Poison Ivy is an all to familiar plant to those that enjoy that outdoors. It also causes the all too familiar red, itchy rash when the plant comes into contact with skin. Even worse, the plant’s oils are annoyingly resilient and cling to your clothes as well as your pet’s fur. After any exposure, thoroughly wash your pet to prevent them from bringing home and spreading the oils to you and your family. Show
Have you ever wondered if poison ivy affects dogs the same way it affects us? Although the oil of the plant isn’t as toxic to dogs as it is to us, they can have a similar reaction if it comes into contact with their skin. Most dogs are fortunate to have thick hair which helps to protect their skin if it comes into direct contact with the plant’s oils. The most common areas of affliction for a dog are along their stomach, groin and even on their nose! Similar to humans, the symptoms will appear as an itchy rash, around 3 to 7 days after exposure. It is important to keep your dog from licking their rash. In more severe cases, the rash can develop into blisters filled with fluid. When these blisters pop, they can further spread the rash and can lead to bacterial or fungal infections. If your dog begins to have diarrhea or starts to vomit, bring them to a veterinarian to help alleviate their gastrointestinal upset. Below is a list of the more common symptoms your pet may experience if exposed to Poison Ivy:
Avoid playing or walking with your dog through patches of poison ivy and DO NOT let them eat any. If you notice any Poison Ivy growing in your yard, make sure you remove it as soon as possible to avoid gastrointestinal upset. If your dog has ingested any of the plants, contact a poison hotline or contact your McLean, VA veterinarian. It is important to know exactly what type of plant, as well as how much they have eaten along with their weight, height, and age. If it’s possible, safely collect a sample and place it in a bag and bring it to your appointment with your pet’s doctor. If you believe your dog has gotten into Poison Ivy, wash any areas of your dog (with soap and water) that you believe could have come into contact with the plant. Watch to see if they develop any kind of rash. Again, it may not appear for up to a week. So keep an eye on them and if you notice any rashes, contact your veterinarian. Give us a call at 703-356-5000 if you have any questions or if you notice any symptoms that are cause for concern. 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, poison oak, and poison sumac are grouped within the Anacardiaceae family of plants. They are typically found in areas that are woody or marshy. 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.
 Kerkez / Getty 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:
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 DogsIf urushiol gets on your dog, you'll want to get rid of it without delay by bathing your dog:
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. RELATED: Testing Your Dog for Allergies Preventing Future Mishaps With Poisonous Plants Containing UrushiolPreventing 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.
Puppy Scratching fleas (Picture Credit: Getty Images) Poison ivy may be a concern for dog parents out for a walk in areas where there are a lot of plants. You probably have a few questions. What does poison ivy look like? How do you treat poisoning if your dog touches the plant? What symptoms should you look out for? 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. Still, there is a chance that a red, itchy rash will appear, and dogs who eat the plant may suffer some gastrointestinal upset. Treatment for poison ivy poisoning in dogs is usually similar to the way humans are treated, and mild cases can go away on their own. If you see signs that your dog’s skin is reacting to contact with a plant, you must consult your veterinarian for proper treatment. Here’s what you should know about poison ivy and dogs. What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?(Picture Credit: Getty Images) 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 uroshial 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?(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Symptoms of poison ivy poisoning in dogs arise from contact with the uroshial 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 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:
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 reaction, get to an emergency vet right away. Generally poison ivy reactions don’t occur in dogs very often, though some dogs 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. Areas of your dog’s body that have thin fur are at higher risk. Treatment For Poison Ivy On Dogs’ Skin(Picture Credit: Getty Images) When you treat your dog for poison ivy poisoning, you must wear gloves or the oil may transfer to your skin and cause you to suffer similar irritation. You must also consult your vet for your individual pet’s care. Treatment for skin conditions related to poison ivy usually begins with a warm bath with mild shampoo. It’s a good idea to rinse and repeat to be thorough. You should wash any towels you use to dry your dog. It’ll be hard to tell if the oil has been completely removed, so it may be best to keep your dog off of furniture that’s used by people or other pets until the skin condition clears. You may wish to discuss giving your dog Benadryl with your veterinarian. This is safe so long as you stick to your vet’s guidelines. It may help alleviate some of the symptoms. Mild cases of poison ivy poisoning may disappear on their own. Home remedies include plantain leaf, aloe vera, cucumber slices, or calamine lotion, though you should consult your vet before trying these. Rubbing alcohol can help clean the area and cool it down, although you should never apply this to the face or genitals. Again, consult your vet. A cold compress and a fan will also help keep the affected area cool and soothe the itch and pain. Treatment For Poison Ivy When Ingested(Picture Credit: kukai/Getty Images) 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 sever 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. Has your dog ever had poison ivy poisoning? How did you treat it? Let us know in the comments below! Categories: Dog Health |
What happens if a dog eats poison ivy
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