Preventing and Treating Heat Rash on Dogs

If you’ve ever suffered a heat rash before, you’re probably familiar with how uncomfortable and itchy the condition can be. Unfortunately, it’s not just people who can suffer from this harmless but irritating condition — dogs can get heat rashes, too.

In this article, I’ll explain all the symptoms you need to look out for if you believe your dog might be suffering from a heat rash. I’ll also provide tips to prevent your best friend from getting a heat rash and some tried-and-true treatment methods.

What Is Heat Rash?

A heat rash is an itchy skin condition that can happen due to extremely hot weather. Unlike humans, dogs pant instead of sweating to get rid of heat. As a result, they can’t cool down their skin quickly when exposed to the sun — and this overheating can quickly result in a painful heat rash.

This skin problem typically occurs in areas with sensitive skin and sparse hair, such as your dog’s belly, skin folds, groin, or armpits. Here are some symptoms you should look for if you believe your dog is suffering from a heat rash.

• Tender or inflamed skin
• Itchiness, typically with scratching and licking of the affected area
• Small bumps, pustules, pimples, or boils on the skin
• Scabs and sores, particularly in areas with sensitive skin
• Foul or unpleasant odor
• Bleeding

Generally, you can expect a heat rash to start with mild symptoms like itchy and reddened skin. As the heat rash develops, you may see pimples, scabs, sores, and other painful skin abnormalities begin to appear. In some cases, a foul odor may even develop.

It’s important to note that heat rash isn’t the only possible cause of these symptoms. Many canine skin conditions can cause symptoms that appear similar to heat rash. But if your dog was exposed to hot and humid weather and suddenly developed these symptoms, it’s worth suspecting a heat rash as the likely culprit.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Heat Rash

If you suspect your dog is suffering from a nasty heat rash, it’s easy to wonder what to do next. Rather than attempting to treat the condition at home, take your dog to a veterinarian for a bit of extra medical attention.

Once your dog is at the veterinarian, they will take a few steps to confirm that your dog is suffering from a heat rash and not another skin condition. Generally, the veterinarian will start with a physical exam to verify that the skin condition seems to be a heat rash.

After the veterinarian has inspected the heat rash and has an idea of the severity, they usually examine the skin rash under a microscope. This procedure is entirely non-invasive and involves swabbing a microscope dish across your dog’s skin. They can determine the best course of treatment by determining if there are extra white blood cells in the area of the skin rash.

If the heat rash is confirmed, you will likely receive a few remedies to help your dog recover. The treatments prescribed may vary depending on the severity of the heat rash. These are some of the most common treatments recommended for dogs suffering from heat rash.

• Antibiotic medication. If the veterinarian observes that the heat rash is infected, they may prescribe an antibiotic cream, pill, or medicated shampoo to help fight the skin infection.
• Hydrocortisone cream. Because this topical steroid reduces skin inflammation and itchiness, it’s commonly used as a home remedy for a heat rash.
• Aloe vera. This plant-based gel is highly effective at soothing and cooling irritated skin. Aside from helping to treat the condition, aloe vera is also great for reducing your dog’s discomfort.
• Cold towel. While a cold towel won’t cure a heat rash, applying it to your dog’s heat rash is another excellent way to provide them some much-needed relief.

Treating your dog’s heat rash is essential to ensure they have the best possible recovery. If your dog’s heat rash goes untreated, they may develop a secondary skin infection due to licking and scratching the rash. While going to the veterinarian can sometimes be a prolonged process, it will ultimately improve your dog’s comfort and protect their health.

How to Prevent Heat Rash on Dogs

The most important thing you can do to prevent your dog from developing a heat rash is to stay cautious in hot weather. This is especially important for dogs with short fur, sensitive skin, or skin folds. Remaining indoors or sticking to activities that will help keep your dog cool is the most effective way to prevent a heat rash from developing. Here are some of my best prevention tips.

• Avoid hot and humid weather. This combination of humidity and heat leaves dogs prone to developing heat rash. If you notice the weather seems unforgiving, it’s worth considering finding entertainment inside or someplace cool that day.
• If you must go out on a hot and humid day, try to leave the house early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Timing your day correctly will significantly reduce the likelihood of your dog developing a heat rash.
• Frequently allow your dog to rest in the shade. Aside from preventing exertion and overheating, allowing your dog to cool down in the shade is also a great way to prevent heat rashes.
• Stay proactive if you have a dog with lots of skin folds. These breeds are especially prone to developing nasty heat rashes and need extra support.
• Keep your dog cool and hydrated. Your dog should have plenty to drink on a hot day. You should also use a hose or spray bottle to keep your dog’s skin cool.
• Remain cautious. If you observe any signs of your dog becoming exhausted or overheated, take them inside immediately. It’s essential to stay in tune with your dog’s feelings and remain proactive in keeping them comfortable.

Stay Proactive in Your Dog’s Health

While heat rashes are common in hot and tropical climates, understanding how to prevent and treat the condition is essential to keeping your dog happy and healthy. As long as you use the preventative tips provided in this article, you can prevent heat rashes before they ever have a chance to develop.