Poison ivy is known to affect humans after contact. Whether it’s spending time in the garden or brushing up against greenery during a hike, it can result in an itchy, red rash that can be quite the inconvenience. However, what if your dog comes in contact with it? Can dogs get poison ivy and deal with similar effects?
Pet owners like you are always on the lookout for your dog when it comes to their safety. When the warmer months come around, they’ll be outdoors more often. This means the likelihood of possible issues like poison ivy exposure is higher than at other times of the year. Simply put, poison ivy can be a threat to humans and perhaps animals alike. The question is: How can it affect your dog?
What Is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is a common plant found in North America. Typically, it grows on a vine or as a shrub. One of the most famous keys to identifying it is the “leaves of three.” As the old saying goes, “If it's leaves of three, let it be.” But how did poison ivy get its infamous reputation of being that avoidable plant?
That’s because poison ivy contains a resin known as urushiol. This coats the entire plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. If it comes into contact with human skin, it can cause irritation that causes an itchy, blistering rash. The oily substance can linger on clothing, other surfaces, and pet fur for days or weeks if it’s not cleaned properly.
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
Yes, poison ivy can affect dogs. However, it can be a rare occurrence that happens. One of the reasons why it won’t be as adverse compared to humans is their thick fur. That’s because it’s a barrier that can prevent the urushiol oil from coming in contact with the skin. For this reason, poison ivy won’t always affect dogs.
However, there may be a situation where urushiol can come in contact with areas with less fur. This includes the nose, ears, belly, or groin, as these are the most vulnerable areas. As such, dogs won’t suffer the same severity of skin reactions that humans do, but they may experience the following:
- Mild to moderate skin irritation that may resemble contact dermatitis
- Itching or scratching
- Redness or rash in the exposed area
- Blisters (usually rare)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
Dogs can still have a reaction to poison ivy, depending on what part of the body has been exposed. However, possible exposure can happen if they are spending time in wooded areas, backyards, or tall grass.
Can Dogs Spread Poison Ivy to Humans?
Believe it or not, yes, they can. As we’ve mentioned earlier, dogs may have urushiol oil on their fur. Meaning you may be petting them, cuddling with them, or allowing them to jump on the couch or bed. Meanwhile, the oil can be transferred onto your skin, leading to a potential rash. Simply put, people can get poison ivy from indirect contact with their pets after a walk in the woods or a hike. If you notice any unexplained rashes and don’t know if you have been exposed to poison ivy, this may be a possibility that contact with your dog’s fur might have played a role.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has Been Exposed to Poison Ivy
Dogs can’t tell us when something might be bothering them. However, there may be a few common signs to look out for that point to possible poison ivy exposure. This includes the following:
- Red or inflamed skin in thinly furred areas
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Rubbing their face on furniture or carpet more than usual
- Small bumps or blisters
- Additional signs of discomfort after time outdoors
These symptoms may indicate poison ivy exposure. However, it may be a good idea to also not rule out other potential issues, such as seasonal allergies, dry skin, or bug bites. If these symptoms do persist or get worse, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to help determine the actual cause.
Where Dogs Are Most Likely to Pick Up Poison Ivy
Dogs that are outdoors regularly, even when they accompany you during outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or walking, are likely to encounter poison ivy. This may include areas such as:
- Forest trails and wooded areas
- Under trees or shrubs
- Near fence lines or shady edges in a yard
- Near lakes, wetlands, or riverbanks
Remember the “leaves of three, let it be” like a mantra, especially when you are out and about with your dog. If they appear to be getting close to it, make sure you tell them to stick close to you. If you live in an area where poison ivy is common, make plans to avoid it, such as choosing routes that are safe for you and your dog for walks or hikes.
What If Your Dog May Have Been Exposed to Poison Ivy?
If you believe your dog has been exposed to poison ivy, it is important to take quick action as soon as possible. Your main goal is to reduce the risk of irritation or spreading the oil. Here are the steps that you must take accordingly:
Give Your Dog a Bath
Be sure to run a lukewarm bath for your dog and use a pet-safe dog shampoo that is gentle on them. Thoroughly wash your dog while also emphasizing the more vulnerable areas, such as the belly, legs, and face. If done correctly, you can remove any leftover urushiol oil that may be on their fur to prevent the spread even further. It is important to make sure you wear gloves and other protective clothing while bathing your dog, as exposure to your skin is still possible.
Clean Your Dog’s Gear
This includes harnesses, leashes, collars, and toys. Wash or wipe down anything that your dog may have used after being outdoors. Also, if they get in contact with things like gardening tools, make sure they are wiped down as well.
Wash Your Hands and Clothes
Imagine petting your dog but soon realizing they may have been exposed to poison ivy. If this is the case, you’ll want to wash your hands and clothes immediately to prevent oil transfer to your skin or other surfaces that you normally touch.
Watch for Symptoms
Be sure to monitor your dog over the next 24 to 48 hours for any scratching, discomfort, or skin irritation. If there are any symptoms, make sure to contact your local animal hospital as soon as you can for treatment options.
Natural Ways to Support Skin Health After Exposure
While poison ivy exposure can lead to mild irritation in dogs, you can treat their skin health so that the impact might be less than usual. While it might not guarantee that it can stop itchiness and irritability, there are natural ways to support skin health for the long term, especially if your dog is usually outdoors. These include the following approaches:
- Oatmeal or Herbal Baths: An oatmeal bath has been a tried and true method for reducing irritation and itchiness in skin for a long time. Please make sure the ingredients you use are free of additives and safe for pets.
- Clean Ingredients in Daily Care: Harsh shampoos or chemicals should be avoided, even after a possible poison ivy reaction. Vet-formulated grooming products with gentle and effective ingredients will always be the best options.
- Skin & Coat Supplements: If your dog already deals with seasonal dryness or irritation, it may be a good idea to consider a high-quality supplement that can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Of course, Under the Weather has plenty of options, such as the Collagen chews that provide them with excellent health benefits.
Your dog may not deal with some of the same issues as you do when it comes to poison ivy exposure. However, you can always find natural ways to soothe their skin. If you are unsure of what products are the best to use, there’s always advice you can seek from your veterinarian. Once you have the right products on hand, you can use them regularly to ensure your dog’s skin is looking its best every day.
What If My Dog Eats Poison Ivy or Other Poisonous Plants?
It's one thing for your dog to come into skin contact with plants like poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. However, consuming toxic plants can lead to even more serious situations, such as the following symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Drooling or nausea
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling of the lips and mouth
- Skin irritation around the nose, mouth, or paws
Such plant oils may be harmful and can lead to mild discomfort or serious health complications (especially if they have underlying medical conditions or depending on their immune response). If you are unsure of what to do, you can notify the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at 1-888-426-4435. Additionally, you can contact your veterinarian immediately.
Protecting Your Dog from Poison Ivy
Poison ivy exposure is possible in dogs, but it won’t be as bad as what humans can deal with. Nevertheless, it is important to make sure you and your dog are well-protected by knowing what areas to steer clear of if both of you go outdoors. Enjoy walks, hikes, or backyard time without worry. At Under the Weather, we know that pet parents should look out for themselves and their most important companion when it comes to spending time outdoors. If you have a few ideas on what kind of supplements, chews, or bland diet foods your dog might like, be sure to check us out today.
