Swimmers' Itch?

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

My doodles love to swim in the lakes around here, but they get really itchy. The scratching and licking that ensue inevitably lead to various skin problems, such as bumps, sores, and even hot spots. I always give them a bath after we come home from a swim. The vet says the skin irritations appear from 1) contact with bacteria in the water (I've checked the H2O quality in our local lakes and according to the county, the water is safe!!???), or 2) because heat & moisture get trapped on the skin. The dogs have short hair in the summer, which helps a bit, but does not remove the problem completely.

 

Does anyone have any ideas for how to prevent the itching and scratching other than not swim? What types of shampoo do you use after swimming? Do you blowdry after swim?

[Liza, Halle and Finn]

My Kachi loves to swim as well, and he gets itchy as well. However, Kachi swims in our swimming pool, so I was thinking it may be chlorine, although we rinse him off really well when he gets out. But it sounds like your doodles are experiencing the same thing from lake water. Do your doodles have sensitive skin , or any allergy problems?? The reason I ask is because Kachi does, so I've been attributing the itching to his sensitive skin. He licks at his paws just like he does when his allergies are flaring up! We do bath him in oatmeal soap, and it helps a little, but I would love to know if there are any other remedies doodle owners, with similar issues, can share.

[Mercedes]

My doodles don't have itchy skin but I would love to know what shampoo and conditioner works best when they are constantly wet. We have a creek on our property that they love and it leaves them very smelly and dirty. I wish blow drying could be an option but I would have to have it on 24/7. Help fellow doodlers