Poison ivy may be a concern for dog parents out for a walk in areas where there are a lot of plants. The good news is that poison ivy doesn’t affect dogs as often as humans. Their fur coats reduce the chances that their skin will be exposed. If you see signs that your dog’s skin is reacting to contact with a plant, you should consult your veterinarian for proper treatment. Here’s what you should know about poison ivy and dogs.
What does poison ivy look like?
Being able to identify poison ivy by what it looks like can help you to avoid the risk of poisoning altogether. The plant is native to North America and can be found in forests, fields, wetlands, backyards, and pretty much anywhere a dog might go. It grows in clusters of shrubs or vines, and you can spot them by their groups of three jagged, green leaves.
The part of the plant that causes trouble is its sap, which has urushiol oil and is found everywhere in the plant.
A good way to remember what poison ivy looks like is the rhyme, “Leaves of three, let them be.”
What are the symptoms of poison ivy?
Symptoms of poison ivy poisoning in dogs arise from contact with the urushiol oil. You must be careful, as this oil can transfer from dog to human or any surface that the dog comes into contact with. The oil stays potent for a long time, so be careful not to let yourself, other dogs, or other family members come into contact with it.
The symptoms of poisoning will often depend on whether your dog has ingested the plant or simply made skin contact with it.
Here are some signs that your dog might be suffering from poison ivy poisoning:
- Red skin
- Itching and inflammation
- Raised bumps
- Blisters or scabs that ooze fluid
- Scratching, licking, or chewing the skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
It’s important to note that almost any substance, including poison ivy, can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This condition can be life-threatening. If you see signs of severe allergic reactions, get to an emergency vet right away.
Generally, poison ivy reactions don’t occur in dogs very often, though some dog breeds are at higher risk for poisoning. These include the American Hairless, the Chinese Crested, the Hairless Khala, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the Xoloitzcuintli because they have less hair than most other breeds.
How to treat poison ivy rash on dogs
When treating your dog for poison ivy exposure, follow these steps carefully:
- Wear gloves to prevent the oil from transferring to your skin and causing irritation.
- Bathe your dog using a mild, pet-safe shampoo containing oatmeal to soothe the skin and remove the oil.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure all shampoo is removed.
- Repeat the shampooing process to eliminate any remaining oil.
- Rinse again.
- Wash any towels used to dry your dog to prevent re-exposure.
- Since it’s difficult to tell if all the oil is gone, keep your dog off furniture used by people or other pets until the skin condition clears.
Other home remedies include plantain leaf, aloe vera, cucumber slices, or calamine lotion, though you should consult your vet before trying these. A cold compress and a fan will also help keep the affected area cool and soothe the itch and pain.
You may wish to discuss giving your dog Benadryl with your veterinarian, as it may help with the pain and itching. It’s crucial to keep your dog from scratching, which could potentially cause skin infections from open wounds.
Treatment for poison ivy when ingested
If your dog ate the plant, it’s best to take a trip to the vet, especially if there are symptoms of fever and loss of appetite.
Your vet may treat for possible infections with antibiotic or antifungal medication if they suspect some other cause for the symptoms. With gastrointestinal upset, make sure your dog gets plenty of fluids and that they stick to bland foods.
In extreme cases, intravenous fluids may be needed to prevent dehydration from severe vomiting or diarrhea. In general, poison ivy poisoning shouldn’t be too much cause for concern for most dog parents. Just be cautious, avoid the plant whenever you see it, and keep an eye out for symptoms. Your pup should be just fine.