Can dogs get poison ivy?

Just like it does with humans, poison ivy is toxic to dogs and causes rashes if touched. A dog’s fur usually protects their skin from exposure, so poison ivy rashes on dogs are rare. Unfortunately, it’s also toxic for dogs to ingest, which is more of a problem for curious pups who like to forage. Whether you’re planning a hiking trip or you’ve already noticed a rash on your dog, you should know which plants to steer clear of and how to identify and treat a poison ivy reaction.

The poison ivy plant grows in every state except Hawaii and Alaska, Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources and you don’t have to venture into the woods to find it. In addition to wooded areas, poison ivy can sprout up in coastal areas, suburbs, and cities.

It’s especially common to find this poisonous plant near a water source, such as a river. Like other types of foliage, poison ivy changes color with the season. The most important thing to remember is —  you guessed it — those “leaves of three.”

People and dogs who spend time walking through vegetation are more likely to come in contact with poison ivy. If you plan to go camping with your dog, studying up on poisonous plants could save both you and your dog a lot of discomfort. It’s also best practice to keep your dog on a leash so that they don’t wander into thick brush.

All of the plants in the Toxicodendron Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources genus, including poison ivy, secrete a poisonous substance called urushiol. Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources This compound can produce an allergic reaction in some dogs and humans.

Urushiol is quickly absorbed by the skin once touched, making it even more dangerous. This oily sap seeps out of the leaves, stems, and even the roots of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Although urushiol usually affects dogs much less frequently than humans, it’s still possible for some dogs to develop a rash. At the very least, your dog can become a carrier by transmitting the compound to someone who is allergic when they pet their skin or coat.

In addition to poison ivy, you’ll also want to learn how to identify and avoid poison oak and poison sumac. These three plants make up the Toxicodendron group of plants.

• Poison ivy. Its three green leaves and hairy vines make it easily recognizable. In the fall, the leaves change color from green to yellow, orange, or red.
• Poison oak. Like poison ivy, poison oak plants typically have three leaves and can be a range of colors. However, poison oak may have fuzzy, deeper-ridged leaves and pale-yellow berries. Poison oak is more common in the Western United States but can also be found throughout much of North America. Despite “oak” in its name, this plant grows as a vine or shrub.
• Poison sumac. The final member of the urushiol trio is a little bit different. Poison sumac is taller, resembling a small tree or shrub, and typically has 7 to 13 oval-shaped, smooth leaves. Commonly found in the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest, poison sumac thrives in swamps and other damp environments.

Since the irritant (urushiol) is the same for poison ivy, oak, and sumac, exposure to any plants similar to poison ivy can cause a similar reaction in dogs who are allergic. The irritant must make contact with the dog’s skin to cause a reaction — not their fur.

So, a poison ivy rash is more likely to appear in areas with less fur, such as the stomach and groin area, and in breeds with very thin fur coats. Your dog may also bite, chew, or scratch the area excessively, alerting you to the situation.

Poison ivy and other poisonous plant exposure symptoms are similar in humans and animals.

Skin contact symptoms

Poison ivy and other poisonous plant exposure symptoms are similar in humans and animals. Skin contact symptoms include:

• Skin inflammation (acute contact dermatitis)
• Blisters or scabs
• Raised bumps
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itchiness

Ingestion symptoms

If your dog ingests poison ivy, you’ll want to make sure you recognize the signs early. Here are common ingestion symptoms:

• Vomiting or stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Drooling
• Lip licking and gulping

Anaphylactic symptoms

Poison ivy can also cause a rare but life-threatening reaction. Anaphylaxis or allergic shock warrants emergency veterinary care. Watch for signs of an anaphylactic reaction, such as:

• Breathing difficulty
• Face swelling
• Profusely or excessively drooling
• Weak heartbeat
• Increased pulse rate
• Convulsing
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Coma

👉 Call the Pet Poison Helpline immediately if your dog is experiencing these symptoms 855-764-7661.

Aside from poison ivy, there are several other reasons your dog could be scratching. Fleas and other parasites, infections, and allergies can all cause similar skin irritations. If you aren’t sure if the rash is from a poisonous plant, it’s probably best to take your dog in for a veterinary exam.

If your dog has come into contact with poison ivy, whether the rash has appeared yet or not, the first thing you should do is cover your own skin. Since humans don’t have fur to protect us, the poisonous sap can easily transmit from pet to dog owner. Wearing gloves is the best way to protect yourself from the affected area while helping your dog.

Here’s what you’ll need to treat poison ivy on your dog:

• Rubber gloves or plastic bags. If you don’t have any rubber gloves, you can put plastic grocery bags over your hands and tape the bags around your wrists. This prevents the transfer of the poison ivy oil from your dog to your hands.
• Shampoo. While an oatmeal or aloe-based shampoo can work to soothe your dog’s skin, you can use any dog shampoo. Bathe your dog, focusing on the ears, face, and stomach.
• Cone or e-collar. A cone or e-collar can help prevent your dog from itching or licking. It’s also necessary to keep them from licking it and getting sick if you decide to put any creams or sprays on to help their discomfort.
• Dog-safe hydrocortisone lotion. If your dog’s rash is itchy and needs some relief. Hydrocortisone cream Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources can help reduce itching on your dog’s skin. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have a cone or e-collar.
• Coconut oil. When applied topically, coconut oil may help soothe your dog’s skin, helping with healing or itching. However, many dogs like the taste, so you may have to use a cone or e-collar here as well.

With your gloves on, bathe your dog with warm water and dog shampoo. If you don’t have dish soap, original Dawn (without any special additives) can also help break up and wash away the urushiol oils. Though it may take a few days for the rash to subside, you can use an e-collar or cone to prevent excessive itching.

After you give your dog a bath, you should wash any clothing or towels that come into contact with the poison ivy areas, including their collar, bedding, and anything else they’ve touched. Monitor their skin closely for 24 hours to ensure that the rash is improving.

Though rarely needed, don’t hesitate to see a veterinarian if something seems wrong. In rare cases, dogs can react severely to poison ivy, especially if they ingest it. For example, a dog with a severe allergic reaction may spike a fever or lose their appetite.

Always take your dog to the vet if the rash doesn’t clear up in several days or if it spreads. A vet trip is also necessary if the area becomes infected due to scratching and open sores.

Poison ivy seems poised to stay as a recurring summer blight due to its prevalence almost everywhere in the United States. Thankfully, our pets aren’t as much at risk for developing a poison ivy rash as we are. However, you should still take precautions to keep them out of all of the plants in the Toxicodendron genus. Dogs can still develop poison ivy rash, especially in areas with exposed skin, and they will likely become sick if they ingest the plant.