Can Pets Get Poison Ivy?

Can Pets Get Poison Ivy?

               We probably all know the old rhyme about poison ivy—"leaves of three, let it be”—but, our pets can’t count so what happens if a dog or cat accidentally comes in contact with a patch of poison ivy? Will they get itchy?

               Most dogs and cats do not develop a rash when they come in contact with poison ivy. Their fur protects them from getting the plant oils on their skin. However, there are rare cases of dogs or cats with shaved coats or hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested who may develop skin irritation from contact with poison ivy leaves.  If this happens, bathe your pet in a colloidal oatmeal shampoo.  See your vet if itching is severe so he or she can rule out other causes and provide medications to soothe that itch.

               The bigger problem is that pets who have poison ivy oils on their coats can spread those oils onto our skin.  In other words, you can get poison ivy from your pet!  How can you prevent the dreaded itch of poison ivy if you suspect your pet has been in contact with the plant?

•  If you think your cat or dog has come in contact with poison ivy, don’t pet your pet and prevent her from rubbing against you.
• Give him or her a bath, but be sure to wear gloves to prevent oils from spreading onto your skin.
• If hiking with your pet, take a towel along and try to wipe your dog down to remove any plant oils that your dog may have come in contact with in the underbrush.  Better yet, try to avoid having dogs enter thickly wooded brush in the first place! (I know, I know, easier said than done with most dogs but it’s worth a try!)
• Wash or wipe down leashes, collars and harnesses with mild detergent as they can also carry the poison ivy oils on their surfaces.  Again, it may be smart to wear gloves to avoid the oil on your hands.

Luckily our dogs, cats and pocket pets are rarely affected by poison ivy due to their protective coats. But, remember, if your pet has been in contact with poison, they may pass it on to you, so use caution when hiking with your dog or if you have patches of poison ivy on your property.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-health/pet-toxins/poison-ivy-and-pets/