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) 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) genus, including poison ivy, secrete a poisonous substance called urushiol. (Trusted Source) 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.
Close-up of green poison ivy with three leaves
Green, notched leaves of poison oak growing in the forest
Overhead view of poison Sumac plant growing. Credit: Joshua Mayer (flickr)
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.
It can be quite common in the warmer months in dogs. The signs can be similar to environmental allergies, allergies to insect bites such as fleas, or contact hypersensitivity reactions to chemicals.
Dr. Alleyne
Poison ivy and other poisonous plant exposure symptoms are similar in humans and animals.
Poison ivy and other poisonous plant exposure symptoms are similar in humans and animals. Skin contact symptoms include:
If your dog ingests poison ivy, you’ll want to make sure you recognize the signs early. Here are common ingestion 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:
👉 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.
Usually, a dog that eats poison ivy will have gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s possible, however, for dogs to have a severe allergic reaction or even go into anaphylactic shock. For this reason, ingestion poses more of a health risk than skin exposure. If you think your dog has ingested a poisonous plant, watch closely for symptoms of a severe reaction.
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:
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.
Yes. If you belong to the 50-75% of people who are allergic to poison ivy, you can get a rash by petting your dog who’s been romping through the woods. If you are allergic to poison ivy, you should always wash your dog after being in the forest. Wear gloves to protect your skin from exposure and wash anything they might have touched.
Dogs suffering from a poison ivy rash exhibit the same symptoms as humans, such as excessive itching, inflammation, and developing small red bumps. Since dogs don’t get poison ivy very often, it’s more likely that your dog has fleas or another problem that also produces these symptoms.
The first course of treatment for exposed pups should be giving your pup a bath and washing anything they’ve touched. Monitor their skin closely and call your vet if the rash doesn’t go away within a couple of days or if it continues to spread.
Bathing your dog eliminates urushiol from their skin and coat. While their rash heals, you might need to use an e-collar to prevent them from scratching.
If poison ivy leaves rub against your dog’s eyes, they can cause itchiness and swelling. Call your vet if you notice these symptoms. They may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
