Even our furry friends can have too much fun under the summer sun.
Warm climate invites long walks, park visiting, and backyard playtime with your dog. But when the temperatures climb, the heat can take a toll on your pup’s skin, sometimes resulting in an uncomfortable case of dog heat rash.
Unlike humans, dogs don’t rely on sweating to regulate their body temperature—they cool down mainly through panting. When panting alone isn’t enough, overheating becomes a real danger. This can lead to severe conditions like heat exhaustion or heatstroke, both of which require urgent veterinary attention.
Overheating can also trigger heat rash, an irritating skin problem that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent it from escalating and causing more pain for your pup. Here’s what you need to know about spotting, treating, and preventing heat rash in dogs.
Can Dogs Get Heat Rash?
Yes — they certainly can! Warm, humid conditions create the ideal environment for a heat rash to form. Pups living in tropical or consistently hot climates are especially susceptible.
Breeds with skin folds, such as pugs and shih-tzus, face an added risk because those folds can trap both heat and moisture, making irritation more likely.
Signs of Heat Rash on a Dog
Heat rashes often develop in areas where a dog’s skin is thin, delicate, and less covered by fur. The belly is a frequent trouble spot, but you might also see them in the armpits, groin, or within skin folds.
Common indicators of heat rash in dogs include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Itching
- Sensitivity or tenderness in the affected area
- Constant scratching or licking of the spot
- Small bumps, pimples, pustules, or boils
- Formation of scabs
- Open sores
- Unpleasant skin odor
- Bleeding
Keep in mind that these signs aren’t exclusive to heat rash—many skin conditions can look similar. But if your pup has recently been exposed to hot, humid conditions, heat rash could be the reason behind the irritation.
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Diagnosing Heat Rash in Dogs
You might be eager to treat your dog’s rash as soon as you spot it, but jumping in without veterinary guidance can sometimes make the problem worse.
If your pup gets a rash after spending time in hot circumstances, plan a visit with your veterinarian. During the checkup, the vet will carefully examine the rash and ask questions about your dog’s recent exposure to heat.
They may also perform a test called an impression smear, where a microscope slide is gently pressed against the irritated skin. This allows them to look for signs of bacterial infection—such as an abundance of white blood cells—which can develop quickly in heat rash cases.
After confirming the diagnosis, your vet will outline the appropriate treatment plan to help your dog heal.
Dog Heat Rash Treatment and Home Remedies
The good news is that with your veterinarian’s guidance, many cases of canine heat rash can be managed at home. Below are some commonly recommended remedies.
Hydrocortisone Cream
This medicated cream helps relieve redness and reduce rash. Your vet will provide instructions on how and when to apply it. Be sure to keep your dog from licking the treated area so the cream can work effectively—plus, licking can further irritate the skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can be highly relaxing for skin irritated by heat rash. If possible, use fresh gel directly from the plant; store-bought versions are fine as long as they’re pet-safe. Prevent your dog from licking it off to avoid further irritation or stomach upset. And remember—never let your dog chew or eat any part of the aloe plant itself, as it can be toxic.
Cool Compress
While a chilled towel won’t cure heat rash, using it on the affected area can offer immediate relief from discomfort by lowering skin temperature.
When to Call the Vet
Contact your vet if your dog’s heat rash doesn’t improve or worsens, even with home treatment. You should also seek veterinary attention if there are signs of infection. In those cases, your vet may prescribe antibiotics—either as a cream applied instantly to the skin or in pill form. They might also recommend a special medicated shampoo containing antibacterial ingredients to help clear up the rash.
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To keep your dog from licking off the cream or other treatments, you can use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or keep them occupied with activities like trick training, a puzzle feeder, or a frozen snack. Make sure to follow your veterinarian’s directions closely so the heat rash and any related infection can fully heal.
How to Prevent Heat Rash in Your Dog
Heat rashes are uncomfortable for dogs, but the good news is that they’re usually easy to avoid with a few simple precautions.
Limit Exposure to Sun and Heat
In summer, try to avoid outdoor activities with your dog during the hottest hours of the day—generally between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Choose to walk in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside.
Help Your Dog Stay Cool
On hot, humid days, spray your dog lightly with cool water or give them a gentle rinse with the hose to help them cool down. You can also let them splash around in a shallow dog pool for fun and relief.
Provide Plenty of Shade
Confirm your dog has a cool spot to rest and cool down from the heat. This downtime is also a great moment for you to help them cool off even more.
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Keep an Eye on Your Dog
If you see your dog gasping heavily or appearing fatigued, take them indoors right away. Give them fresh, room-temperature water while they cool down.
Heat rash is a frequent issue for dogs in the warmer months. Stay alert when spending time outdoors with your pup in sunny weather. At the first sign of a rash, help your dog cool off and reach out to your veterinarian for proper evaluation and care.
