Swimmers Itch

[DakotasMom]

Does anyone know if dogs can get swimmers itch? We are leaving in 2 weeks for a lake which has swimmers itch. I know us humans can protect ourselves with BullFrog, but I'm unsure of animals. If they can get swimmers itch, does anyone know of a protect to help prevent it? Thanks!

[Daisy's Mom]

I've never heard of Swimmer's Itch -- what is it? (Sounds unpleasant, at best.)

[Cathy Moon]

I did some research and this is what I found -
Explanation of what it is, and on same site you can view images of adults and children infected with it:
http://www.swimmersitch.org/faq.html

A veterinary book, with some information on page 66, halfway down:
http://books.google.com/books?id=FF6EqlL64RcC&pg=PA66&lpg=PA66&dq=Veterina rian+swimmer's+itch&source=web&ots=iLuN37k7yn&sig= 2k8beieN5H1X6pZX4SVOVM8W6EE&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_res ult&resnum=2&ct=result

Just based on this information, I would either choose a different place for vacation or leave my cavaliers in a kennel and not take any chances.

I didn't see anything about Bullfrog preventing swimmer's itch.
If it has DEET in it, it is toxic to small children and dogs.

[Karlin]

Definitely would not take dogs to a place that has this risk. Here's more info:

http://www.peteducation.com/article....&articleid=745

I'd talk to your vet to get their opinion, though, as to the level of risk.

[Daisy's Mom]

OMG -- after reading that and seeing the pictures, not only would I not take my dog there, but there is no way on earth I or anyone in my family would get in a lake that caused that!!! I like to swim as much as anyone, but....