JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

What can happen to an animal's saliva during extreme heat?

1. It remains thin

2. It can become thicker or ropy

3. It evaporates

4. It changes color

The correct answer is: It can become thicker or ropy

When an animal is exposed to extreme heat, its saliva can become thicker or ropy. This thickening of saliva is a physiological response that can occur due to dehydration. In hot conditions, animals may experience increased fluid loss through panting and other mechanisms to regulate their body temperature, leading to a reduction in available fluids for saliva production. As a result, the saliva may become less fluid and more viscous. This change can hinder the animal's ability to effectively moisten its food and can affect its overall comfort and health. Understanding these changes is crucial for animal control and welfare, as thicker saliva can indicate potential heat distress or dehydration in animals.