Do Dogs Sweat Like Humans? How Dogs Regulate Their Body Temperature


Ever wonder why humans sweat on hot days but dogs don’t? The answer lies in thermoregulation—the way bodies manage internal temperature.

Why Humans Sweat

Sweating is our body’s natural way to cool down and detoxify. When we get hot, our eccrine sweat glands release moisture onto the skin that evaporates and lowers our body temperature.

We sweat during exercise, stress, or heat exposure—our bodies working hard to keep our internal temperature stable.

The Benefits of Sweating

Sweating helps:

Why Dogs Don’t Sweat

Unlike humans, dogs don’t rely on sweat to cool down. While they have sweat glands—mostly in their paw pads—they’re not enough for full-body thermoregulation.

Dog Panting to Cool Down

How Dogs Stay Cool

  • Panting: Evaporates moisture from the tongue and lungs to release heat.
  • Seeking Shade: Dogs instinctively look for cool, shaded areas.
  • Cooling Down with Water: Splashing or swimming helps lower body temperature quickly.

The Role of a Healthy Coat

A dog’s coat insulates them from heat in the summer and cold in the winter. A healthy coat is essential for temperature regulation.

Maintaining Coat Health

Supporting your dog’s coat involves quality nutrition, regular grooming, and clean ingredients:

  • Omega 3 supplements provide fatty acids that nourish the skin from within for a shiny, resilient coat. Learn more about fish-free Omega 3s as a sustainable, low-calorie alternative.
  • Use soothing grooming products designed to moisturize the skin and support coat texture.
  • Try a limited-ingredient, plant-based conditioner to nourish and protect the skin while keeping your pet’s coat soft and healthy.

In Summary

Humans and dogs have different ways of managing heat, but both need support to stay healthy. We need skincare that cleanses and hydrates, while dogs benefit from a well-groomed coat and daily nutrition. By choosing clean-ingredient products and building healthy routines, we can help both ourselves and our pets thrive—no matter how hot it gets.