Poison Ivy and Dogs

Overview and Facts

What is

• Poison Ivy in Dogs

Poison ivy is a type of woody vine known as Rhus radicans and Rhus toxicodendron. The vine produces a toxic resin known as urushiol that can cause intense itching and rashes in humans. It occurs in all of the United States except for Alaska, California, and Hawaii, and it is most often identified by its bright green color and three-leaf structure. While Poison ivy is a vine, it may also grow in a shrub like manner. Dogs and cats are rarely affected by Poison ivy. In many cases though, pet owners may contact Poison ivy when their pets bring the toxic resin home on their fur.




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Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Poison Ivy in Dogs
Symptoms of Poison ivy reactions to the skin in dogs can include raised bumps or swelling of the skin. The dog may become very itchy, and the skin may also become inflamed. The raised bumps may start to blister and ooze clear fluids. If a dog ingests Poison ivy, the dog may experience sudden vomiting or diarrhea.

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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Poison Ivy in Dogs and Cats
Identifying the poison ivy is the first step. The oil from the poison ivy plants will cause the area where the dog or cat touched the plant to become red or inflamed, with possible swelling or raised bumps on the skin. The affected area will also lead the pet to itch the infected area.

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