There’s nothing more fun than playing with your dog in the cool water on a hot day. With summer upon us, you might be looking for fun ways to have fun in the sun while minimizing the risk of heat to your dog. Specifically, you might be wondering about heat rash on a dog’s belly.
While humans sweat to keep cool, dogs pant. In extremely hot weather, panting can be ineffective, resulting in things like heatstroke or heat rash. Heat rash is quite common among dogs in the summer, yet most owners are unaware of its effects and complications.
Heat rash can affect every part of your dog’s body, but especially the stomach. Here’s everything you need to know about heat rash on a dog’s belly, from what it is to how to treat it successfully.
Before you read this guide, “Heat Rash on a Dog’s Belly,” check out: Dog Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments! (2023) and Dog Diaper Rash. What Should I do? (2023).
What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash occurs when a dog’s body overheats, causing itching, redness, inflammation, and in severe cases, boils or bumps. While it might not seem as serious as heatstroke or heat exhaustion, it’s a clear sign that your dog is overheating.
Left untreated, heat rash can turn into open sores and scabs which can leave your dog vulnerable to infection. Either way, heat rash can become serious quickly. It’s directly caused by direct exposure to sunlight or being left out in the heat.
What Causes Heat Rash on a Dog’s Belly?
If you’re noticing heat rash on your dog’s belly, it’s because they’re overheating. Due to their inability to sweat, and the fact that they’re covered in hair (with the exception of hairless dogs), they can’t regulate their body heat as well as humans can. When a dog begins to overheat, they develop heat rash.
The skin on the dog’s belly is quite tender, meaning it’s much more vulnerable and susceptible to the effects of heat rash. Many people overlook the seriousness of heat rash, but if it’s not taken seriously, it can cause drastic complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Rash
When you’re a dog owner, the world may seem like a big and scary place. And it can be. That’s why familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of various conditions can help prevent severe consequences.
Some signs and symptoms of heat rash include:
- Skin inflammation
- Redness
- Visible irritation
- Skin that’s sore or tender
- Open sores or scabs
- Pimples, boils, or pus-filled bumps
- Bleeding
- Foul-smelling odor
- Persistent licking or scratching of the affected area
If your dog is exhibiting signs or symptoms of heat rash, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away. Heat rash can be easily confused with other conditions, so diagnosing heat rash with your veterinarian is critical to ensure proper treatment.
Diagnosing Heat Rash
If it’s hot outside and your dog has spent hours in the sun (which isn’t advisable), and they begin to scratch and itch at inflamed skin, then there’s a pretty good chance that they’re dealing with heat rash. Your dog will need a proper physical exam with their veterinarian to determine if it’s heat rash or not.
Only your veterinarian will be able to diagnose if it’s heat rash or an allergic reaction. From there, if it is a heat rash, they’ll be able to determine the severity of the rash.
If it’s infected, they may prescribe antibiotics or steroids.
Treatment for Heat Rash
Depending on the severity of your dog’s heat rash, your veterinarian may recommend home remedies or medication. If they recommend home treatments, then they’re probably going to recommend the following:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, like Benadryl, can help reduce itchiness and inflammation. Heat rash can become an allergic reaction, so taking an antihistamine can help mitigate discomfort.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream is a topical corticosteroid used to reduce and relieve itchiness, redness, swelling, and general discomfort. It can soothe a variety of ailments, from bug bites and hives to heat rash. Your veterinarian should advise you how, when, and where to apply the cream.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is revered around the world for its natural medicinal and soothing properties. Great for sunburns and heat rash, it helps soothe and calm irritation. Additionally, it can also help lightly hydrate, to preserve your dog’s skin barrier.
Cold Compresses
A cold compress can provide much-needed relief for your dog if they’re experiencing the effects of heat rash, especially on their belly. Submerge a towel or washcloth in cold, ice water then apply it to the affected area. Your dog may not initially like the sensation, but it can help soothe irritation.
Cool Bath
Depending on the severity of the heat rash, and if it’s worsened to the point of infection, your veterinarian may recommend cool, medicated baths to treat the rash and slow the spread.
Your vet may provide you with antibacterial shampoo, or they may recommend you wash them with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo. Either way, a cool bath can help reduce bacteria buildup and soothe the affected area. This can be especially relieving if your dog is experiencing heat rash on their belly.
How to Prevent Heat Rash
The simplest way to prevent heat rash is to limit your dog’s time in hot environments, and especially limit their time in the sun. Prevention is key to the long-term treatment of heat rash.
Keep your dog out of the sun and heat at all costs. Try to limit their time outside during the hottest parts of the day. If they must go outside, make it brief, and make sure they can retreat into a cool area.
Additionally, keeping your dog cool with air conditioning or a kiddie pool can prevent them from overheating and developing heat rash. Always keep an eye on your dog during the hottest days of the year.
