Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws (But Not Much)

If you've ever noticed your dog leaving damp paw prints on the floor during summer, you weren't imagining things. Dogs actually do sweat—just not the way humans do.

While most people know that dogs pant to cool down, fewer realize that dogs have merocrine sweat glands located in their paw pads. When your dog gets hot, these glands activate and secrete moisture through tiny pores, creating those telltale wet prints on hardwood floors or hot pavement.

But Sweaty Paws Won't Keep Them Cool

Here's the catch: unlike humans, who can effectively regulate body temperature through sweating, dogs' paw sweat glands are woefully inadequate for cooling. The surface area is simply too small to make much difference.

Panting is still king. When a dog pants, they rapidly inhale and exhale air, causing moisture in their airways to evaporate. This evaporative cooling is far more effective than the minimal sweating happening in their paws.

So Why Bother Sweating at All?

Animal scientists believe paw sweating might actually serve a different purpose: traction. Slightly moist paw pads become tackier, improving grip on smooth surfaces—especially useful when chasing prey or making quick turns.

Dogs also have these sweat glands in their noses, though again, the cooling effect is negligible. Think of dog sweat as a minor assist in thermoregulation, not the main event.

What This Means for Hot Days

Because dogs can't sweat effectively, they're highly vulnerable to overheating. Their primary cooling methods—panting and seeking shade—have limits. Never leave dogs in hot cars, provide plenty of water, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion:

• Excessive drooling or thick saliva
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Lethargy or stumbling
• Vomiting or diarrhea

So yes, dogs sweat. But those sweaty paws are doing more for grip than temperature control—which means your pup needs your help staying cool when mercury rises.