Summer is a time for sunshine, adventures, and more time spent outdoors—but it can also bring a range of heat-related challenges for your pet. From heatstroke, hot pavement, and sunburn to itchy allergies and painful hot spots, warm weather presents risks that every pet owner should be aware of.

At Mid-Valley Veterinary Hospital in Orland, CA, we’re committed to helping you keep your pet comfortable, safe, and thriving during the hotter months. This guide breaks down the most common summer skin issues, how to prevent them, and when to seek professional care.

Book an Appointment Today

Summer Conditions: What to Watch For

Hot Spots: A Common Warm-Weather Skin Concern

Hot spots (also called acute moist dermatitis) are inflamed, irritated patches of skin that can appear quickly and worsen rapidly—especially in humid or wet conditions. They’re often triggered by:

  • Excessive licking or scratching
  • Trapped moisture after swimming
  • Flea bites or other allergies

Common signs include:

  • Red, moist, or oozing skin
  • Constant chewing or licking at one area
  • Foul odor or pus from the lesion

Learn more about flea-related skin reactions, one of the most common causes of summer hot spots.

Sunburn: A Real Risk for Pets

You may not think of your pet getting sunburned—but pets with short, light-colored fur or exposed skin areas (like the nose, ears, and belly) are at high risk.

Signs of sunburn in pets:

  • Red, warm, or flaky skin
  • Whining or flinching when touched
  • Peeling, blisters, or crusting in severe cases

Helpful resources:

Preventing Skin Issues Before They Start

Keep Skin Clean and Dry

Moisture is the enemy of healthy skin in summer. To avoid hot spots and infections:

  • Towel-dry your pet thoroughly after swimming or baths
  • Pay close attention to skin folds in breeds like Bulldogs, Frenchies, and Pugs
  • Check and clean ears weekly, especially in floppy-eared breeds like Labradors and Cocker Spaniels

Learn more: How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Manage Seasonal Allergies

Increased pollen, grasses, and insect activity can lead to itching and secondary infections. Prevent flare-ups by:

  • Using year-round flea and tick prevention
  • Bathing with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos
  • Limiting exposure to high-allergen areas

For more, see Dog Allergies: Symptoms & Treatment

Shielding Pets from Sunburn and Heat Damage

Smart Sun Protection

Protect your pet’s skin and paws during peak UV hours (10 AM – 4 PM):

  • Offer shade and limit intense outdoor activities
  • Use pet-safe sunscreen on noses, ears, and bellies
  • Avoid hot pavement—test it with your hand first

Find tips here: Protecting Your Pet’s Paws This Summer

Clothing & Gear for Sensitive Pets

  • Lightweight sun shirts for dogs can help shield delicate skin
  • Dog-friendly goggles (like Rex Specs) protect eyes from UV rays
  • Booties can prevent paw burns on hot sidewalks

Bonus read: Cool Cats: Summer Safety Tips for Outdoor Cats

Treating Hot Spots and Sunburn

Hot Spot Care at Home

If you spot a hot spot:

  • Trim fur around the area to allow airflow
  • Gently clean with a vet-recommended antiseptic or mild soap and water.
  • Apply topical treatment as advised
  • Use an e-collar to prevent licking

If your pet is painful or you’re at risk for getting bitten or scratched, please come to us for sedation and pain control if needed. For persistent cases, contact our team for treatment.

Caring for Sunburned Skin

For mild burns:

  • Move your pet out of direct sunlight
  • Apply a cool compress or pet-safe aloe vera gel (avoid anything with zinc oxide)
  • Encourage hydration

Veterinary care is necessary for blistering, pain, or signs of infection.

Preventing Heatstroke in Pets

Heatstroke is one of the most serious—and potentially life-threatening—seasonal risks for dogs and cats. Pets don’t sweat the way humans do and can overheat quickly, especially during intense exercise, hot car rides, or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

What Is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises above normal and they are unable to cool themselves down. This can lead to organ failure and even death if not treated promptly.

Normal Pet Body Temps:

  • Dogs and cats:5°F to 102.5°F
  • Heatstroke threshold: 104°F and above is dangerous

High-Risk Situations for Heatstroke

  • Leaving pets in parked cars (even with windows cracked)
  • Midday walks or outdoor play during peak sun hours
  • Lack of access to shade or water
  • Flat-faced breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians) who struggle to breathe efficiently
  • Overweight or elderly pets with decreased heat tolerance

Early Signs of Heatstroke

Recognizing heatstroke early can save your pet’s life. Watch for:

  • Rapid or heavy panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Red or pale gums
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or confusion
  • Collapse or seizures in severe cases

Know when it’s an emergency.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

  1. Choose Cooler Times for Outdoor Activities
    Walk your dog early in the morning or after sunset to avoid peak temperatures. Pavement can burn paws even when the air feels tolerable—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.
  2. Offer Shade and Water at All Times
    Ensure your pet has access to fresh, cool water and a shaded or air-conditioned area—especially during heat waves.
  3. Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars
    Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can spike dangerously in minutes. Leave your pet at home when possible.
  4. Know Your Pet’s Risk Level
    Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, seniors, and pets with heart or respiratory issues are more vulnerable. Talk to your vet about whether your pet needs extra precautions.
  5. Use Cooling Aids
    Cooling vests, pet-safe popsicles, shaded outdoor playpens, and cooling mats can help your pet stay safe and comfortable.

A wet, curly-haired dog splashes and plays in a small blue plastic pool outside on a sunny day, with water droplets flying around and green grass in the background.

What to Do if You Suspect Heatstroke

  • Move your pet into a shaded or air-conditioned space immediately
  • Offer cool (not cold) water
  • Wet their paws, ears, and belly with cool water or apply damp towels
  • Contact a veterinarian right away—heatstroke is a medical emergency

When to Call Your Vet

Don’t wait if you notice:

  • Red, irritated skin that doesn’t improve
  • Persistent itching or hair loss
  • Bad-smelling sores or hot spots
  • Behavior changes, such as hiding or agitation
  • Signs of heatstroke

Reach out to Mid-Valley Veterinary for expert diagnosis and treatment.

Keep Summer Safe and Comfortable

Summer should be fun—but without the proper precautions, it can take a toll on your pet’s comfort. With preventive care, smart sun safety, and prompt attention to symptoms, you can help your pet enjoy every sunny day.

Schedule a Summer Wellness Visit to prepare your pet for the season ahead.