Can Dogs Get Heat Rash?

Simply put, yes, dogs can get heat rash. Heat rash in dogs is certainly more frequent in the warmer months but can also occur from inappropriate use of warming devices (e.g., heating pads) or other direct sources of heat at any time of the year. 

If exposed to hot conditions for too long, any dog could contract a heat rash. However, dogs who have less fur, more skin folds, and shorter snouts (brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih-tzus) are more susceptible to this condition. 

Dogs with shorter snouts have a harder time cooling themselves off due to narrowed airways and less effective panting. Areas on the body with less fur also create an easier entryway for heat and can lead to inappropriate temperature regulation. The skin folds can trap moisture and heat, especially if the dog is overweight. This can often cause secondary skin conditions if not treated promptly, as well as contribute to generalized temperature increase in the dog. 

Along with certain breed and physical predispositions, dogs in hotter and more humid climates also find themselves more susceptible to heat rash.

What Does Heat Rash Look Like on Dogs?

Heat rash can present itself differently in dogs based on severity. In the beginning, heat rash often emerges as small red bumps on a dog’s skin and can be quite itchy and irritating to the pet. Generalized redness can also be noted, with a heavier focus in the affected area. 

Common areas for heat rash in dogs to begin include the groin and “armpit” areas, as well as the belly where there are sparse amounts of fur. These spots are prone to harboring more heat and moisture as a dog’s temperature rises. Pet parents should check these areas first if concerned about potential heat rash in dogs. If left to progress, these smaller areas of irritation can turn into larger raised sections and can even turn into more painful boils and blisters. 

The progression of red bumps to blisters indicates that a dog’s heat rash is now classified as a second-degree burn, versus first-degree upon initial presentation. Once the skin is compromised, it is much easier for dogs with heat rash to then suffer from secondary skin infections, which may cause pustules and widespread irritation.

It may be hard for pet parents to distinguish between a heat rash on their dog versus other skin concerns. Here are some questions that may help:

• Has your pet been outdoors in the heat/elements for an extended period of time? Or has your pet been exposed to a heating device of any kind?
• Does your dog have any predispositions for overheating, such as a short snout, skin folds, or being overweight?
• Has your dog gotten into contact with other potential irritants or possible causes of skin rash that you are aware of?

Other Symptoms Associated with Dog Heat Rash

In addition to clinical symptoms with the skin, a dog may have heat rash if experiencing other symptoms of overheating (hyperthermia) at the same time.

If you notice your dog panting incessantly, breathing noisily, being unable to settle, and having bright red gums (gingiva), then it is likely your pet could be overheating, hence the appearance of the heat rash. The normal gum color should be bubble-gum pink, unless your dog has pigmented gums. If your dog has pigmented gums, you can examine the coloration inside their eyelids (conjunctiva). 

If you have a way to check your dog’s temperature, you would likely find that it is elevated. A normal dog temperature is 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the situation and stress level. Signs of heat rash in dogs can occur beyond these temperatures, and the risk of complications also increases along with the heat. If your dog’s temperature is equal to or beyond 103 degrees Fahrenheit and not trending downward despite cooling efforts, you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Heat Rash on Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

In cases of heat rash in dogs, pet parents can implement therapy at home to start soothing the problem. Focus on removing your dog from the heat source/environment, cooling them down, and soothing the affected skin with a hydrocortisone cream and/or aloe until you can seek further veterinary care. You can use cool wet towels and fans for this. Do not submerge your dog in ice cold water or something similarly drastic. 

It is still recommended to have your pet seen by a veterinarian in order to discuss potential complications from the heat rash and treat it accordingly if your dog is not showing improvement with at-home intervention. 

In the clinic, the veterinarian will perform a full physical examination to determine whether the dog is suffering from heat rash. This will include visualizing susceptible areas of skin for redness and bumps, as well as assessing gum color and the dog’s temperature. 

In non-complicated cases of heat rash, the veterinarian may prescribe a prescription-strength, hydrocortisone-type cream or spray to aid inflammation and itchiness in the affected areas after the dog is cooled down to an appropriate temperature. The veterinarian may attempt to cool the dog off by applying alcohol to the paw pads, applying a cool towel in the “armpits” and groin, or using an air-circulator such as a Bair Hugger on the cool setting.

