


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