How to fix heat rash on dog

Hot Spot Treatments and Prevention on Dogs

Hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions in dogs, particularly in the summer months. These painful, oozing sores can appear seemingly out of nowhere and often spread rapidly. While they are frustrating to deal with, this common condition can be aided by hot spot treatments, and even prevented with the right management of your dogs skin and coat.

What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?

Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots in dogs are localized areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infection. Often a hot spot on a dog will begin as a small red area on the skin that owners may mistake for an insect bite. Unlike an insect bite, a hot spot on your dog will rapidly worsen and spread, developing into a hot, red, oozing, and painful lesion.

What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?

Hot spots on dogs are often triggered by scratching, licking, or chewing the affected area of skin. The resulting trauma to the dogs skin causes inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. Unfortunately, this self-trauma only makes the area more irritated and itchier, which causes a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching. Thus, any condition that causes your dog to feel itchy has the potential to result in a hot spot. Common causes of the itching/scratching cycle in dogs include:

Many of these conditions are chronic problems in dogs that can lead to recurring hot spots if they are not appropriately managed. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your dogs hot spot is one of the most important factors in preventing future skin problems.

Some breeds such as Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers are predisposed to developing hot spots due to their thicker coats. Hot spots are also more likely to occur during warm weather and periods of high humidity. Dogs that are frequently wet from swimming, bathing, or inclement weather are more prone to developing hot spots due to the excess moisture held against the skin by their coats.

Symptoms of Hot Spots in Dogs

Many skin conditions have similar symptoms to hot spots, so it is important to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog and think they may have a hot spot that needs treatment. Hot spots are typically well-defined areas of redness, swelling, and hair loss. They can occur anywhere on a dogs body, but are most commonly seen on the head, limbs, and hips. The affected area is moist and may discharge pus or fluid, which can lead to crusting and matting of the surrounding fur or hair. Hot spots on dogs are painful and very itchy, and will rapidly grow as the dogs scratching continues to traumatize the area.

Treatment for Hot Spots in Dogs

If you suspect your dog may have a hot spot, the first step is to consult your veterinarian. While it may be tempting to wait for your dogs hot spot to resolve on its own, delaying treatment will only make the problem worse. In order to treat a hot spot effectively and prevent it from recurring, your veterinarian will need to determine the underlying cause of the irritation. They will perform a full physical examination on your dog, and may recommend additional diagnostic testing, like a skin scrape, to look for parasites. Once the underlying cause of your dogs itching has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will explain the best treatment to help resolve your dogs hot spot.

Treatment for hot spots in dogs typically involves some combination of the following:

Fortunately, once your veterinarian has initiated treatment for the hot spot on your dog, most dogs improve rapidly. In many cases, the hot spot resolves in as little as three to seven days after the start of treatment.

Preventing Hot Spots in Dogs

The best way to prevent additional hot spots from occurring is to identify and address the underlying cause of your dogs itching. Good parasite prevention for dogs, treatment of skin infections, and management of allergies are essential to prevent dogs from starting to scratch and, as a result, prevent trauma to the skin. Good hygiene and routine dog grooming can also help. For dogs that swim or are frequently bathed, it is also important to ensure their coats are thoroughly dry after each session.

If your dog is licking due to stress or boredom,increasing daily exercise and engaging in active play time can help your dog use up that excess energy. Using brain games and enrichment like puzzle toys or slow-feed bowls is a great way to keep dogs mentally stimulated, even if you cant be there to play with them. Your dog will love the additional activity and will be healthier too.

Supplementing fatty acids is another option to prevent and manage skin disease in dogs. The critical omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are found in fish oil for dogs. These fatty acids not only have anti-inflammatory properties, but they also help promote a healthy skin barrier, making your dog less susceptible to allergens and infection. A small amount of topical aloe vera gel directly from an aloe vera plant can help soothe damaged skin and decrease itching on your dogs skin, but dont use a commercial aloe vera gel made for your human skin on your dog. You can find soothing aloe vera skin spray for dogs thats formulated to be safe if they should lick it.

Hot spots are an itchy and painful problem for your dog and may become a recurring issue if the underlying condition isnt treated. Fortunately, with good management, your dogs hot spot should resolve quickly and will not result in any permanent damage.

Heat Rash in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment

Summer is here, and that means long, sunny days perfect for outdoor adventures with our four-legged companions. However, as temperature rises, so does the risk of canine heat rash. Just like us, dogs can develop an uncomfortable and painful heat rash in the sweltering Arizona heat. But how do you know if your dog has a heat rash? Here are the signs to watch for, and what you should do if your dog starts showing signs of heat rash.