If the dog has any secondary complications from the heat rash, such as a skin infection or itchiness (pruritus), then this may need to be treated with separate oral therapy, depending on severity, such as with an antibiotic and/or antihistamine. 

Mild cases of heat rash in dogs can resolve on their own with at-home therapy over the course of several days, but if not improving should be evaluated by a veterinarian. If the dog is showing signs of systemic hyperthermia or not cooling down in a reasonable amount of time, seek veterinary care immediately to avoid damage to internal organs and structures.

How to Prevent Heat Rash on Dogs

Keeping your dog in an environment that is not overly hot or humid will greatly help reduce the risk of heat rash and associated complications. 

During warmer months, consider taking walks and exercising with your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat hours. Wetting your dog’s coat and fanning during activity may help maintain cooler body temperature as well. Dogs should have access to plenty of fresh water, shade, and other ways to cool themselves off at all times. 

The most important tool in preventing heat rash on dogs is understanding the risk factors and minimizing potential for occurrence.

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What Does a Tick Bite Look Like on a Dog?

A tick bite on a dog may appear as a small red bump on your dog’s skin. If your dog was exposed to Lyme disease, the bite may have a round and bull’s-eye type appearance as well. Tick bites are not full of fluid much like general insect bites.

These bites may go unnoticed if you do not check your dog routinely and remove ticks promptly. Begin by checking high-risk areas on your dog, including around and under the collar, the ears, eyelids, armpits, groin, and in between the toe pads. Ticks do not limit themselves to these areas, so be sure to thoroughly scan the remainder of your pet after checking these higher risk sections. 

Run your hands along the base of the dog’s coat of fur, feeling for any bumps or abnormalities. You may feel a scab where a tick may have previously been or may find the tick itself. Ticks can be various shades of gray, brown, and black. They may or may not be engorged (fed), and this causes their size to vary. 

If you do find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove the tick as quickly as possible. 

How to Treat a Tick Bite on a Dog

Tick bites typically don’t require a lot of treatment, but it is important to clean the bite and monitor it for signs of disease or infection. Here are the steps for treating a tick bite on a dog.

Step 1: The first part in treating your dog’s tick bite is removal of the tick. It must be removed in its entirety to avoid secondary infections or discomfort to the pet. Removing the tick can be done with either tweezers or a tick-removal tool. Place ticks in alcohol after removal and save them for potential future identification by your veterinarian.

Step 2: After the tick has been removed, or if you notice a new tick bite on your dog, clean the area well with a skin antiseptic made for dogs. 

Step 3: Be sure to clean all instruments involved in the removal process with rubbing alcohol. Wash hands after removal and cleansing of the tick bite area. 

Step 4: Monitor the tick bite. Pay attention to the site of the tick bite for several days following removal and cleaning of the area. Most tick bites should heal once treated over the course of 2 to 5 days, but if the area is persistently red, spreading, or beginning to irritate your pet, consult with your veterinarian. Ticks can carry many unwanted illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and more, but your dog may not present with symptoms for weeks to months depending on the disease process. That’s why monitoring the bite area and your dog following a tick bit is so important.

Signs of an Infected Tick Bite on a Dog

Some indications that your dog’s tick bite may be infected include increased swelling at the site, pain, and draining of infection through milky (purulent) discharge. 

If you suspect your dog’s tick bite is infected, it is best to contact your veterinary team to determine if a visit is needed or if at-home care with antiseptics and antibiotic ointment may suffice depending on the severity of the infection. 

The way your veterinary team may treat the infected tick bite includes clipping the fur and cleaning the area thoroughly, as well as keeping the pet from traumatizing the area. Oral antibiotics may be sent home if the abscess is advanced enough, but if it is a very small area of local infection, then they may prescribe a higher strength topical treatment. 

Your veterinarian may also discuss screening your dog’s blood for exposure to tick-borne illnesses if they become symptomatic at a later date.

Preventing Ticks on Dogs

Keeping your canine companion on year-round flea and tick preventative medication can greatly reduce the risks for both acute and chronic complications. 

Additional ways that you can help limit your dog’s potential for having ticks include examining them routinely after outdoor activities and limiting time in areas where ticks may be more prevalent, such as in the brush and near trees and tall grasses. 

You may also consider treating your yard or environment with an appropriate pesticide that is safe for dogs to minimize their risk of exposure to ticks. 

With diligent preventive care and observation, you can make tick prevention an easy routine for you and your dog.

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