2 dogs are itching after swimming - any home remedies ? - Page 1

Hi.  2 dogs went to a cottage and swam daily without rinsing off (never again, never again).  They are both incredibly itchy.  At first I thought it was due to BADLY blowing coats.  Nope - they are done blowing and itching is worse.  Then I thought it could be due to food switching.  Nope - they both changed foods but not at a similar time.  Not an allergic response and not at the exact same time with 2 totally different dogs.  And no, their skin is not dry or flakey.

Now, I see it was likely due to the lake water. 

My regular vet is away and I am hoping I can offer some relief.  I did bathe both in an antibacterial dog shampoo without success.  I see now that armpits are getting quite pink.  No lesions however and no bumps.

The worst areas with the itchies are the legs, groin and armpits. 

What do I do?  Am I really just stuck with antibiotics and a vet visit?  I will of course if I have to but.....

what is it?  Can it go away on its own?  Can I offer relief? 

Thank you.

make a rinse of 1/2 water and 1/2 apple cider vinegar and sponge it on the itchy areas. You can also put it in their water 1-2 teaspoons in a typical dog water bowl. Start with 1 teaspoon.

My picky little monster likes it.

You can always try 2-3  25 mg benedryl twice a day. Start with 1-2.

Michele and Pharaoh

Are you anywhere close to a Tractor Supply or livestock/feed and supply store?

I seem to remember they carry "Orvus".  It was back then almost a paste-like cleanser in a little "tub" type container with a screw-off top.  It would be in the livestock section.  I used to get it from PCH.  Not sure if they even exist anymore.

"Orvus" was a very mild "shampoo" that I used for 4-H fair hogs, lambs, horses and dogs.  It's extremely mild but very cleansing and rinses clean.

An oatmeal bath and some benadryl afterwards might relieve the "itchies" until you can get the "Orvus". 

Hope they feel better soon.

(revised!) ...ok.  Be careful not to get Orvus in the eyes.     I actually love Orvus... one tub of the concentrated soap goes a long ways, and it works great especially on white horses.  The soap literally sucks the dirt out ..!! 

I accidenly got a little splashed in my eye once, and it friggen burned so bad!  From that day on, I never used it to wash the horses heads/forelocks...  I used baby shampoo for that.  The rest of the animals body?  yes.   It is an awesome soap.. but I would tread carefully on sensitive skins.

And yes, it still exists.  Usually any feed store carries it.

I'm thinking if she has to go the shampoo route, then an oatmeal based shampoo would be more soothing and benificial..., and actually since she just bathed the dogs, I would hold off giving another one until the oils recover on the skin.

I'd recommend good oatmeal or tea tree oil shampoo.

So we think we can avoid antibiotics?????  Really?  That would make dog mom super happy.

Wow.  No offense taken StinkyK9.  Really?

I never had that problem at all. 1 (one) Tablespoon in a 5 gallon bucket and even with all the times I got it in my eyes it never burned, cleaned well and rinsed clean with no burning or skin problems.

Thanks for the updated info.  No.  If it's that strong now I wouldn't use it either. 

Sorry, kmaot.  Didn't mean to give you outdated info there.  Disregard that there post of mine.  Obviously the product is a bit stronger than it was in the 80's/90's.  Funny, that's one product I never thought they'd mess with. How sad.  It was a good product.

Damn, don't I feel just about an inch tall now.  

I would worry if they drank any water there also.

sounds like bacteria/ even ecoli ( can't spell it)

I would watch to see if they get stomach problems and bad stools.

I would take to vet soon.

Maybe there is some recommendations from vet on shampoo to kill the bacteria. I think they can test a sample of the water also.

I hope they will be ok.

I have used a home remedy for any skin irritation as well as infections or wounds.

In a PINT spray bottle....

Put half water and half witch hazel.

Than add one teaspoon of TeaTree Oil

That's it!

It works fantastic!!

You can get both of the ingredience in the drug store or Walmart for that matter.

Good luck!!

Debby

Run Fast, Bite Hard and Prance Pretty!!

Did you double check for fleas?  They may have picked them up from the sand.