Summer is great for longer walks, backyard hangs, beach days, and extra time outside with your dog. However, it can also be prime time for itchy skin, hot spots, allergies, and random irritation that seems to show up out of nowhere. If your dog is suddenly scratching, licking, chewing, or rubbing against every surface in the house, their skin may be trying to tell you something.

One common summer issue is hot spots. These are red, irritated, sometimes wet-looking patches of skin that can get worse quickly when dogs keep licking or scratching them. Heat, moisture, bug bites, allergies, swimming, or trapped dirt under the coat can all make things worse. Allergies can also flare up in the summer. Grass, pollen, fleas, dust, and outdoor irritants can leave dogs itchy, uncomfortable, or extra sensitive. Some dogs may get red paws, watery eyes, ear irritation, or constant licking after time outside.

The best thing you can do is keep an eye on changes. Check your dog’s paws, belly, ears, and under their collar after outdoor time. Dry them off after swimming or baths, keep up with flea prevention, and brush regularly so their coat stays clean and breathable. If you notice a red spot spreading, a bad smell, hair loss, swelling, bleeding, or nonstop scratching, it is time to call your vet. Skin problems can go from “small irritation” to “very uncomfortable” fast.

Here is my personal Summer Skin Tip:

After walks or outdoor play, give your dog a quick wipe-down, especially on their paws and belly. It can help remove pollen, grass, dirt, and other irritants before they turn into a bigger problem. Summer should be about fun, not itchy skin. A little extra skin care can help your dog stay comfortable through the season.