Florida Condition Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM • Last updated 2026-06-20
Dog Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis) in Florida
Hot spots are rapidly developing patches of inflamed, oozing, painful skin — typically caused by a self-trauma cycle (itch → lick → wet skin → bacterial overgrowth → more itch). They can go from invisible to silver-dollar-sized in hours.
For Florida pet parents specifically: Florida is the hot spot capital of the US — humidity + heat + swimming + year-round flea season = perfect storm. Some Florida dogs get hot spots monthly. RexVet FL veterinarians prescribe rapid Apoquel + antibiotics for fast triage.
- Per visit
- $64.99 flat
- Family Plan
- $120 / year
- Rating
- 4.9★ · 8,313 families
- Structure
- 501(c)(3) non-profit
Licensed in Florida · Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM · Last updated 2026-06-22
Signs of hot spots in dogs
- Red, wet, oozing patch of skin (often hidden under fur)
- Painful when touched
- Hair loss in the affected area
- Pet repeatedly licking, biting, or scratching one spot
- Foul smell from the area
- Often appears overnight
How hot spots is diagnosed
Hot spots are diagnosed by visual exam. Underlying cause investigation matters — flea bite, ear infection, allergy, anal gland issue, or wound.
Standard treatment for hot spots
- Clip the fur around the lesion
- Topical antiseptic cleaning (chlorhexidine)
- Topical antibiotic spray (Vetericyn, silver sulfadiazine)
- Short course of oral antibiotics if deep
- Apoquel or short prednisone to break the itch cycle
- E-collar to prevent re-trauma
Daily home management
- 1 Clip the fur around the lesion (use small clippers, not scissors)
- 2 Clean gently 2-3x daily with dilute chlorhexidine or saline
- 3 Apply Vetericyn or other vet-approved topical
- 4 E-collar 24/7 until fully healed
- 5 Treat fleas if any chance of infestation
- 6 Address underlying allergy if recurrent
When telehealth works — and when it doesn't
First hot spot triage, antibiotic and Apoquel prescriptions, E-collar advice, treatment progress check-ins, and underlying allergy management are all good telehealth use cases.
Start a $64.99 video visit →In-person for deep lesions requiring sedation to clip and clean, when underlying ear infection needs flush, or for diagnostic workup of recurrent hot spots. Most single hot spots can be managed by telehealth.
Manage hot spots with a Florida-licensed vet
RexVet is licensed across all 67 Florida counties — $64.99 video visits 24/7.
$64.99 flat — no membership. Florida-licensed RexVet veterinarians are on call 24/7 including hurricane evacuation periods.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis) in Florida dogs
Frequently asked questions
Can a RexVet online vet treat my Florida dog's hot spots?
First hot spot triage, antibiotic and Apoquel prescriptions, E-collar advice, treatment progress check-ins, and underlying allergy management are all good telehealth use cases. A $64.99 video visit gets you a Florida-licensed vet who can prescribe medications via RexVetRx (same-day delivery in most major Florida ZIPs) or refer to in-person care when needed.
What are the signs of hot spots in dogs?
Common signs include: Red, wet, oozing patch of skin (often hidden under fur); Painful when touched; Hair loss in the affected area; Pet repeatedly licking, biting, or scratching one spot; Foul smell from the area. If you're seeing these, a Florida-licensed RexVet veterinarian can review by video and recommend next steps.
How is hot spots diagnosed?
Hot spots are diagnosed by visual exam. Underlying cause investigation matters — flea bite, ear infection, allergy, anal gland issue, or wound.
What's the standard treatment for dog hot spots?
Standard treatment approach includes: Clip the fur around the lesion; Topical antiseptic cleaning (chlorhexidine); Topical antibiotic spray (Vetericyn, silver sulfadiazine); Short course of oral antibiotics if deep. First hot spot triage, antibiotic and Apoquel prescriptions, E-collar advice, treatment progress check-ins, and underlying allergy management are all good telehealth use cases.
What can I do at home for my Florida dog's hot spots?
Daily home care for hot spots: Clip the fur around the lesion (use small clippers, not scissors); Clean gently 2-3x daily with dilute chlorhexidine or saline; Apply Vetericyn or other vet-approved topical; E-collar 24/7 until fully healed. Florida-specific: Florida is the hot spot capital of the US — humidity + heat + swimming + year-round flea season = perfect storm.
When does my Florida dog need to be seen in person vs. online?
In-person for deep lesions requiring sedation to clip and clean, when underlying ear infection needs flush, or for diagnostic workup of recurrent hot spots. Most single hot spots can be managed by telehealth.
Does Florida's environment affect hot spots?
Florida is the hot spot capital of the US — humidity + heat + swimming + year-round flea season = perfect storm. Some Florida dogs get hot spots monthly. RexVet FL veterinarians prescribe rapid Apoquel + antibiotics for fast triage.
Can I refill my Florida dog's hot spots prescriptions online?
Yes. RexVet veterinarians are licensed in Florida and prescribe and refill medications via $64.99 video visits. Prescriptions are filled through RexVet's in-house pharmacy (RexVetRx) with same-day delivery in most Florida ZIP codes, or transferred to any local pharmacy.
Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis) in other states RexVet serves
Medical review by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Chief Executive Officer & Lead Veterinarian, RexVet. Licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
This page is an educational reference and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your individual pet.