Can Dogs and Cats Get Poison Ivy and Give it to Us

There's nothing like a relaxing hike on a favorite trail or spending a weekend camping in the fresh air; away from the noise of the city. Even an evening stroll around the neighborhood with your dog or cat is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. Outside cats inspect their territory to make sure everything is in its place and no strange cats are around. While cats and dogs rummage about, minding their own business, they can get into a patch of poison ivy or poison oak, but can dogs and cats get poison ivy and can they give it to us?

Dogs are more likely than cats to actually get poison ivy because dogs have exposed skin on their tummy and underside of their back legs. The resin from poison ivy leaves can cause itching and a rash on dogs just like it does when we're exposed to it. Sometimes the oil will work its way down through the dog's coat to their skin and cause them to break out in a rash. It's harder to detect when that happens and you may think there's some other reason why your dog is scratching all the time. They can also get it on their ears and face.

The sap from poison ivy and poison oak is a toxic oily resin called urushiol that causes a rash with an itch that can drive anyone or any dog crazy. Since the urushiol is oily, it sticks to a dog's coat and we can easily pick up poison ivy or poison oak when we pet them or if they rub against us.

Poison Sumac is less of a problem because it's not as common as the other two plants. Poison Sumac likes very wet areas. It's found up and down the Mississippi River in some places and in wetlands around the country. Since it's harder to find, the chances of your dog or you picking up toxin from poison Sumac is not as likely.

Dogs and cats will sometimes eat poison ivy, but as long as they don't ingest a large amount, there's usually nothing to worry about. However, some pets can have adverse affects after eating some of the plant. Signs to watch for are vomiting or diarrhea. If you think your dog or cat ate poison ivy and is having a reaction, it's best to have him checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

In order for urushiol to cause an allergic reaction on skin, it has to penetrate through the skin to the dermis layer. The thicker the skin, the longer it takes for the oil to be absorbed. So that's why there can be a delayed reaction to poison ivy or oak. Thinner skin will absorb the oil faster and even though it seems like the poison ivy spreads, it's only because the urushiol finally penetrated through thicker skin causing a reaction. The blisters that form will not spread the poison ivy if they are broken open and they are not contagious. If you've been exposed to poison ivy or oak, wash it off immediately with soap and water. The oil won't produce a rash if it doesn't soak into the skin.

It's the same thing with dogs or cats who have been exposed to the toxin. If your dog has gotten into a patch of poison ivy or poison oak, a bath using a good dog shampoo should do the trick. Wash him at least twice and three times is even better. Try not to let him shake during the first washing to avoid getting some of the oil on you. Wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt to avoid contact with the poison ivy. Towel dry your dog and then drop the towel in the washing machine, or in a garbage bag if you're camping, to keep from having to touch the towel again until after it's been washed.

Dogs who develop a rash can be treated with calamine lotion to help easy their itching. For severe cases, it would be best to have your vet check him out. The vet can recommend over the counter medications like Benadryl that can also help ease their itch. It might be necessary for the vet to put the dog on prescription medication to help reduce inflammation and itch.

For a natural itch relief, look around your yard for a dark green broad leaf weed called plantain. It's a common weed that grows everywhere. When it's made into a tea, it gives immediate soothing relief to pets and people dealing with a poison ivy or poison oak rash. Walk around your yard or neighborhood and pick a handful of leaves. Place them in a saucepan with one or two cups of water and bring to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat and let it steep for around 15 to 20 minutes. Let it cool before using. You can pour it into a squirt bottle and spray on the rash or dab it on with a cotton ball. The tea also provides immediate relief for a dog dealing with hot spots. If you're active during the summer months, camping, hiking or doing other outdoor activities, plantain is an important weed you should learn more about for it's many uses. For more information about plantain and how to make a plantain oil or ointment, read "Natural Relief for an Itchy Dog's Hot Spots."

Dogs and cats can get and give poison ivy to us, although a cat is less likely to develop a rash. If you notice a rash on your dog's tummy after an afternoon hike, it's most likely poison ivy or poison oak. Remember-leaves of three, leave them be.

What causes poison ivy?, Discovery Health

Poison Ivy, Study of Northern Virginia Ecology

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak, PetPlace.comSusun S. Weed, Plantain, Wise Woman Herbal Ezine