Just thought i would tell you about a nightmare i have just been through.
We took our dogs to the new forest on Wednesday and we saw a lake where dogs were swiming.
having newfs ,we could not resist letting them have a swim for and hour or so.
Today friday , got up , noticed charlie had a hot spot on the side of his face, treated it as usual and that was that, then noticed willow had a spot on her side treated etc.
By the afternoon charlie whole neck was covered and so was willow's side.
Just got back from the vets ( thankgod for insurance ) they have picked up a microscopic bug in the water that lives in the algae ( spelling ) and it has run riot on there skin.
As you can imagine i have come back loaded with anti inflamitries , antibiotics and creams galore.
My vet said that this type of thing is on the increase all over the country and that to be really careful not to let dogs swim if the lake is covered with algae.
The sea is the best place but not very often, as salt water is only good to a point.
i'm devistated, my poor babes have been shaved to let the air get in and they are really misrable as they are itchy and swollen.
Please be careful if you let your chaps out in the water.

Peanuts

hi peanuts,
would that apply to fish ponds too??? as my six love messing around in our fish pond.
that sounds terrible i hope they are both on the mend soon.
jane.

Poor babies!! :(
Hope the black mountains feel much better soon,
Yes thank god for insurance!!
Luv from their friendly Boxer chum Abby, and Boxacrazy!

Sorry to hear about your dogs Peanuts. Here are two past threads that might be of interest:

Check your dogs feet & Blue Green Algae

I am lucky that our Country Park has the river Frome run9ng through it. As it is moving water we don't get the Algae problem, and it is quite shallow, and lovely and clear unless it has been raining for days.

My breed are not renowned for loving water, but my lot paddle happily, especially in warm weather, but definately won't swim :D

try Aloe vera vetinary spray it is great and can be sprayed severel time a day, my dog has skin problems were they area gets very hop ans she rips her fur out and chews her skin until it bleeds, this spray helps take the edge off of the itch and calms the dog down. It can be very sore if the skin is open but you can dab it on with some cotton wool.

Aloe Veterinary Formula

High in Stabilised Aloe Vera Gel, with a convenient nozzle applicator, this liquid can be sprayed directly on to the tender areas of your animal to soothe irritations or to cleanse before dressing or applying Aloe Vera Gelly. The formula can also be sprayed onto animals coats after bathing, for extra shine and condition.

or and

Aloe Vera provides countless benefits for your skin. Forever Living Products 100% Stabilised Aloe Vera Gelly is as pure and potent as if you squeezed it right from the leaf, with much less mess. Aloe Vera Gelly soothes and protects the skin, so keep a tube in the kitchen, in the bathroom, and in the car! The benefits of Aloe Vera without having to grow your own!

Available in a 118ml tube.

http://www.aloestore.co.uk/index.shtml

This site is wear you can order the items.
I have been using aloe in my White GSD for 5 years she is now 6yr

Cordelia

Hi Cordelia

<<I have been using aloe in my White GSD for 5 years she is now 6yr>>

This does not sound a very good recommendation :D If it has not succeeded in curing the problem in 5 years!!

I gave up years ago after using it on my daughter, my dog and myself when it made no difference after a month so you are obviously much more persistent than I am :)

I must admit I did once find it soothing on sunburn when I used the plant rather than gel though

Christine

she only gets the sores about once or twice a year due to food a food allergy but we have now put her onto Wafcol salmon and potato whis is gluten, wheat barley and dairy free it is also hypoallergenic, so hopefully this food will work and stop the saore.
Aloe works great after 3 days new hair starts to grow, i have had one bottle for 5 yrs so i don't really use it much as it works a treat