My dog's belly gets red bumps after swimming. Is it an allergy?

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. I would recommend bathing Annie immediately after bathing. I would recommend using a shampoo such as Douxo PS Calm shampoo and conditioner, which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please remember to rate this answer as helpful or not. Thank you!

Hello, Sorry to hear that Rex's belly is so itchy. He may have a skin infection, such as one from bacteria or yeast. I'd recommend taking him into his veterinarian to be examined. They may want to look at a skin sample under the microscope depending on his exam. Many dogs with sensitive skin require a medicated bath and ear rinses after swims, your vet will likely have some good recommendations for preventing this in the future. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi. It looks like Jack has a bit of pyoderma or skin infection on his belly. It may be a hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites or contact allergy or he may have a mild bacterial infection. Dogs that swim a lot in ponds or creeks may get this. If this is his only sign and he is not painful or itchy then bathing with a mild antibacterial shampoo may clear it up. If it's bothering him or seems to spread or get worse I recommend taking him into the vet.

These do indeed look like part of an allergic reaction (wheals/hives) and generally settle down after 12-24hours. Monitor closely for any internal complications such as vomiting, diarhhea, panting or weakness from an increased heart rate which may require hospitalisation and intravenous fluid drip. It can be difficult to identify the original trigger allergy bloods and a hydrolyzed diet such as royal canin anallergenic should be considered if recurring often

This looks like an allergic reaction to something or general allergies. Make sure he is on a good veterinary prescribed flea control. You can try to shampoo him in a chlorhexidine shampoo to help heal the red bumps. You can also Give him 75 mg (3 adult) Benadryl to help with any itching. If he isn't itching and/or the bumps aren't improving, I would contact your vet for an exam to ensure he doesn't need a stronger allergy medicine or antibiotics. I hope this helps!