Heat rash from harness?

[PetuniaChung]

We took Petunia for her first road trip! She did very well in the car and we (of course) kept the AC on the whole time. We hiked a lot with her and we noticed that she now has these red bumps on the areas where her harness touches her body (we use the easy walker harness, so these red tiny bumps are on her armpits and front of the chest, along with some on her neck due to her collar). We gave her Benadryl which helped settle things a bit and purchased cortisone for dogs to alleviate the itch. She still has these red bumps (not on her belly thank goodness). Has anyone experienced something similar? If so, how long before the red bumps go away? Any thoughts on how to prevent harness heat rash? Many thanks for your input. It is now Friday, we noticed these bumps on Tuesday (3 days now).

 

[Nicos mom]

Maybe an allergy to the nylon?

Hi - I can tell you that our boxer, Nico seems to be allergic to his harness. He has white stripes (hair loss) in the areas where the straps go. He seems to itch in those places as well, so I bought some fleece material and hand sewed a really fetching (joke) cover for the harness to see if that would help. I think it did, so I may have to make them for all three straps and not just the top one. We used the same harness as you. I do think some dogs get irritated from the straps. I keep meaning to buy him a hemp collar because his nylon collar where his tags hang does the same thing.... good luck and keep us posted!

 

[PetuniaChung]

Thanks! We used this cord to wrap around that harness so that she doesn't get irritated (you know, by the sides where the metal rings are?) and that has helped a lot. So you think the nylon fabric is what is giving her the bumps? Interesting. Any advice on how long before the red bumps go away? Man...now she's limping and won't put any weight on her right front paw...ugh.

 

[Nicos mom]

Hi there! I am sure not qualified to tell you what is going on with your baby, but just wanted to share my experiences. I wish I could help more, but as you can see I'm pretty new here and the mom of my first boxer, a three year old rescue. I have been told that boxers can be allergic to their nylon collars and Nico seems to be one of those....

 

[PetuniaChung]

Her limp is gone! I think she was imitating me (I recently injured my right foot and have been limping around the house). Silly girl! But her red bumps are still on her chest. Keeping her cool during this hot summer day. Thank you for all of your input Nico's Mom!