We have 2 dogs a Lab and a pittbull mix. We live on the water.. a creek. We have enjoyed the water for generations. We still enjoy swimming. Our two dogs have gone swimming for 10 years in the creek, the past two years our Pittbull mix gets very itchy after swimming. We bath him after, and we have spent thousands of dollars at the vet getting to the bottom of it. We bought an electric fence to keep the dogs out, yet they still go in which is frustrating. We tried steroid shots, different meds, allergy meds, we even recently got all of his blood work don't for allergy tests. The made a special formula shot just for his allergies. That worked, until he got into the creek. He is not pulling his hair out of all areas, his skin is hot, and he is miserable. We have tried everything and are at a loss. Has anyone had a dog have this form swimming? And if so any suggestions please!
Thank you so much!

Chemicals from upstream.
Have the water tested.
Follow the stream on foot.

You may have to enclose the access to the creek with an actual fence. Pits are prone to skin conditions, and it doesn't take a lot to trigger it. Allergies are also a concern for this breed and just like with humans, it's very hard to pinpoint the exact allergy unless you know what's causing it.

You know, or have every reason to suspect, that it's from swimming in the creek. Have the water tested. There are many things that humans can deal with, that dogs can't, and vice versa. Until you know what's in the water that's causing this, you'll never get to he bottom of it.

But having said that, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep them out of the creek.