Poison Ivy on Dogs

Has your pooch rolled in a patch of poison ivy? Worried about the possibility of an irritating rash on your canine? Or maybe you’re worried about your dog infecting YOU? For the answer to these questions and more, look no further. We’ve compiled this simple guide to everything you need to know about poison ivy on dogs!

We all know about the awful, itchy rash that poison ivy leaves on humans. But what about your dog? Does poison ivy affect dogs? What happens if you turn your back for a second and your pooch eats this poisonous plant?

There are a lot of questions involving poison ivy and canines. There just isn’t very much discussion out there involving this plant and dogs. Luckily, that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss! Read ahead to learn everything you need to know about poison ivy and your pooch!

First, let’s explore why poison ivy causes a rash.

What is Poison Ivy?

Poison ivy is a vine or shrub that is found throughout North America. It grows in a variety of places – from open fields, to wooded areas, to along the roadside. It can even be found in urban areas such as parks and backyards. Poison ivy is extremely common.

Luckily, it is possible to learn to identify poison ivy.

Poison ivy can differ a lot from plant to plant, but it generally always grows in a three-leaf formation. It might also have berries or small flowers depending on the specific season and location.

Because there are actually two species of poison ivy, the exact appearance of the plant can change with location. In the east, for example, poison ivy generally grows as a vine. But in the west, it tends to be a shrub.

Poison ivy causes a rash because it contains an oil called urushiol.

This substance can be found in every part of the plant – leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. It can even remain after the plant has died!

The oil is very potent. Even in amounts of less than a grain of salt, it will cause a rash in nearly every person exposed.

Actually, it isn’t exactly the oil that causes the rash. Instead, the rash is caused by your immune system attacking your own skin cells after coming into contact with urushiol. The oil causes your immune system to mistake your skin cells for foreign bodies, which they then attack. This is what causes the itchy, red rash.

Now that we know why poison ivy causes a rash, let’s see if this oil can affect your pup.

Are Dogs Allergic to Poison Ivy?

While dogs are allergic to urushiol, just like people, a rash really isn’t a common occurrence. This is for a number of reasons.

Firstly, just like people, each dog is unique. Some dogs react worse to poison ivy than others. In one dog, for example, the red rash might be apparent and require vet attention, while another dog might not show a rash at all. It really depends on the particular dog.

Secondly, dogs are covered with fur. Just like thick gloves and clothing protect humans from poison ivy, fur has a tendency to protect dogs from the oil. This prevents it from reacting to a dog’s skin, which in turn prevents the rash from forming.

However, it has become apparent in recent years that poison ivy is actually becoming MORE potent, so it is likely that we will see an increase in rashes in dogs in the future.

Poison Ivy Rash on Dogs

If your dog does get poison ivy, it is usually very similar to the rash that humans get. It will appear red and inflamed. It might be in small red patches, or one large, bumpy patch. It all depends on the particular location and individual dog.

Because of the fur that protects most of a dog’s body, the rash will usually appear on their stomach or another area that does not have much hair, such as their face or ears.

Because of the protective hair, the rash usually is not as bad as it is in humans. Most of the time, the rash will only be present as a red spot or two, which might develop into a blister later. Large rashes are rare.

Due to the general mild nature of the rash, special treatment or vet attention is usually not needed. If the rash does not appear to be getting better after a week, however, it is best to consult your local vet.

Dog Poison Ivy Treatment

The best way to treat poison ivy in dogs is prevention. Learn to identify poison ivy and keep your pet away from it. Always keep your pet on a leash in unknown areas where poison ivy might be present, and never allow your pup to roam wooded areas alone.

If your pet does get into contact with poison ivy, wash them with a dog friendly shampoo as soon as possible. This gets the oil off of their fur and prevents further exposure.

However, be careful when handling your pet after they are exposed to this plant. The oil can stay on their fur and transfer to your skin on contact.

If your dog’s rash does not begin to get better after about a week, it is best to consult with your vet. They might prescribe a topical ointment to relieve the itching and protect the skin.

Vet attention is also necessary if your pet is scratching constantly, especially if they have broken the skin with their nails. An antibiotic ointment might be prescribed by your vet to prevent an infection in this case.

My Dog Ate Poison Ivy

Dogs, being the omnivores they are, could very possibly decide that poison ivy looks yummy.

However, if your pooch does consume this plant, there really isn’t anything to be worried about. In the worst possible case, your dog might experience some intestinal upset that can lead to diarrhea and slight vomiting.

There is no reason to rush to the vet or induce vomiting.

Can I Get Poison Ivy from My Dog?

Yes.

A dog’s fur might protect them from the poison ivy oil, but it will not protect you. If your dog rubs up against poison ivy or even runs across a dead plant, the oil can stay on their fur for a long time. If you pet or touch them, then the oil can transfer to your skin and cause a rash.

This is why it is important to always wash your dogs when they might have come in contact with the plant. Plus, it is always in your best interest to check your yard for poison ivy every spring, even if you live in an urban area!

The Labrador Handbook by Pippa Mattinson

(paid link)

Dogs and Poison Ivy

Though it happens rarely, dogs can get a rash from poison ivy just like people. Usually, because of their protective fur, it is not as extreme or widespread as it is in humans.

Usually, a poison ivy rash does not require any particular treatment or vet attention.

However, if you have any questions or concerns, it is always best to contact your vet. They can give you instructions for your particular situation.

Do you have any experiences with poison ivy? Let us know in the comments below!