Like us, our loyal companions are susceptible to various heat-related issues. One of these issues is heat rash, a skin condition causing discomfort and irritation. Here’s what to know about heat rash in dogs:

What is Heat Rash in Dogs?

When dogs become overheated, they may develop a heat rash. This skin condition occurs when a dog’s skin can’t cool down. When their skin can’t cool, it leads to irritation and inflammation. You may also see small bumps and blisters forming on the skin.

Dogs can’t sweat the same way people do so they try to cool off with panting, a common dog behavior. Unfortunately, this is not very effective in the heat and if they pant rapidly, they are having a hard time cooling down.

This is why it is vital to try and keep your dog in a cool, shaded area as much as possible when outside during hot weather. Be sure to offer cool and fresh water if you notice any signs of overheating. Heat rash, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke may occur if a dog’s body temperature rises too high.

Symptoms of Heat Rash in Dogs

If your dog has a heat rash, you’ll see some redness on the skin, small bumps, or blisters. These usually form where the skin creates friction or areas where the fur is thicker. These include areas such as the groin, armpits, under the chin, and neck.

The area affected by a heat rash may be tender to the touch and the raised bumps or blisters might be itchy or painful. Hair loss is possible in severe or prolonged cases. Dogs experiencing heat rash may exhibit behavior like scratching or licking the affected area.

You may also see signs of heat exhaustion in conjunction with heat rash. These signs include that your dog moving slowly and looking for cooler places to rest. Being aware of these signs as well as the signs of heatstroke are very important summer safety tips for dogs.

What Causes Heat Rash in Dogs?

Heat rash often occurs when the weather is hot and humid because dogs will have a harder time regulating their body temperature effectively. Dogs that live in areas with poor ventilation may be quicker to develop heat rash since there’s not enough proper airflow to the skin.

Too much exercise outdoors in the hot sun can also lead to heat rash. There are some ways to exercise with your dog that can even be done inside. Dogs still need exercise but being smart about it can go a long way in protecting them from heat rash.

Dogs with skin folds or those with denser coats can be more susceptible to heat rash. Heat and moisture can become trapped and this can cause skin irritation. Flat-faced dog breeds are especially susceptible to overheating, which is an important thing to know about flat-faced dogs.

Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you think your dog might have heat rash. Even if it’s not a heat rash, they’ll be able to diagnose the condition and formulate any treatment options for your dog.

How Do Vets Diagnose Heat Rash in Dogs?

If you take your dog to the vet for a possible heat rash, they’ll do a physical examination as well as go over your dog’s medical history. Additional tests may be necessary to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Your veterinarian will give your dog’s skin a very thorough examination and will ask you some questions about your dog, such as if they’ve had any exposure to hot and humid environments. The vet will ask about any changes in behavior or signs of pain or discomfort in your dog, as well.

These questions can help rule out other causes of the rash like infections, bug bites, allergies, or any potential skin problems in dogs. In cases of chronic symptoms, further tests might be necessary.

How to Treat Heat Rash in Dogs

Treating heat rash in dogs depends on the severity of the rash. However, treatments will mainly focus on pain management, reducing inflammation, and treating any affected skin. Sometimes heat rash can be treated at home, but you should always talk to your vet first before beginning any treatment.

Call the Vet and Cool Things Down

If you notice any signs of heat rash or heat exhaustion, you should call your vet and immediately get your dog to a well-ventilated and cool area. A damp and cool towel or compress can be applied to any affected areas of the skin.

Be sure to avoid using ice directly on your dog’s skin because it may cause more damage. Keep the area clean and dry once the area is cooled down. This will help moisture to dry, otherwise the rash can get worse.

Topical Treatments and/or Oral Medications

Your veterinarian may prescribe a spray, topical cream, or ointment. These topical treatments help reduce inflammation and itching, and can also encourage proper healing. If there is extensive or severe inflammation or infection, oral medications may be prescribed by your vet. These medications can include corticosteroids and antibiotics if an infection develops.

Collars, Cones, and Aftercare

You may need to use an Elizabethan collar or cone to keep your dog from licking or scratching the rash area otherwise it may make the condition worse. These tools are often used to care for your dog’s stitches after surgery. They help discourage licking any spot that shouldn’t be disturbed. Be sure your dog is kept in a cool and ventilated area so the skin can breathe and heal properly.

Prognosis For Dogs With Heat Rash

Thankfully, many dogs with heat rash have a fairly good prognosis, especially if the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly. With the right care, many cases of heat rash in dogs tend to clear up quickly.

However, if the condition is more severe, the prognosis may be different. Other preexisting conditions or factors will also affect healing. Dogs with thick coats or skin folds may experience heat rash more frequently. If this is the case, they’ll need to have preventive measures in place as well as ongoing management of the rash.

How to Prevent Heat Rash in Dogs

There are some sun protection tips for dogs to follow that can help prevent heat rash in dogs. Keeping them cool in hot and humid conditions is important and time in these conditions should be minimal.

You can also talk to your vet to help you develop preventive measures. This will go a long way in preventing heat rash. However, there are general things to do for any dog when it’s hot out:

1. Stay in a Cool Environment

Ensuring your dog can easily access shaded areas to rest and get away from direct sunlight is essential to prevent overheating and heat rash. You should also make sure their living space has good ventilation and good air circulation. If necessary, set up fans to help the air circulate properly. Cooling beds or mats can also help your dog cool off and maintain a safe body temperature.

Access to fresh, cool water is also very important. There are automatic water fountains available that provide fresh water without the hassle of changing the water a few times a day. Access to water is important at any time, but it’s especially necessary in hot weather and climates.

2. Time Your Activities

You’ve probably heard that you should avoid the sun in the hottest part of the day, often late morning through mid-afternoon. This is a great rule to follow for dogs too, especially in physical activities. Avoiding intense physical activity can help your dog avoid heat rash and exhaustion.

There are plenty of ways to exercise your dog that don’t require you to be outside or a lot of physical exertion. Try to plan walks for earlier in the morning or later in the evening. If being outside is necessary, try to avoid times when the sun is the hottest, take any physical activity slowly, and seek out shady areas for plenty of rest and water breaks.

3. Take Breaks

You should monitor your dog while they are outside without you and keep tabs on how long they are in the sun. if they insist on staying outside a lot, bring them inside for breaks to cool down. make sure they have plenty of water and good air circulation to help them cool down before going out again.

4. Avoid Hot Surfaces

You should also avoid hot pavement or other heat-retaining surfaces to avoid burned dog paws. These surfaces can still be hot even later on in the day so be sure to touch the surface before your dog walks on it. If it’s too hot, stick to grassy areas.

5. Keep Your Dog Properly Groomed

Properly grooming your dog can go a long way in helping them stay cool in hot weather. Frequent brushing with the right kind of brush is a useful dog grooming tip because the right brush can remove extra and heavy fur. Doing this can help prevent matting, which can exacerbate heat rash. It also helps air circulation reach their skin, allowing them to cool quickly.

You should be brushing your dog regularly, however, if your dog has an extra thick coat, a professional groomer can be a lifesaver, especially when your dog starts shedding a winter coat. A groomer that can help remove old or matted fur can help your dog feel much cooler in the summer, leading to a higher quality of life.

This is an overview of what to know about heat rashes in dogs. Heat-related issues can be serious so having the right information can keep your dog safe and cool in the heat and humidity!