Common Summer Skin Conditions in Dogs & How to Treat Them
From hot spots to fungal infections, grass allergies to fleas—your dog’s scratching might be more than just an itch.
✅ Summer Isn’t Just Hot—It’s Prime Skin Problem Season
High humidity, heat, wet grass, and biting insects create the perfect storm for skin trouble in dogs.
✅ According to the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), heat and humidity are among the top triggers for canine skin disease.
If your dog is licking, scratching, developing red patches, or has a strange odor, it might be more than just a bug bite.
Here are the most common summer skin conditions in dogs, how to spot them, and what you can do.
1️⃣ Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis)
✅ Common Areas: Neck, shoulders, behind ears, hindquarters
✅ What It Is:
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Red, wet, inflamed skin caused by trapped moisture and heat
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Often worsened by licking and scratching
✅ Causes:
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Sweat, rain, or swimming without proper drying
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Excessive licking due to irritation
✅ What to Do:
• Trim surrounding fur for airflow
• Keep the area dry and well-ventilated
• Apply a pet-safe anti-inflammatory spray
• Seek veterinary care if severe
✅ The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns hot spots can rapidly expand without treatment, often requiring professional care.
2️⃣ Fungal Infections (Yeast or Ringworm)
✅ Common Areas: Paws, armpits, belly
✅ Why It Happens:
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Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty paws or skin folds
✅ Symptoms:
• Scaly, flaky patches
• Reddish, irritated skin
• Foul or yeasty odor
✅ What to Do:
• Dry paws and folds thoroughly after walks
• Avoid puddles and wet grass
• Consult a vet for antifungal treatments
✅ Journal of Small Animal Practice research notes moist paw spaces are high-risk areas for bacterial and fungal infections in warm seasons.
3️⃣ Flea & Mite Reactions
✅ Common Areas: Lower back, tail base, neck
✅ Symptoms:
• Intense scratching and biting
• Crusty scabs
• Small black specks in fur (flea dirt)
✅ What to Do:
• Use vet-approved flea preventatives
• Wash bedding regularly
• Dress your dog in lightweight, breathable, insect-resistant clothing outdoors
✅ The AVMA identifies flea bite allergy as one of the most common causes of canine skin disease, making prevention critical.
4️⃣ Grass & Contact Allergies
✅ Common Areas: Belly, paws, inner thighs
✅ Symptoms:
• Red bumps or rashes
• Constant licking after walks
• Skin irritation from contact
✅ Causes:
• Grass pollen
• Weed oils
• Lawn fertilizers and pesticides
✅ What to Do:
• Rinse paws and belly after walks
• Use breathable protective clothing to minimize direct contact
• Apply vet-approved antihistamine sprays or soothing treatments
✅ ACVD guidelines stress that physical barriers like clothing and rinsing are among the most effective ways to reduce contact allergies in dogs.
🐾 PETT2GO Pro Tip: Functional Clothing Isn’t Just for Looks
Our breathable summer windbreakers help:
✔️ Block direct contact with grass and environmental allergens
✔️ Reduce heat buildup on the skin
✔️ Prevent mosquito and flea bites
✔️ Speed up post-walk drying with moisture-wicking fabrics
✅ Bottom Line
Don’t dismiss scratching as “just summer stuff.”
✅ Minor skin irritations can quickly develop into serious infections requiring long-term treatment.
Pet parents should:
✔️ Watch for early signs like redness, itching, odor
✔️ Dry thoroughly after walks or swims
✔️ Use smart protective wear designed for hot, humid conditions
This summer, keep your dog safe and comfortable—so every adventure can be happy and healthy.
📚 References & Sources
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American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Summer Skin Care Tips for Dogs
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American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD): Canine Skin Disease Guidelines
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Journal of Small Animal Practice: Moisture-Related Dermatitis and Infection in Dogs
