When a mammal's body temperature rises above its normal range (due to exercise, warm environment, etc.), the hypothalamus in the brain signals the sweat glands to produce sweat, a fluid composed mainly of water and some salts. Sweat is secreted onto the skin.

In some mammals like dogs, which have fewer sweat glands, the primary cooling process is panting. Panting increases the evaporation of water from the moist surfaces of their lungs and mouth, which achieves a similar cooling effect