I know that dogs cool themselves down by panting, and I know that they only sweat through their feet. Why did they not keep or develop sweat glands all over? Is it still beneficial?
p.s. I don't want anyone saying evolution isn't true--you can't change my mind.
2007-03-24 17:24:01 · 3 answers · asked by giraffetalk 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Most dogs evolved in cold climates. If they sweat all over their bodies, the sweat would freeze, essentially freezing the dogs as well, killing them. Sweating through the pads is actually beneficial, ice provides a cover for the feet, and warmth would be trapped between the frozen sweat and the skin of the dog. When the dog stops to rest, it chews the ice off.
2007-03-24 17:35:43 · answer #1 · answered by ktcougarus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They did not keep sweat glands all over their bodies because they never had them to begin with. They haven't developed sweat glands because having them provides no benefit to dogs in terms of living longer or having more offspring than those without sweat glands.
2007-03-25 00:52:17 · answer #2 · answered by the_way_of_the_turtle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sweating underneath all that fur does no good. And in fact, it might even be harmful. I could see where damp fur is a better environment for various skin diseases, maybe parasites, etc.
2007-03-25 00:30:22 · answer #3 · answered by Jim S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