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As temperatures rise during the summer months, it’s important to remember that dogs experience heat differently than humans. While we may enjoy spending time outdoors on a warm day, our canine companions can be much more vulnerable to overheating.
How Dogs Beat the Heat
One of the biggest differences is how our bodies regulate temperature. Humans are equipped with millions of sweat glands distributed across the skin. When body temperature rises, these glands release sweat, which evaporates and helps dissipate heat. At the same time, blood vessels near the surface of the skin widen, increasing blood flow and allowing excess heat to escape into the environment. Together, these mechanisms make humans highly efficient at cooling themselves, even during physical activity.
Dogs, however, have very few sweat glands and cannot rely on sweating to regulate body temperature. Instead, they depend primarily on panting. When a dog pants, air moves rapidly across moist surfaces in the mouth, tongue, and upper respiratory tract. As this moisture evaporates, heat is carried away from the body. Dogs also rely on a process called vasodilation, in which blood vessels near the surface of the body widen to increase blood flow. This allows excess heat to be transferred from the body’s core to areas such as the tongue, ears, face, and paws, where it can be released into the surrounding environment.
Many pet owners are surprised to learn that dogs do have sweat glands, but they are primarily located in their paw pads. You may occasionally notice damp paw prints on a hot day or during a stressful situation. However, sweating through the paws plays only a minor role in cooling the body and is not nearly as effective as the widespread sweating humans rely on. Unlike humans, dogs cannot rely on sweating as their primary cooling mechanism. While paw pad sweating may provide a small amount of localized cooling, panting remains the body’s most important method for regulating temperature and preventing overheating.
Why Panting Isn't Always Enough
While panting is an effective cooling mechanism under normal conditions, it has limitations. High temperatures, elevated humidity, and strenuous exercise can all reduce its effectiveness. Unlike humans, dogs cannot simply produce more sweat when conditions become hotter. As a result, their body temperature can rise more rapidly, increasing the risk of heat stress and heat-related illness.
Certain dogs may be at even greater risk. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers can have more difficulty moving air efficiently through their airways, making panting less effective. Older dogs, overweight dogs, and pets with underlying health conditions may also be more susceptible to overheating.
Warning Signs of Overheating
Pet owners should watch for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog may be overheating, move them to a cool area, offer fresh water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
A little extra caution can go a long way during the summer months. By understanding how dogs respond to heat and recognizing the warning signs of overheating, you can help keep your pet safe, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the season.