What Exactly Is a Hot Spot?

A hot spot (the clinical term is acute moist dermatitis, which sounds like a boy band but is decidedly less fun) is a localized patch of inflamed, infected skin that can go from "huh, what's that" to "oh no" in a matter of hours. I've had clients text me photos where the "before" and "after" are only six hours apart and barely recognizable as the same spot. It starts small, an itch, a lick, a little irritation.

Dogs with double coats have two layers going on: a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser topcoat on top of it. That undercoat is basically a built-in sweater, and like any sweater, it gets swapped out seasonally. As daylight hours shrink heading into fall, that change in light triggers a hormonal signal telling the body to shed the thinner summer undercoat and grow in something heavier for winter.

This year really has been the year "skinification" went mainstream in the pet world, the idea that a dog's skin barrier deserves the same ingredient-level attention we give our own skincare routines. What started as a niche talking point among groomers is now showing up everywhere: personalized, breed-aware routines instead of one-size-fits-all packages, quieter and lower-sensory tools for anxious dogs, and a real uptick in mobile and one-on-one grooming as owners look for a calmer, less chaotic experience than a busy salon can offer.

Winter “wet dog” smell isn’t in your head—cold weather basically turns your pup into a walking damp towel. Trapped moisture, stale coat oils, and the bacteria/yeast that naturally live on skin all team up to make dogs smell stronger (and faster) this time of year. In this post, we break down why winter funk happens and share a simple fix plan that actually works—better drying, quick post-walk routines, cleaner gear, and smarter bathing—so you can cuddle again without your couch smelling like slush season.

Winter in the Northeast can turn your dog into an itchy, flaky “indoor snow globe.” This post breaks down why it happens—and exactly what to do about it—with practical tips on brushing, bathing frequency, winter-friendly shampoo choices (including Cologio), and when it’s smarter to use a professional groomer or a local self-serve dog wash. Expect straightforward guidance, a little humor, and a few prompts to help you troubleshoot your dog’s coat and share what’s worked for you.

When temperatures drop, our dogs still want to be outside exploring. But cold weather comes with some pretty tough conditions for paws.

Brushing your dog may seem like a simple task, but using the wrong type of brush can make grooming harder than it needs to be.

During the holiday season, it gets easy to let some dog grooming steps slip by, especially when things get busy.

You’d think a freshly bathed dog would stay smelling fresh, but it doesn’t always work that way. Even clean-looking pups can wind up with that damp, not-so-pleasant smell that lingers.

When your couch is covered in dog hair, your vacuum is working overtime, and you’re still brushing daily, it’s easy to wonder if your dog grooming routine is even helping. Shedding is part of life for most dogs, but fall can make it feel like someone turned up the volume.

If you've ever run a brush through your dog’s coat and hit a tough tangle, you're not alone. Knots and mats are common for dogs with longer or double coats, and they can get worse when the seasons shift.

Giving your dog a bath doesn’t have to be something you both dread. When you have a plan and a calm space, bath time can actually turn into a bonding moment.

If your dog keeps having ear trouble that clears up for a while and then returns, you’re not alone. A lot of pet owners deal with the same frustrating cycle.

When it comes to grooming, it’s easy to forget about nail trimming until something doesn’t feel right. Dogs don’t usually tell us with words, but their paws do.

When most people think about brushing their dogs, they picture fluffy golden retrievers or border collies with long, flowing coats.