JCH-NACA Animal Control Officer Practice Test

What behavior may indicate that an animal is overheating?

1. Excessive sleeping

2. Rough grooming

3. Exaggerated panting

4. Normal eating habits

The correct answer is: Exaggerated panting

Exaggerated panting is a significant indicator that an animal may be overheating. When animals become overheated, their bodies attempt to regulate temperature through increased respiratory rates. Panting helps to dissipate heat by facilitating evaporative cooling. This behavior is particularly observable in species like dogs and cats, where panting can be a primary way to cool down. In contrast, the other behaviors listed do not effectively signal overheating. Excessive sleeping might indicate lethargy due to various reasons but doesn’t specifically point to overheating. Rough grooming could result from stress or discomfort but isn’t a clear sign of overheating. Normal eating habits suggest that the animal is functioning within its normal range of health and is not distressed or overly hot. Therefore, exaggerated panting stands out as the most reliable sign of an animal's struggle to manage its core temperature during heat stress.