Skin Conditions Heat Rash Could Be Confused With
Unfortunately, there are a variety of skin conditions that can mimic the signs and symptoms of heat rash. Here are some common skin conditions that could be confused with heat rash.
Ringworm
A zoonotic fungal infection, ringworm is incredibly difficult to treat and can spread from domesticated animals to humans easily. It’s marked by a red, raised, circular ‘ring’ infection of the skin.
It’s commonly transmitted by direct contact with the fungus. Fungal spores can remain dormant on surfaces for up to 18 months. If a case of ringworm breaks out in your house, be sure to sanitize all surfaces and bedding with antifungal agents, like bleach.
Ringworm treatment can last from weeks to months until the infection fully subsides. It usually consists of topical and oral medication, such as antifungals. While treatment can last a long time, recovery is always possible.
Allergies
Allergic dermatitis, commonly known as skin allergies, can be commonly confused with heat rash. Skin allergies can be a result of many factors, like food, environment, or medication. Signs and symptoms of skin allergies in dogs include red irritated skin, sores, hair loss, and excessive scratching or licking.
If you suspect that your dog is exhibiting signs of skin-related allergies, be sure to reach out to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to run the necessary tests to see if your dog is developing allergies or not.
Skin Infections
Bacterial and fungal skin infections can closely mimic heat rash in dogs. Staph or yeast infections are the most common skin infections. Beware of staph infections, as they are zoonotic and can be passed from dog to human, and vice versa. Good hygiene is key to preventing skin infections.
If you suspect your dog has a bacterial or fungal skin infection, and they haven’t been out in the sun, then your hunch is probably right. Contact your veterinarian right away. They’ll be able to run diagnostic tests to see what is causing the infection.
Flea Bites or Infestation
Flea bites, or a flea infestation, can cause a reaction similar to heat rash. Unlike other skin conditions on this list, it’s easy to determine if your dog has fleas or not. Fleas are creatures that feed off the blood of their hosts.
They’re small, black, and tend to bounce around. You should be able to see them on your dog or on your floor or furniture. Fleas will bite humans too, if given the opportunity.
Fleas leave tiny, red, raised bumps on your dog’s skin after they feed off of them. This redness becomes exacerbated and turns into swelling, which can mimic a heat rash. Luckily, fleas are easy to treat at home if you know what you’re doing.
Invest in a flea-specific shampoo or medication, and be diligent about washing your bedding and carpets, and they should subside within a week or two.
Mange
Mange is a critical skin condition caused by mite-infested hair follicles. As the mites infest the skin, they begin to lose hair and develop open scabs and sores. It’s an incredibly debilitating condition that can lead to life-threatening infection and impaired mobility.
While most dogs make a recovery, treatment can be intensive and time-consuming once it reaches peak severity.
Mange requires immediate medical intervention. Do not delay treatment. If you suspect your dog is in the beginning stages of developing mange, take them to your nearest animal hospital right away. This can prevent life-threatening infections.
Other Risk Factors of Hot Weather
While heat rash on its own is serious, there are other risk factors due to hot weather. Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when a dog’s body temperature becomes elevated. When a dog’s core temperature exceeds 106°F (41°C), they’re probably in the throes of heatstroke.
If a dog has heatstroke, their breathing may become elevated, they may appear lethargic, and they can even have seizures.
When a dog can’t regulate their body temperature through panting, this can elevate their core temperature. This can cause heat rash, but it can also cause heatstroke. It is a dire emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat rash looks like visible skin inflammation, redness, boils or pimples, itchiness, or scabs and sores. It can closely mimic other skin conditions.
Aloe vera and hydrocortisone cream are highly recommended for the at-home treatment of heat rash. They can help soothe and minimize irritation.
Your dog may have heat rash on their stomach if you’re noticing a rash on its underbelly. If they’ve spent excess time in the sun or heat, they could be developing heat rash.
Aloe vera, Benadryl, cool compresses, and hydrocortisone cream can all mitigate a dog’s belly rash with their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
When mixed with water, baking soda can help dry out an existing rash. Be careful not to overdo it though, since it can cause more irritation if it’s used excessively.
Conclusion for “Heat Rash on a Dog’s Belly: What It Is and How to Treat It”
When a dog overheats, heat rash can cause itching, redness, inflammation, and even boils. Without proper treatment, heat rash can worsen with sores and scabs leaving your dog vulnerable to infection.
Your veterinarian may recommend either a home remedy or medication to treat your dog’s heat rash. There are a few other issues, like mange and flea bites, that can be mistaken for heat rash.
If you find this guide, “Heat Rash on a Dog’s Belly,” helpful, check out:
- Is Sudocrem on Dogs Safe? (2023)
- Can You Use Desitin On Dogs? (2023)
- Why is My Dog’s Belly Turning Black? (2023)
Learn more by watching “How To Treat These 5 Skin Infection in Dogs 🐕 With Home Remedies” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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