Poison ivy is a known hazard to hikers, but what about dogs? In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain whether dogs get poison ivy and what to do in case of an accident.
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Content:
- Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy
- What Does Poison Ivy Look Like on a Dog
- How to Treat Poison Ivy on Dogs
- Conclusion
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy
Yes, dogs can get poison ivy. Dogs develop contact dermatitis if they come into contact with the plant or stomach upset if they ingest its parts.
Poison ivy secretes sap oil called urushiol.
Poison ivy and its compound urushiol are “non-toxic to dogs,” according to the ASPCA. However, they “can produce an allergic reaction in some dogs,” explains Charlotte Sears, CVT, in a BetterPet article.
Studies show that the sap oil is found in all parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and roots. Dogs that got urushiol on their coat may not develop a reaction because the fur is a barrier, but it can transfer the allergens to their owners.
What Does Poison Ivy Look Like on a Dog
Poison ivy looks like a skin rash or stomach upset in a dog. In severe and extremely rare cases, poison ivy can cause anaphylactic shock in super-sensitive dogs. Use the Petcube Pet Camera to catch worrisome symptoms as soon as possible.
Poison Ivy Skin Rash
Poison Ivy Stomach Irritation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Mouth and tongue swelling or irritation
- Abdominal pain
Poison Ivy Anaphylactic Shock
- Face swelling
- Breathing difficulties
- Increased pulse and weak heartbeat
- Collapse and loss of consciousness
How to Treat Poison Ivy on Dogs
Treat poison ivy on dogs by removing the sap oil from the coat and soothing the skin for external exposure or feeding bland diet for ingestion cases.
- Bathing: Research says that “Urushiol is easily degraded in water.” Therefore, bathing is the first step. A soothing oatmeal or aloe dog shampoo works best, but “shower with some Dawn dish soap and scrub pretty hard” as an alternative, suggests a Reddit user.
*Tip: Use gloves while bathing to avoid contaminating your hands with the irritating sap oil. * - Topical Creams: Apply dog-safe hydrocortisone cream or coconut oil directly on irritated skin to provide temporary relief. Use an Elizabethan collar if the dog licks the cream off of the irritated areas.
*Warning: Calamine lotion, the most commonly used skin reliever for people with poison ivy, is toxic to dogs if licked. * - Bland Diet: Offer a bland diet if the dog ingests poison ivy and has an upset stomach. Bland diet consists of boiled white chicken meat and rice, which are easy on the tummy but nourishing.
A vet visit is recommended in cases of severe skin irritation, stomach upset, or anaphylactic shock. We understand that vet visits are costly, which is why we have the Petcube Emergency Fund.
The fund covers up to $3,000 for emergency veterinary bills and unlimited access to online vets. Click this link to get the fund with a 27% discount.
Conclusion
Dogs can get poison ivy, but in most situations, the problem is manageable at home. A vet visit, however, is advisable in severe cases. Cleaning the dog with pet wipes after walks and limiting foraging helps prevent irritation.
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