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Dog owners urged to watch out for one symptom in August

Vets warn that hot weather can be dangerous for your beloved pets.

[Small yellow dog scratching head]

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Increased itching could be a sign something is wrong(Image: Getty)

The UK is bracing itself for more scorching conditions, with the nation's fifth heatwave of the year set to arrive this week. Temperatures are expected to climb above 35C in some areas, and this sweltering weather poses problems not only for humans but for our four-legged friends too.

Soaring temperatures create ideal circumstances for dogs to suffer from skin complaints. Itchy, inflamed and sore patches can leave your pooch feeling wretched, so it's crucial that dog owners remain vigilant for one telltale sign that their pet is developing a skin problem.

Dr Sarah Page-Jones, head veterinary surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, said the initial indicator of a skin condition is what's referred to as a "hot spot" - otherwise known as acute moist dermatitis.

She said: "Acute moist dermatitis (hot spot) is especially common in thick-coated breeds during summer, when heat and humidity combined with excessive scratching and licking start to irritate the skin."

[Dog standing in sunny summer meadow. Small tan and white Chihuahua wearing a harness and standing in sunny green meadow at sunrise, looking at the cam]

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Keep your dog healthy this summer(Image: Getty)

These will appear as red, inflamed and occasionally weeping lesions on the skin. She continued: "If your pet develops a hot spot, always seek veterinary care. Your vet is likely to shave and clean the infected area, provide topical treatments, and give a protective collar to prevent further licking."

Sweltering summer conditions can also trigger another prevalent skin complaint in dogs - flea allergic dermatitis or FAD. Warmer temperatures mean fleas reproduce more rapidly, and if your dog has a sensitivity to their bites, it can result in severe irritation.

Dr Page-Jones advised: "To avoid flea allergic dermatitis, keep your pet up to date with prescription flea treatments to prevent infestations and the allergic reactions they can trigger.

"Environmental management may also be necessary to reduce the risk of fleas getting onto your pet. This can include using household sprays, regular washing of bedding, and regular hoovering.

"Treating flea allergic dermatitis starts with a trip to the vet, where they can prescribe the correct treatment to kill fleas and relieve symptoms."

Much like summer can worsen pollen allergies in people, pets face similar challenges.

Atopic dermatitis may develop from exposure to elevated pollen levels and result in severe itching for your dog. While it's a chronic condition, seasonal outbreaks are typical.

[black schipperke dog running on country road near field with green grass in sunny summer day, dogwalking concept]

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Pollen allergies can be worse in summer(Image: Getty)

Dr Page-Jones explained: "Environmental allergens such as grass and weed pollens spike during the warmer months. This can cause pets to itch excessively, chew their paws, lick their groin, or rub their faces.

"Pets suffering from atopic dermatitis will be itchy and often have red, inflamed skin; they may also have a persistent stale odour as their natural skin barrier is damaged and they develop secondary infections."

To manage flare-ups, maintaining regular grooming is crucial to keep their fur clear of dirt and particles. Following outdoor walks, wash their paws and bellies to eliminate lingering pollen.

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