Dogs have several mechanisms for regulating their body temperature and dissipating heat. The skin, which is the body’s largest organ, plays a key role in this function because it regulates body temperature and acts as a protective barrier against pathogens and infectious agents. The fingertips in particular are the first place dogs sweat through.
In addition, dogs use its mouth and airways to dissipate body heat. Panting is a mechanism by which air from the lungs is evaporated through the dog’s tongue and nose. Another method used is ‘vasodilation’, which helps cooling down through the face’ and ears’ blood vessels.