Can dogs get poison ivy too? If you've ever wondered if your itching dog could have come into contact with this itch-causing plant, keep reading. Here's the lowdown on dogs and poison ivy, including the risk that exposure poses to both you and your dog.
What Is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is a plant identifiable by three ivy-like leaves that contain urushiol, an oil that typically causes people to break out in an itchy rash. Other plants that contain this oil are poison oak, which resembles the leaves of an oak tree, and poison sumac. These are typically found in the wild but sometimes encroach into parks and yards. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for more information on how to identify each of these plants.
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
Dogs can get rashes from poison ivy, but it doesn't happen very often, says the Pet Poison Helpline. The skin of most dogs is protected from the rash-inducing oil, by their fur. However, dogs with thin or very short coats are more susceptible to developing rashes, but not necessarilly more reactive to urushiol. The biggest danger for most dogs, though, lies in ingesting the poison ivy plant. While this doesn't generally produce more than an upset stomach, a severe allergic reaction could cause your dog to go into anaphylactic shock, which can cause the airways to constrict, preventing him from being able to breathe. While this is not as common of an occurrence as it is with humans and allergies, it is still worth keeping an eye on your dog just in case. If you know or suspect that your dog has ingested poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, keep a close eye on him and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Poison Ivy Symptoms to Look For
These are some common symptoms if your dog comes into contact with or ingested one of these itchy plants:
- Redness, swelling, and itching at the point of contact
- Blisters and scabs
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Between the possible risk of anaphylaxis and the fact that these signs could indicate something more serious, it's best to contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
Danger of Dogs and Poison Ivy to People
Although the risk of letting dogs and poison ivy mix is low for your dog, there is a greater risk that he could pass poison ivy on to you, another human, or even other pets. If your pup gets the sap or oil from one of these plants on his fur, you could become exposed by petting or brushing up against him, or even by coming into contact with his bedding or sitting on the same chair or couch cushion he used.
To lower the risk of getting poison ivy from your pup, keep him on a leash when you go on hikes or walks, and remove any of these plants that you spot growing in your yard. Pet Poison Helpline also recommends bringing along a towel and a pair of gloves so that you can safely wipe down your pet after a hike. And if there's a chance your dog could have been exposed, bathe him right away, preferably while wearing gloves—and don't forget to wash his collar and leash. If you catch poison ivy yourself, it is also a good idea to consistently bathe your dog (as well as yourself) to prevent from transferring the oils back and forth between you two.
Poison Ivy Treatment for Dogs
If your dog does develop a poison ivy rash, the best treatment is to bathe him with a dog shampoo containing oatmeal. Stomach issues caused by ingesting it should pass on their own, but again, call your vet to be sure. And if he shows any signs of breathing problems, get him to an emergency vet immediately.
If you've noticed your dog scratching more than usual and are curious if he could have picked up a rash from poison ivy, don't fret, you can treat it like you might treat your own rash. If he does develop a rash, try your best to keep him from scratching it and making it worse. Call your vet for any additional treatment options.
Contributor Bio
Jean Marie Bauhaus
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies.
A chance encounter with one of these plants during a walk through the woods may leave your dog feeling itchy or sick.
Many of us have probably had an unlucky run-in with poison ivy. What was supposed to be a fun time outdoors instead left us itchy and red, possibly for weeks.
What about our dogs, though? Does poison ivy affect dogs? Are dogs allergic to poison ivy and similar plants like poison oak and poison sumac?
Fortunately, thanks to their fur, dogs rarely have problems with these plants. Nevertheless, it helps to know what to do if your dog does come into contact with one of them.
What are Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac?
Poison ivy has green leaves that are grouped in threes and have jagged edges. "Leaves of three, let them be" is an easy way to remember poison ivy's appearance.
Poison oak's leaves are also grouped in threes but have rounded edges. These plants can have white-yellow berries.
Poison sumac has smooth-edged, elongated, and oval-shaped leaves grouped in clusters of seven to 13.
These plants are poisonous because of urushiol, a potent oily sap found all over the plants.
How Do Dogs Get Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac?
Dogs get poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac through touch or ingestion. A dog's fur protects against the urushiol. But areas of a dog's body without much hair, like the belly, are most vulnerable to this oily sap.
Tan terrier mix walks across fallen tree
What Happens If a Dog Touches or Eats Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac?
If your dog's fur brushes against one of these poisonous plants, the urushiol will land on the fur without your dog even noticing.
However, if one of the poisonous plants touches your dog's belly, the urushiol will quickly get absorbed into the skin, and can cause an allergic reaction with these symptoms:
- Rash
- Red, itchy skin
- Inflammation, including swelling
- Raised bumps
- Blisters in the affected area
- Scratching, chewing, biting the affected area
If your dog ate poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, they might experience mild vomiting or diarrhea.
How to Treat Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, or Poison Sumac on Dogs
If urushiol gets on your dog, you'll want to get rid of it without delay by bathing your dog:
- Wear waterproof gloves (ideally rubber or nitrile), long sleeves, and long pants to protect yourself from urushiol, which easily spreads from your dog to anything your dog contacts (including you).
- Use a mild shampoo, such as Dawn dish detergent.
- Generously rinse your dog with cold water, then create lots of lather as you wash your dog with warm water. Avoid your dog’s eyes, genitals, and ears.
- Repeat this process at least once or twice to remove all of the urushiol.
- Dry your dog with a bath towel.
- Immediately after the bath, wash your clothes and everything else that your dog touched, including their bedding, leash, and collar. Wash everything in hot water.
- Wash your couch and/or vehicle cushions with a fabric cleaner, and clean your carpet with a carpet cleaner.
Benadryl and coconut oil can help soothe your dog's itchiness. Contact your veterinarian before giving your dog these products or any other home remedy.
If your dog has a tummy upset from eating one of the plants, feed them a bland diet, such as cooked rice and boiled chicken (all unseasoned). Make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water so that they don't get dehydrated.
When Should a Dog See the Vet?
Many allergic reactions from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac on dogs are minor. However, severe allergic reactions can happen, including life-threatening anaphylactic shock, oozing blisters and scabs, and excessive biting or scratching. These reactions require veterinary care.
Fever or appetite loss could indicate a more serious reaction from eating the plants.
You can always take your dog to the vet if you're unsure about your dog's allergic reaction. Your vet will examine your dog and prescribe any additional medications, such as steroids or antibiotics, to treat the allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate and aggressive veterinary treatment.
Preventing Future Mishaps With Poisonous Plants Containing Urushiol
Preventing another run-in with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can be simple: avoid wooded areas. If you go on a hike, make sure your dog steers clear of the plants.
Get rid of these plants if they're in your yard. Removing the plants can take a lot of work, so may want to hire a professional gardening service to do it for you. After the plants are removed, consider taking steps to create a more dog-friendly yard to protect your pet.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rarely cause problems in dogs. Do your best to keep your pup away from them and respond promptly if your dog touches or eats them.