What Does Heat Rash Look Like on Dogs?

If your dog has been spending a lot of time outside in the hot sun, heat rash is definitely something that should be on your radar. Dogs who are overweight and dogs that have skin wrinkles and rolls are extra sensitive to developing heat rash. After a long walk or romp in the backyard, its a good idea to check your dog for the following symptoms of heat rash:

• Itchy and irritated skin
• Tender and red skin in a concentrated area (typically near or underneath skin folds)
• Boils or small pimples in a concentrated area
• Scabs and sores
• Continuous scratching and licking

Because the symptoms of heat rash in dogs are similar to other kinds of skin irritations, it can be tricky to diagnose. If you notice any of the symptoms above, its best to consult your vet so you can rule out other conditions like allergies, infections, or insect bites. Your vet at East Valley Animal Hospital will be able to diagnose the cause of the rash and prescribe treatment for immediate relief.

What Is the Best Treatment for Dog Heat Rash?

If your dog has a heat rash, the best thing to do is schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Even though heat rash typically begins as minor skin irritation, it can quickly transform into oozing and foul-smelling boils or pimples. In some cases, these areas can become infected with the Staphylococcus pathogen, which poses an even greater risk to your dog.

While it can be tempting to try and treat dog heat rash at home, stretching the period of time between the initial development of the rash and its treatment could result in greater harm. Your dog will want to scratch or lick the irritated skin, which can lead to infections and further discomfort. Thats why we highly recommend bringing your dog in for a veterinary exam right away.

However, if youre unable to get to the vet immediately, there are things you can do at home to help prevent your dogs rash from getting worse in the meantime. First, its crucial that you keep your dog out of the suna cool, dry, indoor environment is best. Go for walks early in the morning in the late evening to prevent further sun exposure. To help ease redness and irritation, you can place a cold, damp cloth over the affected area.

How to Prevent Heat Rash and Other Heat-Related Illnesses in Dogs

A dogs normal body temperature ranges between 100 and 103 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that heat can affect them much faster than it affects us. Also, because dogs cannot sweat, their thick fur coats make hot temperatures even less bearable. The best way to avoid heat-related illnessesespecially in extremely hot or humid climatesis to limit the amount of time your dog spends outdoors in direct sunlight.

Always make sure there is shade available in your yard, and offer a splash of the hose or sprinkler to help keep your dog cool. Surfaces like concrete, pavement, and wood decking get hot quickly and are typically much hotter than the air temperature. Use extra caution if your dog comes into contact with these surfaces during the summer.

Avoid long walks or hikes during the hottest hours of the day. Always keep an eye on your dog and be alert to signs of heat exhaustion like panting and fatigue. Its also important that you make sure your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water to help regulate their body temperature. If you notice any symptoms of exhaustion, bring your dog into a cool, dry environment and offer them room-temperature water to drink.

Your Local Vet in Gilbert, Arizona

At East Valley Animal Hospital, we treat your pets like they are members of our family! Its vital to us that you and your animal companions experience a stress-free environment when you visit our offices. We want everyone to feel cared for and comfortable. If you live in Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa and you havent yet found a good local vet, give us a call today. Wed be honored to give your canine or feline the quality care they deserve! To schedule an appointment, call 480-568-2462 or contact us online.

Photo by Shopify Partners fromBurst (6/21/2018)

Heat Rash On Dogs Belly: What Should IDo?

Being a dog owner means investing a lot of time, from learning how to bathe your dog to understanding which medical conditions you need to keep an eye out for and how to treat them. Protecting your dog during the heat of summer is one of the most important things you can do because dogs cant tell you when theyre too hot or dehydrated. Instead, its up to you to recognize the signs of dehydration in dogs, that way you can get your dog crucial treatment right when they need it.

A dog heat rash is a somewhat common condition that dogs may experience during hot weather. These heat rashes commonly appear on the stomach of dogs, and theyre a sign that you need to help your dog cool down a bit. When a dog panting heavily is no longer enough to get rid of excess heat, that heat can leave a rash on their skin.

While a dog heat rash may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to discomfort and other problems for your dog. A heat rash can also be an early warning sign that your dog is spending too much time in the sun and needs to take a moment to cool off. If your dog has a heat rash and youre not sure what to do, heres what you need to know.

Signs & Symptoms Of Heat Rash On Dogs

As a dog owner, its important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat rash on dogs, that way you know when its time to give your dog a break from the sun and help them cool off. Left untreated, a heat rash can cause further irritation to your dogs skin that can lead to discomfort.

