My dogs are itchy after swimming. Is it fleas or water irritation?

Question

My dogs went swimming in a lake and river last week, and both are itchy now. I have given flea baths and used a flea comb, but found none. Is it fleas, or swimming? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 11 months old

Destini R. Holloway, DVM · Accepted Answer

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.

My dogs are itchy after swimming. Is it fleas or water irritation?

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