If you’re in Virginia Beach and just found a red, wet, or oozing sore on your dog, you're not alone — and you're right to be concerned.

Hot spots are one of the most common urgent care skin issues we treat at Furgent Care. These painful patches can appear quickly and worsen in just hours, especially in our hot and humid coastal climate.

If your dog is licking, chewing, or scratching a sore spot — and it looks raw, moist, or smells bad — bring them in right away. The sooner we treat it, the faster your dog will heal and stop hurting.

⚠️ Note: This article is for information only. Always consult a vet if your dog is showing signs of infection or discomfort.

What Are Hot Spots?

Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are localized areas of skin inflammation and infection. They often appear as:

A red, moist sore
Hair loss in that area
Constant licking or scratching
Bad smell from the sore

These sores develop when a dog scratches, licks, or chews at their skin, creating a warm, moist environment perfect for bacterial growth.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

Bring your dog in ASAP if:

The spot is getting larger, oozing, or bleeding
Your dog is in visible discomfort
You notice swelling, fever, or lethargy

Why Hot Spots Happen So Much in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach’s climate and environment make it a hotspot for hot spots! Here’s why:

1. Allergies (The "Tidewater Itch")

Our area is notorious for pet allergies — whether from pollen, mold, or fleas. Allergic reactions cause intense itching, leading to excessive scratching and hot spot formation.

2. Warm, Humid Summers

The moist summer air in tidewater creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast on your dog’s skin. Add in a little trapped moisture (especially in thick-coated breeds), and hot spots can flare up quickly.

3. Fleas & Skin Irritants

Flea bites are a major trigger for hot spots. Even a single bite can cause a dog to scratch relentlessly, breaking the skin and leading to infection.

How to Treat Hot Spots:

If your dog develops a hot spot, seek veterinary care immediately. Here is what we do at our urgent care vet clinic, we provide:

Shaving & cleaning the affected area. Often hotspots are much larger than they initially appear and may even require mild sedation to properly and painlessly clip and clean.
Topical or oral antibiotics to treat infection
Anti-itch medications to stop the scratching cycle
Allergy management to prevent recurrence

What You Can Do at Home (But Still Call Us!!)

While you wait your turn to see the vet at home, you can:

Gently clean the area with diluted betadine or antiseptic spray
Prevent more licking with a cone
Keep the area dry and avoid further irritation

Hot Spot Prevention Tips:

✔ Keep your dog groomed, especially in summer.

✔ Dry them thoroughly after swimming or baths.

✔ Treat fleas year-round with vet-approved preventatives.

✔ Manage allergies with vet-recommended solutions.

Worried About Your Dog’s Hot Spots? We Can Help!

At Furgent Care, we offer after-hours veterinary care for non-life-threatening emergencies. This includes digestive issues, minor injuries, skin problems, and more.

Located in Virginia Beach | Open Weekdays 2 PM – 10 PM (closed Tuesdays) | Weekends 10 AM – 10 PM

You don't need an appointment—check in online and bring your dog to our veterinary urgent care when it’s your turn. Our team is here to help guide you through your emergency and provide peace of mind.

If you have any specific questions call us at 757-656-5650 and one of our techs will be happy to help you.

Red, Oozing Sore on Your Dog? It Might Be a Hot Spot