Humans are not the only animals that sweat, but true sweating is relatively rare in the animal kingdom. Sweating is mainly seen in primates (including gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys) and equine animals like horses and zebras. Humans have a uniquely high density of eccrine sweat glands over almost their entire bodies, which makes them exceptionally efficient at sweating for thermoregulation. Other animals that sweat include:
- Gorillas, chimpanzees, and old-world monkeys sweat but less efficiently due to fewer sweat glands and fur covering their bodies.
- Horses and zebras sweat and produce a special protein in their sweat that facilitates cooling.
- Dogs sweat only through the pads of their paws, which is a limited form of sweating.
- Hippopotamuses do not produce true sweat but secrete a unique red substance sometimes called "blood sweat" that acts as a moisturizer and sunscreen.
Most other animals rely on different cooling mechanisms such as panting, bathing, seeking shade, and other behavioral adaptations rather than sweating extensively. Humans' ability to sweat over most of their body with a high density of sweat glands is a distinct evolutionary adaptation among mammals.
