Poison ivy can affect our dogs, but it is not nearly as common as human exposures. The toxic component of this plant is urushiol. This is a clear liquid, and if skin is exposed a very itchy rash follows soon after.
Luckily most dogs have enough hair that the sap usually does not get down to skin. However, hairless breeds, dogs with basically bare groins, and dogs with any skin condition that leaves them with exposed bare skin are all susceptible to the rash.
What to Do for Poison Ivy on a Dog
If your dog is exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, and you are aware of the exposure, the best bet is to do a quick bath. Colloidal oatmeal shampoo is recommended by the Pet Poison Helpline to minimize risk of rash and pruritus (itching) developing.
Dog Spreads Poison Ivy to Person
It is more common for you to get a case of poison ivy from your dog. If your dog runs through or rolls in a patch of poison ivy, the oils on the outer hair can transfer over to you if you pet or hug your dog. If you have hiked through an area known for poison ivy, wipe your dog off with a towel or baby wipes. Wearing gloves while doing so is not a bad idea, especially if you are sensitive to poison ivy reactions.
My Dog Ate Poison Ivy
If your dog is silly enough to chew on or eat poison ivy, he may get some gastrointestinal irritation leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Usually, these signs are mild and pass without a need for veterinary care. It is not recommended to induce vomiting, as that may simply cause more exposure to urushiol on sensitive tissues. Note: Many plants can be poisonous to your dog, so don’t let them chew on something you don’t recognize.
Precautions to Take
Many hiking sites post warnings if poison ivy is common along the paths. Poison ivy seems to thrive along beaches, so be careful walking through dunes. Stick to boardwalks where you can. Check websites ahead of time and look for notices at parking areas.
If you are clearing a patch of poison ivy from your yard or off trees, keep your dog away. The oils can stay active even after the plant is dead. In addition, do not burn poison ivy in a leaf or brush pile. The urushiol is in the smoke. Inhaling it can irritate airways and lungs.
The same rules apply to poison oak and poison sumac.
Overall, it is best for your dog and you to simply avoid poison ivy. Learn to recognize the plant: The old saying, “Leaves of three, let it be” holds true.
During growing season, the leaves will be a bright green. In the fall, they turn a pretty red but can still cause a rash. The plants may grow along the ground, or “climb” up trees as a vine.
Check your yard for any poison ivy plants and remove them carefully while wearing gloves or contact a yard-care company. Dispose of plants carefully. This is a perennial, so you need to get down to roots for complete removal. Spraying with a mix of vinegar, salt, and dishwashing liquid. The North Carolina Department Cooperative Extension has suggestions for environmentally friendly ways to kill unwanted vegetation like poison ivy.
