Why does the dog sweat under its armpits? - briefly
Dogs primarily cool themselves by panting, but they also have sweat glands in their paw pads and under their armpits (axillary region) to help regulate body temperature. These sweat glands are not as efficient as those in humans, so panting remains the primary method for dogs to manage heat.
Why does the dog sweat under its armpits? - in detail
Dogs, like humans, have sweat glands to help regulate their body temperature. However, dogs primarily sweat through their paws and, to a lesser extent, under their armpits. This unique sweating mechanism is due to the fact that dogs are not as efficient at cooling down through evaporation from their skin as humans are.
The primary reason why dogs sweat under their armpits is related to the distribution of their sweat glands, known as apocrine glands. These glands secrete a mixture of sweat and other substances when stimulated by emotional or physical stress. In dogs, these glands are primarily located in the groin area and under the armpits (axillae). When a dog experiences heightened emotions such as excitement, fear, or anxiety, the apocrine glands in these areas can become activated, leading to sweating.
In addition to emotional stimuli, physical exertion can also trigger sweating under the armpits. When a dog is running, playing, or otherwise engaged in strenuous activity, the body produces heat that needs to be dissipated. Sweating under the armpits contributes to this cooling process by helping to reduce the dog's body temperature.
It is important to note that while dogs do sweat under their armpits, this mechanism is not as efficient for them as it is for humans. Dogs rely more heavily on panting as a means of thermoregulation. When a dog pants, the evaporation of moisture from its tongue and respiratory tract helps to cool down its body. This is why you may see a dog panting heavily after exercise or in hot weather.
In summary, dogs sweat under their armpits primarily due to the presence of apocrine glands in this area. These glands are activated by emotional or physical stress and help to regulate the dog's body temperature. However, sweating is not the primary means of cooling for dogs; panting plays a more significant role in their thermoregulation process.