I Think My Dog Has Poison Ivy. How Can I Be Sure?

Imagine that it’s a beautiful, sunny day. You’ve just come back from an afternoon of hiking or backyard play, and you notice that your dog is itchy and has redness on their skin. Could this be poison ivy? Possibly.

Dogs can be affected by poison ivy, but in different ways than humans. Here are some common questions and answers about poison ivy reactions in dogs.

source
petplace-blog-poison-ivy-illness-top
script
widget

Q1: Can dogs actually get poison ivy?

Yes, dogs can get poison ivy, but less commonly than we do because they are protected by fur. However, dogs have areas of unprotected skin that can come into contact with poison ivy. Also, dogs that are low to the ground, like Dachshunds, and dogs with little fur are more prone to getting poison ivy.

Poison ivy, a three-leaved plant, contains a sticky oil called urushiol. Urushiol reacts with skin proteins, causing skin irritation and inflammation. Although dogs are less likely to be affected by poison ivy, they can transfer urushiol on their fur to us, leaving us feeling itchy.

Q2: What does a poison ivy rash on dogs look like?

In dogs, poison ivy irritates exposed skin, such as the belly, groin, muzzle, and paws. This irritation will look like redness and swelling. Poison ivy also causes skin rashes in dogs and, uncommonly, small bumps and blisters. Skin irritation usually appears within hours to days after outdoor exposure to poison ivy.

Urushiol makes a dog feel very itchy, leading to licking and scratching the affected area. This isn’t a good idea, though, because ingesting urushiol can cause GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Q3: How can I tell if it’s poison ivy or something else?

It can be challenging to distinguish poison ivy from other causes of skin irritation because many skin conditions look similar in dogs. Here are some skin conditions that have symptoms like poison ivy:

Notably, other plants that contain urushiol include poison oak and poison sumac.

Your veterinarian can help you determine if your dog has poison ivy.

Q4: What should I do if I suspect poison ivy?

One of the best things to do if you suspect your dog has poison ivy is to bathe them to wash off urushiol. Bathe your dog with a mild shampoo, such as one that contains a gentle moisturizer like oatmeal or aloe vera. Wear latex or rubber gloves when you bathe your dog to prevent urushiol from coming into contact with your skin.

Wash any bedding or towels your dog came into contact with to remove urushiol. Urushiol can last on surfaces for a very long time, so it’s important to wash anything that may have urushiol on it.

Your dog should feel some relief after the bath, but it’s important to continue monitoring their symptoms, in case any urushiol remains on the skin.

Q5: When should I take my dog to the vet?

Take your dog to the vet if their symptoms worsen or if they develop serious signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Here are some other indications for scheduling a vet appointment:

If your dog is constantly scratching the affected area, the skin will become damaged, allowing harmful bacteria to enter and cause a skin infection.

Q6: How is poison ivy treated in dogs?

If a bath isn’t enough to treat a dog’s poison ivy, then veterinary care will be needed. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines to dampen the allergic reaction, and antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections. Topical treatments to reduce allergic reactions may also be used.

Your vet will recommend a treatment plan according to how severe your dog’s symptoms are.

Dog Itchy? Check with Your Vet!

To wrap things up, dogs can get poison ivy, though it's not common. If your dog gets poison ivy, it may be difficult to distinguish its symptoms from other causes of skin reactions, such as flea allergy dermatitis.

If you have an itchy dog after hiking (or some other outdoor activity) but you’re not sure why, contact your vet for further evaluation. The quicker your dog is treated for poison ivy, the quicker they’ll find much-needed relief.