Do Dogs Sweat? How Dog Stay Cool (And Why Panting Matters)

It’s a hot day, your dog’s flopped on the kitchen tiles, panting like they’ve just run a marathon - but not a drop of sweat in sight. So… do dogs sweat? And if not, how do they cool down?

Here’s the short answer: yes, dogs sweat — but not much, and not in the way we do. Their main cooling superpower is panting, along with a few clever tricks like finding shade and lying on cool surfaces.

Let’s unpack how dogs regulate temperature, what to watch out for when it gets too hot, and how you can help them stay safe in the heat.

How Do Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature? 

Dogs do sweat - but only through their paws. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their bodies. Instead, they’ve got merocrine sweat glands in their paw pads and nose.

You might spot little damp paw prints on the floor when your dog’s hot or stressed — that’s sweat, but it’s minimal and doesn’t do much to cool them down. It’s more of a backup system than a primary method of thermoregulation. So if they can’t sweat like we do, how do they cope with the heat?

Panting: Your Dog's Built-In Cooling System

Panting is the dog equivalent of flipping on the air conditioning. It works by evaporating moisture from the tongue, mouth, and lungs, which helps to release excess heat from the body.

When your dog pants, their breathing rate can shoot up to 300–400 breaths per minute. It might look dramatic, but it’s essential for staying cool - especially after a walk, during exercise, or on warm days.

Hydration is key! Panting only works properly if your dog has enough water. Without it, they can’t cool down effectively and may be at risk of overheating.

Signs Your Dog Is Overheating (And What To Do) 

Dogs can overheat quickly, especially in hot weather or after exercise. Unlike us, they can’t strip off layers or down an iced coffee. So it’s up to us to spot the early warning signs:

• Heavy or excessive panting (even when resting)
• Bright red or purplish gums
• Lethargy or confusion 
• Drooling or vomiting 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Wobbliness or collapse
• Trying to lie on cool surfaces or in shady spots

If you notice any of these signs: 

• Move your dog to a shaded or cooler area
• Offer small sips of water (not ice-cold) 
• Use a cool, damp towel over their body or paws
• Call your vet immediately if symptoms worsen - heatstroke can escalate fast

Marley's Must-Know: Avoid ice baths or freezing water! These can shock your dog's system and make things worse.

How to Help Your Dog Stay Cool In Hot Weather

Here's how you can support your pup when temperatures start climbing: 

Keep Them Hydrated: Put out multiple water bowls inside and out. Refresh them often and consider popping a few ice cubes in on warm days.

Avoid Midday Walks: Stick to early mornings or evenings when it’s cooler. Pavements can burn paws, and heat builds fast in the middle of the day.

Provide Shade: Whether it’s a tree, parasol, or a pop-up dog tent, make sure there’s always somewhere shady to chill out.

Use Cooling Products: Cooling mats, damp towels, frozen lick mats, or cooling vests can all make a difference.

Keep Indoor Spaces Comfortable: Use fans, open windows (safely!), or air-con if available. Let your dog choose the coolest spot - they’re great at sniffing them out.

The Final Woof

To answer the question once and for all: dogs sweat a little, but mostly they pant to regulate body temperature. Their sweat glands are limited to their paws and nose, which barely make a dent on a hot day.

So, it’s all about panting, shade, water, and smart prevention. Knowing the signs of overheating - and how to respond - could literally save your dog’s life.