Problems with dog after she goes swimming...?

Question

My dog, Katydid, (boxer/bulldog mix) loves to go out into the lake at our house...every time she does, a few hours after getting out, the parts of her body that were in the water are very red and swollen...it almost looks like a rash of somekind. She doesn't scratch at it, but she does "clean" the areas a lot (very slowly). She acts as though it maybe stings, or is sore, but not really itchy. It doesn't seem to spread to other areas. The obvious response is to keep her out of the lake, but what I am really looking for is...Has anyone else had this problem? What could be in the water that would cause it (Other dogs that get in seem just fine)? Are there any type of skin problems particular to her breed that may be associated? Or maybe a deficiency that makes her succeptible? Beyond keeping her from something she loves to do, does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this (I don't really need common sense answers such as taking her to the vet)? Thanks, in advance, for your time.

I have taken her to the vet, and what we have tried so far has not worked. I am going to take her back. I just wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts, opinions, or similar experiences that I (she) could benefit from untill we (the vet) find out for sure what is causing it and how to prevent it. Right now, it's kind of in a trial and error stage, because there are a so many possibilites.

Answer 1

Both both breeds she's mixed with can have skin allergeries.
It could be so many different things in the water causing this.

After she's done swimming rinse her off with regular water , just spray her down with the garden hose. you can try to wipe the red spots with Witch Hazel, it won't sting.

It would be too hard to keep her out of the water =)
and if she enjoys it let her be. She's smart enough to figure out if it's causing her too much harm.

Answer 2

My old Golden Retriever had the same thing she would swim and lay in the dirtiest water but would have the time of her life! When I would take her home she would always be licking the same area, and when i would look there was a rash...I took her to the vet and it turned out that the rash was actually caused by her Thyroid. Once I put her on Thyroid medication the rash never came back...It might be the same thing for your dog.

Or you can try letting her swim in the water, then try and dry her right after or give her a bath to get the crap off of her from the water...Just a thought.

Answer 3

You are going to get a lot of answers that say this, but it's true - take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis.

She could have picked up something like a parasite from the water or it could have nothing to do with the water and it's just an infection or allergy that is more visible after she's been in the water. She could also be allergic to something in or around the lake.

Answer 4

She must be allergic to something in the water. Maybe the lake has high bacteria levels...or mercury levels. I'm afraid you're going to have to ask a vet. You should make an appointment and let your dog swim 3 hours before the appt. so the vet can see the symptoms. Bring a water sample with you too so they can check it under the microscope.

Answer 5

Well, no I don't own a dog so that has never happened to me but I think That there is something the dog is obviously allergic too.How long does it take to go away? You might want to see the vet about it if it doesn't go away also I'll give you the obvious answer Keep Him OUT of the LAKE!!!!!!!! Oh, and I'm sorry for your dog

Answer 6

my dog has the same problem. the vet told me wasn't really so much a breed thing but sometimes, they come into contact with things, chemicals etc in the water that irritate their skin. just like how you might get a rash from touching petroleum products or something like that. were it something serious like a rash or allergic reaction to something then you would know immediately from your dogs behavior. I've been letting my mutt in the pool and steams and such and doesn't really have that problem anymore so I assume he built an immunity to whatever it was that was bothering him or was probably just a bug bite or something. wouldn't worry about it too much.

Answer 7

I have dog similar to yours. She loves the water. Buit iI never had that problem , or my daughter her dogs boxers, go to the lake all the time. Maybe there is someting dumped into the lake that is irrataeing her skin. I would keep her out of it. It might be a wake up call. for you and others that swim there. Call the EPA have them ck the water. Won't cost you any thing. Good luck. Pem

Answer 8

You might wanna have the water tested to see what might be in there such as Mercury or other chemicals i would also suggest giving ur dog a bath as soon as she comes out of the water with sensitive shampoo for dogs (ask vet for best kind). you should also maybe have the dog tested for allergies. and if she is licking it means it hurts or she would be scratching i would defanitly suggest a trip to the dogie doc!!!

Answer 9

OKAY...COMMON SENSE WINS!
Take the dog & a sample of the water to the vet. The water needs to be tested. Do you live in a high industrial area? (Remember Love Canal? they never even knew it!)
It can be an allergy, but it has to be determined what she is allergic to. I would keep her out of the water & tied up & see if she likes a sprinkler for a while to keep her cool.

Answer 10

It might be a combination of something in the water and she may have sensitive skin. Next time she gets out of the lake try hosing her off with clean, non-lake water.