New York Condition Guide • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM • Last updated 2026-06-20
Dog Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis) in New York
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 New York pet parents specifically: New York hot spots peak in summer (humid days) and in early winter (apartment heating dries skin and then trapped moisture under collars). NYC dogs with long coats and frequent groomer schedules are most affected. RexVet NY veterinarians prescribe and refill rapidly via $64.99 video visit.
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- $64.99 flat
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- $120 / year
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Licensed in New York · 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 New York-licensed vet
RexVet is licensed across all 62 New York counties — $64.99 video visits 24/7.
$64.99 flat — no membership. New York-licensed RexVet veterinarians are on call 24/7 — including overnight and weekend hours when most NYC clinics are closed.
Book a vet visit — $64.99Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis) in New York dogs
Frequently asked questions
Can a RexVet online vet treat my New York 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 New York-licensed vet who can prescribe medications via RexVetRx (same-day delivery in most major New York 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 New York-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 New York 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. New York-specific: New York hot spots peak in summer (humid days) and in early winter (apartment heating dries skin and then trapped moisture under collars).
When does my New York 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 New York's environment affect hot spots?
New York hot spots peak in summer (humid days) and in early winter (apartment heating dries skin and then trapped moisture under collars). NYC dogs with long coats and frequent groomer schedules are most affected. RexVet NY veterinarians prescribe and refill rapidly via $64.99 video visit.
Can I refill my New York dog's hot spots prescriptions online?
Yes. RexVet veterinarians are licensed in New York 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 New York 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.