Some of the signs and symptoms of dog heat rash include:

• Redness
• Itchy skin
• Tender skin
• Scabs
• Sores
• Scratching and licking of the affected area
• Boils, bumps, and pimples
• Foul skin odor
• Bleeding

As is the case with many medical conditions your dog may experience, the symptoms of heat rash may also present with other conditions. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms along with heavy panting and its hot outside, theres a good chance youre dealing with a dog heat rash.

What Causes A Heat Rash On Dogs?

Heat rash is a condition that dogs may experience as a result of very hot weather. Unlike humans, dogs dont sweat to get rid of excess heat, they pant. This means that its not as easy for dogs to cool their skin down, and that excess heat can lead to a dog heat rash.

Heat rash in dogs is caused by overexposure to heat or direct sunlight. Dogs have a lot of tender skin thats not covered well by their coat, and those areas are especially susceptible to heat rash. Heat rash may not be as dangerous as dog seizures, but it can still cause serious problems.

When you take your dog outside on hot days, make sure they have a shady spot to relax and dont leave them outside for too long. If you spot signs of heat rash, you should bring your dog inside and give them some time to cool down and relax in the shade.

Diagnosing Heat Rash In Dogs

If your dog has suddenly developed a rash after spending an extended period of time in the sun, you should take them to the vet for a diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis before you treat dog heat rash is important because you dont want to make your dogs heat rash worse.

Your vet will perform a physical exam to determine if your dog has heat rash. This physical exam involves looking at the area where the rash is forming to determine whether its caused by heat, an allergic reaction, or something else. Your vet will also determine the severity of your dogs heat rash, which is an important part of deciding on treatment.

When you take your vet in for a heat rash diagnosis, your vet may also look at a smear of the rash under a microscope to see if its infected. If there are a lot of white blood cells in the affected area, your dog may have a heat rash infection.

What Does A Heat Rash On Dogs Look Like?

Recognizing heat rash on dogs is important during the summer, so every dog owner should have a basic understanding of what heat rash looks like. Its easy to confuse heat rash with other types of rashes your dog may have, so its always best to get a diagnosis from a vet whos dealt with heat rash before.

Heat rash on dogs starts as a fairly normal rash, causing redness and itchiness in the affected area. As heat rash gets worse, it may eventually cause boils, pimples, and scabs in the area of the rash, and you may even notice a foul odor coming from your dogs skin.

Heat rash can also lead to a secondary infection as a result of your dog scratching their rash. If your dog has heat rash, make sure you get it diagnosed by a vet and take steps to stop scratching and other potentially harmful behavior.

How To Treat Heat Rash In Dogs

The good news when it comes to heat rash in dogs is that there are steps you can take to prevent and treat heat rash. As a dog owner, this starts with keeping an eye on your dog during hot weather and looking out for heat rash on your dogs tummy.

Your vet may recommend a few different treatment options for heat rash in dogs, including hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera, and a cold towel. The goal of treatment is to reduce skin irritation and inflammation while helping your dog get relief from the heat.

If your vet recommends a specific treatment option for heat rash in dogs, make sure you follow through with treatment until your dog is all better. Its important to get rid of heat rash infections completely before you stop treating the affected area.

How Long Does It Take Heat Rash To Go Away?

From dog heat rash to signs of dog anxiety, nobody wants to see their dog suffer for longer than they have to. Your pup may be in a lot of discomfort as a result of heat rash, so how long does it take for that heat rash to go away?

The good news about heat rash in dogs is the fact that it typically goes away in a relatively short time period once youve started treatment. Once you start applying the cream or aloe vera that your vet recommends you use to treat heat rash, that heat rash may go away in as little as 3-7 days. Keep in mind that the duration of heat rash may depend on the severity of your dogs rash as well as how quickly you begin treatment.

How To Prevent Heat Rash In Dogs

You dont want your dog getting heat rash, so its important to know how to keep your dog cool during the summer and how to prevent heat rash.

Start by making sure your dog stays cool when theyre outside. You should have a shady area in your yard where your dog can go to relax. If your dog is exhibiting any signs of being too hot, you can spritz them with water or wipe them off with a cold towel to cool them down. You should also avoid letting your dog spend too much time in direct sunlight.

When your dog is spending a lot of time outside, keep an eye on them. Watch out for symptoms of your dog overheating or a heat rash developing. The sooner you spot heat rash, the easier it is to treat.

Final Notes

During the summer, its important to make sure your dog is staying cool so they dont develop heat rash. While dog heat rash is a fairly common condition, working to prevent heat rash and treating it early on is important.

If your dog has heat rash as a result of spending too much time in the sun, you need to get a diagnosis from your vet. With Dutch, connecting with vets in your area is easy. You can even get treatment delivered to your door. Try Dutch today to make taking care of your dog a breeze.