Keepin’ Cool
Find out how your favorite animals chill out when the weather heats up.
Happy summer, everyone! Hot enough for ya? You can do a cannonball into the pool or run through the sprinkler to cool down, but you've also got your own built-in air conditioner! When you sweat, the perspiration evaporates on your skin and lowers your body temperature.
Ever wonder what animals do to beat the heat while you're chilling in the AC?
Oink, Oink Here
Pigs can't sweat, but they do have another way of keepin' cool. They always drink lots of water, and they roll in the mud! Mud baths keep pigs comfortable AND keep their skin moisturized and looking good.
Hippo, Hippo, Hooray!
Pigs aren't the only ones whose idea of heaven is a giant mud puddle. The hippopotamus, whose name means river horse, wallows in the river until he's covered with mud. Hippos also sweat to keep cool. But unlike people, their sweat is pink and oily! The hot African sun can dry out their skin, so this oil keeps it well-conditioned and waterproof.
In One Ear...
Cottontail rabbits live all across the United States, but those who call the hot desert home, sweet home look a lot different from their East Coast cousins. Is it their hare style, you ask? Not exactly, but you're getting warmer!
The size of rabbits' ears depends on what kind of climate they live in. Since most of a rabbit's body heat is lost through his ears, bunnies who live in colder places, like the Eastern cottontail, need to conserve heat-so they have smaller ears. The desert cottontail, who ranges from California to Texas, has bigger ears that help disperse the heat and keep him cool.
Hot Dogs and Cool Cats
What about those four-legged furry friends we love so much? Pets cool off by panting. When your pet takes a breath, the cool air rushes in and absorbs some of her body heat. As the perspiration on her tongue evaporates, she cools down.
During the summer, it's important to make sure your dog or cat ALWAYS has fresh, clean water available at ALL times. And while you're at it, get yourself a tall, cold glass, too! P.S. Wanna know more ways to help your pets stay cool this summer? Read
Pets in Hot Weather for top tips.
