Ever had a rash pop up after a sweaty day in the sun? Annoying, right? Now imagine dealing with that while covered in fur.
Dogs can absolutely get heat rash, especially when the weather’s hot, the air’s sticky, and their coat turns into a sauna.
It might show up as red patches, sore spots, or nonstop licking that drives both of you mad. So what causes it, and what can you actually do to help? Let’s dig in.
Yes, Dogs Can Get Heat Rash
Dogs may not sweat like humans, but their skin still reacts to heat, humidity, and trapped moisture. When things get hot and sticky, especially under thick fur, it creates the perfect storm for irritation.
The official name for this is acute moist dermatitis, but most people just call it a hot spot or heat rash. It shows up fast and can spread if it’s not handled early. And while it sounds dramatic, the good news is that it’s totally treatable if caught on time.
Some dogs are more prone than others. Think thick-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, or Newfies.
But even short-haired pups aren’t off the hook if they’re dealing with constant damp skin or poor airflow.
What Triggers a Heat Rash in Dogs
There are a few usual suspects. Warm weather is a big one, of course. But it’s not just the heat, it’s also the humidity.
If your dog’s fur gets damp from swimming, rain, or even sweat from playing hard, and it doesn’t dry out properly, bacteria can get comfy under there.
Add matted fur, poor grooming, or lying around in one spot too long (especially on damp grass or hot pavement), and the skin can start to break down.
Sometimes it’s triggered by allergies, insect bites, or even a small scratch that turns into something worse in the heat.
A friend of mine has a Chow mix who loves lounging outside during the summer. One weekend, she noticed him licking a spot near his tail obsessively.
By Monday morning, the fur was gone, the skin was raw, and it was clear something wasn’t right. The vet called it a hot spot, likely from the heat and all that licking.
It healed up fine, but only after some TLC, meds, and a dreaded cone of shame.
How to Spot a Heat Rash Before It Gets Worse
At first, it might look like a small red patch or raised bump. Sometimes you’ll just notice your dog keeps licking or scratching the same area over and over.
If the rash gets worse, it can turn into a moist, gooey sore with hair loss around it. It usually smells a bit funky too, like that damp dog smell turned up a notch.
The most common spots are under the collar, behind the ears, between the legs, under the armpits, or near the tail.
You don’t want to wait until it gets oozy. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to treat at home without needing a vet trip.
First-Aid Tips and At-Home Help
For mild cases, you can usually manage things at home if you know what to do. Start by trimming the fur around the area so air can reach the skin. Be gentle, and if your dog’s squirmy, get someone to help hold them still.
Next, clean the spot with a mild, dog-safe antiseptic or diluted chlorhexidine. Avoid anything too harsh or stingy, no rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, please.
Pat it dry with a clean towel and keep the area exposed to air as much as possible.
Some folks like using cool compresses to calm things down, especially in the early stages. And there are pet-safe anti-itch sprays or creams you can use if your dog isn’t licking it off right after.
The biggest thing? Keep your dog from licking it. That means cones, inflatable collars, or even a T-shirt if the spot is somewhere easy to cover. It’s not fun, but it stops the cycle of irritation.
Keeping Heat Rash from Coming Back
You can’t always avoid it, but there are a few things that really help. Regular grooming is a big one.
Keeping your dog brushed out and mat-free gives their skin room to breathe. If they swim or get wet, dry them off thoroughly, especially in their folds and fluffy bits.
Try to avoid letting them lie on hot, wet, or dirty surfaces for long periods.
That includes wet grass, concrete, or sweaty blankets in the back seat of your car. And if you live somewhere humid, a fan or cool indoor space can make a big difference.
Some dogs also benefit from summer haircuts, but only the right kind. You don’t want to shave them bald if their breed depends on that fur for insulation. Talk to your groomer or vet before going full buzz cut.
A Little Heat Awareness Goes a Long Way
Summer can be loads of fun, but it comes with a few curveballs for dog parents. Heat rash isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it’s a good reminder to check under the fluff and see what’s going on beneath the surface.
Dogs are champs at hiding discomfort. A bit of licking might not seem like much, but it can be the start of something that needs attention. Taking a few minutes to check their skin can save you a lot of stress later.
So the next time your dog’s having a post-walk scratch-a-thon, will you take a peek to see what’s really going on?