Dog itching after pool swim? What to do for chlorine irritation?

It is possible that your pets could have picked up other parasites besides fleas from the lake. I would not recommend any more flea baths as this can cause excessive drying of the skin, which can make the itching worse. If you cannot find the source of the itching for your pets then it would do them some good to get a veterinarian involved who can look at the skin and make a diagnosis as to the cause. We unfortunately cannot do that via the internet. Another option is to give the pets an oatmeal based shampoo bath, letting it soak on the skin for 5-10 minutes, then rinsing. If this helps soothe the itching, then great. But if not then they likely will need stronger medications available only through your vet. Also if there is a parasite involved, then treating for the particular parasite will likely resolve the itching without need for further medications.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Kiowa is likely having a reaction to something. It could be the saltwater causing irritation to the skin. That much salt on the skin can become quite irritating, especially if it is not washed off. I would run to the nearest store and grab a bottle of Aveeno oatmeal shampoo and bathe her with that for at least 8-10 min. I would not allow her to go back in the water after until this resolves. If there is no improvement or the skin condition worsens I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

I don't think that the wounds you are describing are caused by chiggers. Fleas are still a possibility, I have found that products containing Fipronil do not work very well for flea prevention. I would also be concerned about mites, bacterial or fungal skin infection, or even cancer. I think it is time for Icis to see a vet so that she can get a diagnosis and some comfort. Benadryl will only help with itching if it is caused by an allergic reaction from histamine release, which does not seem the case. Dish detergent baths can be very irritating and drying to the skin, I would recommend a hydrating dog shampoo instead. I rarely use epsom salt baths for skin problems in dogs for similar reasons, it is much better used when there is swelling in the paws.

Poor guy. It sounds like he may be having a mild reaction to the vaccine. I would contact your vet to get him an antihistamine shot to help relieve the itch. He may also benefit from oral allergy medication for a few days until things subside. If you can't get him in right away, you can try an over the counter pet formulated aloe based or oatmeal based shampoo (one with Diphenhydramine is best if available) to help alleviate some of the irritation. Also as a general rule of thumb, giving pet formulated fish oils can help provide a natural anti-inflammatory effect on the skin in dogs. Best wishes moving foward with Brinks care.

Hello. You can bathe Serenity in cool water using an anti-itch shampoo containing either 1% hydrocortisone or Pramoxine. You may need to see if any of the pet retailers in your area carry these or try Nootie Oatmeal & Pramoxine shampoo available through Amazon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Max. It sounds like he may have an allergy to the shampoo or an environmental allergy. If you have already tried Benadryl and a sensitive skin shampoo the next step is to get stronger medicaitons through your vet. I would recommend asking your vet about trying a short trial of Apoquel (allergy medication) on Max. You may also want to consider switching flea preventions, especially if the one he is currently on isn't veterinary approved. I highly recommend Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica or Firstshield (Vectra) for flea prevention. I hope this helps and you can continue the Benadryl (as long as he doesn't have any contraindications to its use- i.e. Heart disease) in the meantime so that he at least has something on board for the itch. Best of luck at the vet and take care.

Lilly Lynne may have a bit of rash or razor burn if she was trimmed close. First be sure she is on appropriate flea control as she may have picked up fleas from groomer. Benedryl is acceptable to use once or twice daily if it give her relief. She may also be having a reaction to the shampoo or fragrance the groom used. I would give her a bath in dawn to wash off any residue to see if that helps. (Original blue dish soap dawn). If no improvement then she may need a vet visit. I hope she’s back to normal quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach